Over 2,000 women trained in mushroom farming as regional empowerment drive expands

Women receiving certificates at Alimeda Shrine

MANICA PROVINCE — More than 2,000 women across southern Africa have graduated from a mushroom production training programme led by Andby Makururu of the Johanne The Fifth of Africa International Church, organisers said, as the initiative continues to scale up efforts to economically empower women in the region.

This week, 50 women from Manica Province, Mozambique, received certificates at a graduation ceremony held at the Alimeda Shrine after completing a two‑week course in mushroom cultivation, processing, and value addition. The programme, sponsored by Archbishop Makururu, has trained participants from Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and neighbouring countries, with more than 1,000 trainees from Zimbabwe alone, organisers said.

Trainer Simangaliso Sibanda said the course covered practical and commercial aspects of mushroom farming, including:

• Cultivation techniques for year‑round production.

• Processing and value addition, such as producing mushroom flour, soup, and porridge.

• Nutritional and medicinal benefits of mushrooms and basic post‑harvest handling.

Sibanda praised participants’ commitment and adaptability despite language barriers.

“I have been in Mozambique for almost two weeks, training women in mushroom farming. The programme was sponsored by Archbishop Andby Makururu,” she said. “I explained that mushroom farming has no specific season and can be done throughout the year.”

Archbishop Andby Makururu said the initiative forms part of a broader effort to create income‑generating opportunities for women. “I am working to empower women in different ways, and this programme is benefiting many across the region,” he said. The church’s outreach also includes other projects such as detergent‑making and additional small‑business training aimed at diversifying livelihoods. Graduates receive certificates intended to help them access markets, microfinance, and local support networks to turn training into sustainable enterprises.

Organisers and trainers highlighted several factors that will determine the programme’s long‑term success:

• Market access and value chains: Linking producers to buyers and regional markets will be essential for profitability.

• Access to inputs and starter kits: Affordable spawn, substrate materials, and basic equipment help graduates start production quickly.

• Technical follow‑up and mentorship: Ongoing agronomic support and business training increase survival rates for new enterprises.

• Language and cross‑border coordination: Overcoming communication barriers and harmonising training across countries improves outcomes.

Advocates say mushroom farming is attractive because it requires relatively small land footprints, can be practised year‑round under controlled conditions, and offers quick turnover compared with many field crops.

Going forward, the organisers expect;

• Expansion of training cohorts beyond the current regions and the number of women who move from training to commercial production.

• Partnerships with local governments, NGOs, and private sector buyers to scale cold‑chain, packaging, and market access.

• Availability of microcredit or grant schemes to help graduates purchase inputs and scale operations.

Organisers said they will continue rolling out training sessions and seek partnerships to broaden the programme’s reach across southern Africa.

mushroom training women Manica 2026