The Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) is set to revolutionize mushroom farming in Kenya with the launch of a Smart Mushroom Farming Initiative, aimed at enhancing food security, forest conservation, and climate resilience.
Led by JKUAT’s innovation hub, JHUB Africa, in collaboration with Mush and the KOICA Creative Technology Solution (CTS) programme, the initiative seeks to empower local farmers through modern biotechnology and digital tools. Dr Lawrence Nderu, founder of JHUB Africa and chair of the university’s Department of Computing, described the initiative as a “bold step” towards sustainable agriculture and inclusive green livelihoods.
The project will introduce locally adapted, climate-resilient mushroom spawn and equip farmers with smart, low-cost cultivation techniques. A digital platform will be developed to support spawn tracking, yield optimization, and environmental monitoring allowing farmers to maximize productivity while minimizing ecological impact.
“Mushroom farming is more than just growing fungi,” said Dr Nderu. “It’s about cultivating opportunity, resilience, and conservation.” He emphasized that the initiative aims to reduce reliance on wood fuel and charcoal, while empowering youth and women through hands-on training and entrepreneurship.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, mushroom farming in Kenya is on the rise, with particular interest in button and oyster varieties. This growth is being driven by increased urban demand and a burgeoning hospitality sector. Data from the Mushroom Growers Association of Kenya shows a 20 percent rise in mushroom production in 2023, reaching 480 tonnes.
The Smart Mushroom Farming Initiative will also serve as a central knowledge-sharing hub for community stories and real-time updates. Through the KOICA CTS programme, the project will benefit from Korean-Kenyan collaboration, blending local innovation with international expertise to set a new benchmark for sustainable, tech-enabled agriculture in Africa.
By placing digital innovation and environmental stewardship at the forefront, JKUAT’s initiative signals a promising shift in how agriculture can drive both food security and forest conservation in Kenya.
