Uplifting Communities through Sustainable Mushroom Farming

 

MTRC’s Journey of Impact, Innovation, and Inclusion

At the Mushroom Training and Resource Centre (MTRC), we believe that agriculture is a powerful vehicle for social and economic transformation. Since our establishment in 2007 in Kabale District, Uganda, MTRC has grown into a nationally recognized hub for mushroom training, production, and agribusiness development. Our work goes beyond farming — it’s about building capacity, creating jobs, improving nutrition, and conserving the environment.

What We Do

MTRC specializes in the cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushrooms) and offers hands-on training to youth, women, organized farmer groups, and vulnerable communities. Our services include:

  • A certified spawn laboratory producing high-quality mushroom spawn
  • A fully equipped mushroom demonstration unit for practical skills training
  • Value addition services including drying, powdering, and packaging
  • Tailored agribusiness mentorship and enterprise incubation
  • Supply of tools, materials, and booster packages to support farmers

Our approach blends food security, income generation, climate-smart agriculture, and inclusive economic development.

 Our Impact at a Glance

  • Trained over 30,000 mushroom farmers across more than 50 districts in Uganda
  • Actively engaged with women, youth, refugees, prisoners, juveniles, and indigenous Batwa communities
  • Established 40+ Mavuno savings groups for farmer financial empowerment
  • Accredited by the Ministry of Education and Sports (DIT) to offer recognized vocational certification in mushroom farming
  • Developed the innovative “Earn as You Learn” model to support business startups for graduates
  • Promoted circular agriculture by turning agricultural waste into income-generating mushroom substrate
  • Enabled year-round mushroom production with solar-powered and climate-resilient infrastructure

 Partnerships that Drive Our Impact

MTRC’s work is made possible through collaborations with trusted partners such as:

  • AVSI Foundation, Self Help Africa, International Crane Foundation, SwissContact, UIRI, and Mycelia Belgium
  • Academic and research institutions including Makerere University, Kabale University, and international partners from China, Slovakia, and the UK
  • Local governments and Rotary Clubs supporting infrastructure and outreach

These partnerships have strengthened our capacity to serve farmers, scale innovations, and improve livelihoods across rural Uganda.

 Contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals

MTRC’s model aligns with and actively supports the realization of multiple SDGs, including:

  • SDG 1 & 2 – No Poverty & Zero Hunger
  • SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
  • SDG 13 – Climate Action
  • SDG 15 – Life on Land

Through our value chain activities, we are making real contributions to Uganda’s agricultural development goals and global sustainability efforts.

 Looking Ahead

As we continue to grow, MTRC is expanding both its reach and its impact. We are currently piloting and scaling the cultivation of button mushrooms, a high-value variety that adds diversity to our product range and opens up new opportunities in both local and export markets. This initiative complements our ongoing oyster mushroom programs and enhances income-generating potential for farmers.

Looking forward, we aim to:

  • Expand training and spawn supply to underserved districts
  • Increase value addition and branding of mushroom-based products
  • Strengthen digital systems for training, traceability, and market linkage
  • Deepen our environmental conservation work through agroforestry and organic practices
  • Build investment partnerships to scale impact and reach even more rural communities

We invite development agencies, funders, and agribusiness stakeholders to partner with us in building a sustainable and inclusive mushroom industry that uplifts lives and ecosystems.

 Contact Us
Mushroom Training and Resource Centre (MTRC)
 Kabale District, Uganda
 Email: mushroommtrc@gmail.com
 Website: www.oystermushroom.ug
 Tel: +256 772 658 883

Together, we can grow a healthier, greener, and more prosperous future — one mushroom at a time.

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