Zim Mushroom Spawn Solutions: empowering mushroom farmers through local mother spawn production
Despite Zimbabwe’s growing recognition and effort to advance the mushroom production as a climate-resilient and affordable protein source, 50% of the local Future of Hope Foundation (FoHF) farmers in Zimbabwe report average losses of 60% due to poor local spawn quality. Particularly given the Zimbabwe’s economic reliance on climate-sensitive crops, further promoting innovative and sustainable production techniques remains a key priority.
The Zim Mushroom Spawn Solutions project, led by the Future of Hope vzw (FoH), addresses the need for local expertise and capacity development in mushroom mother culture and spawn production. The activities focus on oyster mushrooms, which are widely grown in Zimbabwe due to their simple and low-cost cultivation techniques. Local and international actors including entrepreneurs, academic institutions and diaspora engaged in spawn production and distribution will support the establishment of a resilient and self-sufficient mushroom value chain.
Through capacity training of 20 entrepreneurs and establishment of two interconnected Mother Spawn Centers of Expertise (M-COEs), the project increases food security, local ownership and reduces reliance on imported material. Involvement of diaspora will foster international knowledge and experience exchange, bringing expertise in funding, advocacy, networking, technical know-how, and innovation.
Budget
€ 92,260.80
In partnership with
This activity focuses on the initial mobilisation phase of the project, including engaging stakeholders and the organising a project kick-off in Zimbabwe. It aims to establish partnerships, formalise roles, and facilitate collaboration through both online and onsite engagement to build shared understanding and ownership.
This activity focuses on establishing and operationalising the first laboratory at FoHF as a Centre of Expertise (COE) for mushroom tissue culture and seedbank development. The process ensures that the facility is fully functional, and aligned with sustainability and innovation principles.
This activity aims to build local capacity in mushroom cultivating by training 20 entrepreneurs in the development of mother culture and spawn production. Delivered in collaboration with international partners, the training combines technical instruction with practical, hands-on experience. Curriculum booklets and training videos will also be developed and shared with diaspora representatives, leveraging their unique exposure, bridge-building role and cross-cultural expertise.
Following the successful establishment of the pilot COE at FoHF, the completion of hands-on training (Activity 1.2), and an evaluation meeting with all stakeholders, a second COE will be set up to expand local capacity in mother culture and spawn production at the premises of one of the partner universities or research centres. Trained participants will play an active role in both the development and operational phases, ensuring knowledge transfer and building a strong foundation for decentralised mushroom cultivation in Zimbabwe.
This activity aims to establish an integrated and sustainable spawn supply chain across the two COEs in Zimbabwe. It involves equipping both COEs with the knowledge and tools necessary for effective spawn preservation over time and distance.