The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
WOMEN in Chipinge have struck gold through mushroom farming.
Through the Urban Resilient Programme which is being implemented by Plan International and funded by World Food Programme (WFP), many women in Chipinge urban are now venturing into mushroom farming and other small income generating projects.
The programme replaced the cash transfers which saw many less-privileged members of the society benefitting.
WFP head of field office, Mrs Bianca Dzwaira said the urban resilience programme seeks to empower women who are facing food insecurity.
“The programme started during the Covid-19 era when urban dwellers faced food insecurity.
“We realised that there is no space in urban areas to grow crops and we came up with vertical farming as well as hydroponic farming.
“Many women are now self-sufficient and are earning a living through these interventions,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Ms Locadia Javangwe from Gaza suburb said the urban resilience programme has changed her life.
For Ms Javangwe, having limited space to practise farming in an urban settlement has not been a barrier to expand her mushroom business.
She has converted two rooms of her house to grow the quality mushroom and this has changed her life for the better.
To date, Ms Javangwe is now the leading producer and supplier of mushroom in Chipinge and the surrounding areas.
Ms Javangwe started mushroom farming during the Covid-19 era after getting extensive training from Plan International.
She said growing mushroom has empowered her.
“I am now an empowered woman through mushroom farming. Through the knowledge we received, such as how to grow mushroom and book keeping, I am now a business woman who is also making huge profits by growing mushroom.
“It was in 2020 when Plan International engaged women in our area to choose projects to embark on since the cash disbursement programme to the disadvantaged members of the society was being phased out. They told us to start self-sufficient projects.
“I chose growing mushroom after being told that it was fairly easy. I did not hesitate to grow it. I received the mushroom kits which comprises of the seeds and started growing it in my two rooms.
“From that day, my life my life has changed for the better. It is easy to grow mushroom as you only need to maintain cool temperatures required for the mushroom to grow. I harvest it every morning,” she said.
Ms Javangwe’s market include Chipinge District Hospital.
“After harvesting my mushroom, I supply it to the local hospital as it is recommended for patients as it fights malnutrition. I am now packaging my product.
“Since venturing in this business, I realise a minimum of US$200 per day when business is low. One of my children is enrolled at a boarding school and is doing Form Two.
“I urge women to venture into small businesses so that they empower themselves,” said the mother of four.
Ms Javangwe is now assisting other women to venture into mushrooming farming.
“I am now assisting other women to venture into this lucrative business. I am selling a mushroom kit for starters for as little as US$5, and also free training for those interested,” she said.
