In recent years, mushroom farming has gained traction in Zambia, offering individuals and communities a sustainable source of income.

LUSAKA, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- In recent years, mushroom farming has gained traction in Zambia, offering individuals and communities a sustainable source of income.

Beyond boosting the local economy, this growing sector transforms lives, particularly for women and youth, by providing opportunities for self-sufficiency and financial independence.

Tomaida Ziwa, a 55-year-old single mother from Chipata in eastern Zambia, is a testament to the life-changing impact of mushroom farming in the southern African country.

A decade ago, Ziwa traveled to neighboring Malawi to learn the art of mushroom cultivation. Through dedication and perseverance, she has since built a thriving business, using her earnings to educate all four of her children. Today, she is not only a successful mushroom farmer but has also trained more than 500 women in Chipata and surrounding districts, empowering them to become self-sufficient.

"I never imagined that mushroom farming could have such a positive impact on my life and the lives of others. I am grateful for the skills I acquired in Lilongwe, Malawi, and I am proud to be able to pass them on to other women in my community," she said.

Mushroom farming is also gaining momentum among economic empowerment groups in the country.

One such group is Mansa Mushroom, a youth cooperative in Mansa, northern Zambia. Founded in 2020, it encourages young people to take up mushroom farming as a sustainable livelihood.

Thanks to a government grant of 15,000 Zambian kwacha (about 534 U.S. dollars) in mid-2024, the cooperative has increased production and expanded its operations.

Mercy Mwansa, marketing coordinator for Mansa Mushroom, shared the cooperative's journey and its impact on the community and its 18 young members.

"In the beginning, we faced challenges convincing people that our mushrooms were safe to eat. However, with time and through our commitment to quality, we were able to gain the trust of our customers," said Mwansa.

She noted that today, Mansa Mushroom supplies oyster mushrooms to local businesses, lodges, restaurants, households, and even multinational chain stores, and that every cooperative member has reaped financial benefits from the initiative.

"We are proud of what we have achieved so far and hope to attract more young people to join us so that we can supply larger quantities of mushrooms to the whole province (of Luapula) and beyond," Mwansa added.

Beyond providing a steady income, mushroom farming has other benefits for individuals and groups in Zambia. It is a low-cost and sustainable agricultural practice that requires minimal resources and space, making it accessible to people of diverse backgrounds.

In addition, mushroom cultivation promotes food security because cultivated mushrooms can be grown and accessed throughout the year.