This archive report was first published on 20 May 2020.
Thriving Mushroom Farming in Kenya ¶
With the right knowledge and setup, mushroom farming in Kenya can be a highly profitable venture. Susan Kabacia, a researcher at the National Museums of Kenya, and Catherine Kamiri, a successful mushroom farmer, share their expertise on how to get started.
Published on May 20, 2020, this article provides a comprehensive guide to mushroom farming in Kenya, covering the structure, materials, cost, process, hygiene, yield, and market considerations.
Structure and Setup
The most cost-effective structure for mushroom production is a grass-thatched mud house, measuring 8 by 10 feet. Catherine Kamiri started with a 5 by 8 ft chicken coop, which she renovated and made into a mushroom house. It's essential to ensure the house is rodent-proof and initially dark before introducing some light.
Materials and Spawn
Domesticated mushrooms are not grown in soil but in a substrate, which is a mixture of agricultural waste and spawn. The substrate can be made from various materials, including wheat straw, rice, banana, and coconut waste. Polythene bags with a 2kg capacity are ideal for placing the substrate and spawn.
Cost and Yield
Mushroom cultivation is a low-cost venture, requiring little space and simple structures. One kilogram of spawn from the museum costs Sh600 and can produce approximately 40 bags, each yielding 2 to 2.5 kg of mushrooms. A kilo of mushrooms fetches about Sh400.
Process and Hygiene
Shred the agricultural waste into small pieces and soak it in water overnight or for two days. Mix the substrate with supplements like wheat bran or maize bran, and pasteurise it by placing it over constant heat for six hours. Inoculate the substrate by introducing spawn, and incubate the bags for two weeks without touching them.
Market and Precautions
Establish a ready market before starting commercial mushroom production. Be cautious when buying spawn from unreliable sources, as it can lead to disastrous harvests. Mushroom farming in Kenya requires attention to hygiene, temperature control, and pest-proofing to ensure a successful harvest.
