Make money by growing mushrooms

Abstract

THIS BOOKLET HIGHLIGHTS THE MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO, AND BENEFITS OF, INCREASING FOOD AND INCOME SECURITY THROUGH INCORPORATING MUSHROOM CULTIVATION INTO LIVELIHOODS STRATEGIES. Mushrooms are fast yielding, provide for nutritious food and can provide a source of income. Cultivation does not require any significant capital investment or access to land, as mushrooms can be grown on substrate prepared from any clean agricultural waste material. It can be carried out on a part-time basis, requires lit tle maintenance and is a viable and attractive activity for rural, peri-urban and urban dwellers, in particular women and people with disabilities. Through the provision of income and improved nutrition, successful cultivation and trade in mushrooms can strengthen livelihood assets, which not only reduce vulnerability to shocks, but enhance an individual’s or a community’s capacity to act upon other economic opportunities. This booklet addresses what to do and how to promote sustainable develop ment of mushroom cultivation for the benefit of the poor. It is aimed at people and organizations providing advisory, business and technical support services.