top of page
Search
  • Sammy Melnick

Mushroom helps Tanzania farmers fight climate change

Amid dismal crop yields due to recurring drought spells triggered by the impacts of climate change, farmers across Tanzania have switched to growing protein-rich oyster mushrooms to raise incomes, improve livelihoods, and protect forests. Tanzania has one of the highest rates of deforestation in sub-Saharan Africa, with around 372,000 hectares of forests destroyed every year, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

Tall trees -- which prevent soil erosion, freshen air and water, and slow down impacts of climate change -- are being slashed as demand for wood surges, local analysts say.

While mushrooms have traditionally been eaten in different parts of Tanzania, most farmers picked them from the wild and did not grow them commercially.

The government and various non-profit organizations are now touting commercial production of oyster mushrooms, to increase incomes and curb deforestation.

Local farmers, who depend on rain-fed crop growing and charcoal burning, are learning new skills to grow environmentally friendly mushrooms.

At the Mahenge village in the Morogoro region, Elizabeth Kitama is busy stuffing rice husks mixed with mushroom spawns in small glass bottles.

1 view0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

An eco-friendly business, or "green business" is one that demonstrates a commitment to an environmentally sustainable future. Green businesses strive to have a positive impact on the environment and t

Consumers understand that they can play a role to solve these issues and are decided to act changing their consuming habits. A study by NYU Stern, shows that despite sustainability-marketed products a

As an educator, there are so many things you can do to make your classroom and school more green. From recycling to planting gardens to powering your school with solar panels to getting a green seal,

bottom of page