Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) is rolling out a smart mushroom farming project aimed at enhancing food security and conserving forests. Spearheaded by the university’s innovation hub, JHUB Africa, the initiative is in partnership with Mush and the KOICA Creative Technology Solution (CTS) programme.
Dr. Lawrence Nderu, JHUB Africa founder, said the project promotes sustainable agriculture and climate resilience by producing and distributing climate-resilient mushroom spawn, training farmers in affordable growing methods, and using a digital platform for spawn tracking, yield improvement, and environmental monitoring.
Mushroom farming, especially for button and oyster varieties, is on the rise in Kenya due to growing urban and hospitality sector demand. In 2023, national production reached about 480 tonnes, a 20% increase from 2022.
The initiative also seeks to reduce reliance on wood fuel, support youth and women entrepreneurs, and use data-driven farming practices. Nderu emphasized that the project blends local innovation with global expertise to reshape sustainable agriculture and forest preservation across Africa.
