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Farmers in Juja Sub-County, Kiambu County, have recently benefited from a comprehensive three-day training workshop focused on mushroom farming.
The initiative aims to boost local agriculture and enhance food security in the region.
The workshop, the first of its kind in Juja, was organized by Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Enterprises (JKUATES) in collaboration with Tumikia Mtoto under the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Juja Administration, and UNAITAS.
It marks a significant step towards equipping farmers with the necessary knowledge and resources to successfully venture into mushroom farming.
Held at JKUATES, the workshop covered various aspects of mushroom farming, including production techniques, value addition, marketing strategies, and the utilization of mushroom products.
The training aligns with JKUATES’s broader objective to strengthen community livelihoods through improved food security, better nutrition, and enhanced health resilience.
Patrick Kanyi, the founder and Senior Technician at JKUAT, emphasized the workshop’s impact.
“The sensitization workshop provided valuable information and practical insights into mushroom cultivation techniques, the economic benefits of mushroom farming, and the potential for mushrooms to contribute to a healthier diet and sustainable income,” Kanyi said. “We are excited about this partnership and the potential it holds for our farmers. Mushroom farming can significantly improve food security and provide a sustainable income source, and we are committed to supporting our farmers every step along the way,” he added.
Assistant County Commissioner of Witeithie division, Cecilia Mbugua, also expressed her gratitude towards the participants and the organizing bodies. She appreciated the efforts of USAID, JKUAT and all bodies align in empowering the local farmers and acknowledged the importance of such initiatives in fostering agricultural development and food security in the community.
The training workshop is a testament to the collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing the agricultural sector in Juja and ensuring that farmers are well-equipped to adopt innovative farming practices. With the knowledge gained from this training, farmers in Juja are now better positioned to explore mushroom farming as a viable and profitable agricultural venture.
