Pumula North Youths Gain Oyster Mushroom Farming Skills Through Green Innovation Training
Providence Moyo
Young people and community members from Pumula North received practical training in oyster mushroom production through a programme organised by the Deep Plough Agriculture Cooperative Society at its Mushroom Hub in Bulawayo.
The training was conducted under the cooperative’s Green Innovative Idea Grant, awarded after Deep Plough was selected as one of the winning initiatives during the Green Skills Boot Camp under the European Union-funded Youth Collective Action for Social Transformation (YCA4SoTra) programme. The initiative is implemented with support from Save the Children Zimbabwe, WILD and SAYWHAT.
Participants received practical instruction covering the entire oyster mushroom production process, including substrate preparation, colonisation, environmental management and harvesting, with the programme aimed at promoting green entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods among young people.
Deep Plough Agriculture Cooperative Society Chairperson Muziwanele Ncube said the training reflects the organisation’s commitment to empowering communities through climate-smart agriculture.
“We believe mushroom farming presents a practical solution for youth unemployment and food insecurity. Through this training, we are equipping participants with skills that can help them establish sustainable businesses while contributing to environmental conservation. Our vision is to build resilient communities through innovation and agriculture,” said Ncube.
One of the participants, Sindisiwe Ndlovu, said the programme had changed her perception of agriculture.
“Before attending this training, I never imagined mushroom farming could become a business. I now have the confidence to start a small project that can generate income for my family.”
Another trainee, Brian Moyo, said the practical nature of the sessions made learning easier.
“The trainers demonstrated every stage of mushroom production, and we were able to practise ourselves. I now understand the entire production cycle and believe these skills can help create employment.”A third participant, Nomsa Dube, said the initiative offered hope to young people seeking alternative sources of income.
“Many youths are struggling to find jobs, but this training has shown us that we can create our own opportunities through agriculture. Mushroom farming requires limited space and can be done even in urban communities.”
The training forms part of Deep Plough’s broader efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, youth empowerment and climate resilience in Bulawayo. The cooperative has become known for transforming degraded spaces into productive agricultural hubs while creating livelihood opportunities for young people through innovation and value addition.
