Postcard from Tanzania – secrets of the forest

By Goodness Mrema

For the people living on the edge of Tanzania’s Nou Forest, mushrooms have always been part of the forest landscape around them. But until recently they were unaware that the land beneath their feet was a potential money-maker – and one that could conserve the precious forest.

With few other options available, forest communities made money from selling timber for construction or illegal hunting of forest animals such as elephants and gazelles.

All that has changed thanks to Farm Africa’s work with villagers in Mbulu and Babati districts. Together, we’ve found new ways for communities to earn money through environmentally friendly businesses that protect, rather than damage, the forest.

Mushroom farming has proved a successful business, as the abundant forest offers up all the materials needed to set up a mushroom shed.

One farmer, Christina Mihindi, told me: “We never used to grow things like this – normally they grow in forest areas but now I’m surprised how I’ve managed to grow them at home.”

Farmers from 13 villages formed an association and built a collection centre, which they use for training, processing and packaging mushrooms. Thanks to our training in how to produce spores, farmers now sell those too, boosting their earning power even further.

This year the centre earned more than 12 million Tanzania Shillings (around £5,000), helping farmers pay for their children’s school costs like uniforms, and construct modern houses.

But mushrooms aren’t only for sale – families also have more food to eat at home. As Christina says: “My family now has healthy meals too. I feel good doing this kind of business. My plan is to send bottles of spores to sell at the centre.”

In time, the farmers’ association will become self-sufficient and take over running the business. For now, the farmers take their bottles of spores and new-found knowledge to share with other villages the secret to protecting their forest.

– Goodness is Farm Africa’s Communications Officer in Tanzania