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Many areas in Africa are faced with food shortages due to fast growing populations, which
are not accompanied by matching economic growth. Underlying causes include poor
economic management, environmental degradation and inadequate social infrastructures.
These are exacerbated by high incidence of disease, HIV/AIDS being the most threatening. A
large proportion of the peoples in southern African states live in the rural and peri-urban
communities. Agriculture is the largest employer, as well as the basis of local manufacturing
industries, and the source of exports. Agricultural and forestry processes generate a lot of
biological waste. This waste takes the form of crop residues, such as maize cobs, various
cereal straws, sawdust and wood chippings. Wild grass, although normally recycled in the
carbon and related cycles, also contributes to environmental hazards due to frequent,
uncontrolled wild fires. Although these plenteous ligno-cellulosic organic wastes are
currently perceived as problematic, they create economic opportunities, since they can be
used as substrates for mushroom production.
Mushroom farming is a viable cottage agricultural activity, which requires minimal
investment and has a very short gestation period. This industry depends on the availability of
ligno-cellulosic agricultural and biological wastes, which are readily available throughout
southern Africa. Mushroom cultivation is also largely independent of the natural climate as
the internal growth conditions of a production room can be simply and cheaply regulated.
The mushrooms themselves are highly nutritious, containing high quality protein that has
better amino acid balance than most plant products, in addition to vitamins and most trace
mineral elements. Some mushrooms are direct immunity boosters and are already being
exploited in the prevention of cancers, diabetes, high blood pressure, and in the improvement
of the conditions of HIV/AIDS patients. Local demand for mushrooms, fresh or processed,
edible or medicinal is high. Increased mushroom cultivation and consumption in southern
African countries would increase household incomes, enhance food security and promote
better health.
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