Make money by growing mushrooms

FAO DIVERSIFICATION BOOKLET 7

Make money
by growing
mushrooms


Elaine Marshall and N. G. (Tan) Nair



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Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Rome, 2009


ABSTRACT

THIS BOOKLET HIGHLIGHTS THE MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO, AND BENEFITS OF, INCREASING FOOD AND INCOME SECURITY THROUGH INCORPORATING MUSHROOM CULTIVATION INTO LIVELIHOODS STRATEGIES. Mushrooms are fast yielding, provide for nutritious food and can provide a source of income. Cultivation does not require any significant capital investment or access to land, as mushrooms can be grown on substrate prepared from any clean agricultural waste material. It can be carried out on a part-time basis, requires little maintenance and is a viable and attractive activity for rural, peri-urban and urban dwellers, in particular women and people with disabilities. Through the provision of income and improved nutrition, successful cultivation and trade in mushrooms can strengthen livelihood assets, which not only reduce vulnerability to shocks, but enhance an individual’s or a community’s capacity to act upon other economic opportunities.

This booklet addresses what to do and how to promote sustainable development of mushroom cultivation for the benefit of the poor. It is aimed at people and organizations providing advisory, business and technical support services.


The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers, whether or not these have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed or recommended by FAO in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned.

The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

ISBN 978-92-5-106135-0

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© FAO 2009