Mushroom Farming Training Empowers 25 Women in Blantyre, Malawi
Through this mushroom farming project, these women have been equipped with the knowledge of constructing mushroom shelters, the cultivation process, and effective marketing strategies.
Blantyre, Malawi – At least 25 women in Mpemba, Blantyre, have gained valuable mushroom farming skills, offering them newfound opportunities for economic independence, writes Thokozani Beaton.
The training was conducted by the local organisation Our Bodies, Our Lives-OBOL, dedicated to empowering women through various economic initiatives.
Through this mushroom farming project, these women have been equipped with the knowledge of constructing mushroom shelters, the cultivation process, and effective marketing strategies.
In addition to mushroom farming, they also acquired skills in vegetable gardening, enabling them to generate income and provide fresh produce for their households.
Esther Chilala, an executive member and participant in the training, expressed her enthusiasm for the program's impact: "We saw potential in farming following our engagement in vegetable garden farming. The training on mushroom growing is instrumental, as it has motivated us to venture into mushroom farming. We will be able to supply mushrooms to restaurants and individuals, thereby changing our economic statuses."
Regina James, a beneficiary from Malonga II Village, shared her story of transformation: "My husband died long ago, in 1998. I was not engaged in something tangible enough to support my family. But through my association with OBOL, things have changed. Through the mushroom farming training, I have gained valuable skills that will further improve my livelihood."
Joyce Nkhata, hailing from Mwangata Village, emphasized the significance of mentorship in rural areas where opportunities are limited: "The trainings have emphasized the need for us to practice farming as a business."
Dorothy Mtuwana, OBOL Regional Coordinator, explained the organization's vision: "The aim of the mushroom farming project is to empower women to be financially independent and improve the social status of the farming community, especially among women. We are encouraging women to have a team working spirit with collective power to change their living standards, and this will prevent violence against women."
Looking ahead, OBOL plans to extend its empowerment efforts by teaching women in Mpemba how to raise livestock, including pigs and chickens.
The organisation also aspires to form cooperatives that will create investment opportunities and access to markets for their products.
Established in 2019 as a women's movement, OBOL focuses on six key areas: health, access to land, food security, economic empowerment, gender-based violence prevention, climate change, and environmental justice.
Through these initiatives, OBOL is committed to uplifting the lives of women in Mpemba and beyond.