How to start mushroom farming in Kenya
In short: To start mushroom farming in Kenya, pick oyster mushrooms, build a small dark humid room, buy spawn and growing bags, and line up buyers before your first harvest.
- Growing tips
- Getting started
Oyster mushrooms are the best starting point for most Kenyan farmers. They grow on cheap farm waste and need little space.
What you need
- A small, clean, shaded room or shed
- Substrate such as wheat straw or maize cobs
- Oyster mushroom spawn
- Growing bags, a sprayer and a thermo-hygrometer
Steps
- Pasteurise the substrate.
- Mix in spawn and fill the bags.
- Keep the room dark and warm for the spawn to spread.
- Move to humid, well-ventilated conditions to fruit.
- Harvest, pack and sell.
Find buyers first
Talk to hotels, restaurants and market traders before your first harvest. Fresh mushrooms sell fast but only if a buyer is waiting.
Common questions
How much land do I need?
A room of 3 by 3 metres is enough to start.
How long until the first harvest?
About 4 to 6 weeks after adding spawn.
