IFA's aim is to have the mushroom farm generate profit that can be used to sustain our school health and nutrition program. Additionally, IFA will use the mushroom farm as a vocational training center.
The Purpose of the Mushroom Farm
IFA has established an income-generating mushroom farm that will be
recognized as a supplier of quality mushrooms in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Its
purpose is to improve livelihoods through economic and nutritional
contributions by helping to reduce vulnerability to poverty both as a
nutritious source of food and as a reliable source of income through profit
generated from the sales of mushroom. IFA's aim is to generate profit that
can be used to sustain our school health and nutrition program.
Additionally, IFA will use the mushroom farm as a vocational training
center.
Our Product and Services
Mushrooms are a nutritious vegetarian delicacy and have many varieties. Most
of them are edible. They contain many vitamins and minerals and are also
very low in sugar and fat. They are grown between 20° and 300° C and require
average humidity of 55%. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia provides such a conducive
environment for the cultivation of mushrooms. Fresh mushrooms can be sold in
the market. There is also a growing market for processed, dried and packed
mushrooms as their shelf life is longer. There are two main varieties of
mushroom viz. button type and oyster.
We are now growing oyster mushrooms which are easy to cultivate and process
and do not require a huge investment. This project can be commenced anywhere
in the country. Currently IFA's mushroom farm is in Kazanchis area of Addis
Ababa.
Oyster mushrooms
IFA's Business Structure
IFA's business structure is set up to help the business follow the vision.
IFA has a plan to ensures that it gets it right by employing competent
people on the farm to attain the goals and objectives. The structure now has
a mushroom farm manager, two assistants, a purchaser, an administrative
officer, an accountant/cashier, a delivery driver, and a cleaner.
IFA works in partnership with the Agri-Horticultural Directorate of the
Federal Ministry of Ethiopia with technical assistance from China Aid
mushroom technology experts and Addis Ababa University's (AAU) Science and
Technology Department. IFA has successfully developed the technical know-how
to run the program. The signed Memorandum of Understanding has identified
IFA's mushroom farm as one of the five strategic sites that will also serve
as a resource center for developing urban agriculture in Ethiopia.
Additionally, IFA's mushroom farm coordinator was selected by the Ministry
of Agriculture to receive an extended training in mushroom farming at the
university of Fuja, in China. The head of IFA's mushroom farm is a trained
biologist experienced in running a spawn lab.
IFA's products and services include:
The Market Potential
Mushrooms are a vegetarian delicacy and a suitable substitute for meat and
eggs. They are easily digestible as well. They are very popular in most of
the developed countries and being accepted in many developing countries like
Ethiopia. The market for mushrooms is growing rapidly because of their nice
aroma, subtle flavor, nutritious values, and special taste. Many exotic
preparations are made from them like soup, pickles, vegetables etc.
Consumption of mushrooms is increasing in Addis Ababa. Other major cities in
Ethiopia are also potential markets. The demand for mushrooms is increasing
as more people are recognizing their importance. We have carefully chosen
our channels of distribution that would ensure that our mushrooms reach
potential customers.
IFA's Manufacturing Process
IFA has paid careful attention to preparing good compost, reliable spawn and
maintaining the right temperature during growing period to prevent partial
or complete crop failure. IFA uses cottonseed waste, wheat or barley straw,
coffee-ground, and gypsum for compost preparation. The mushrooms are grown
in heat resistant polyethene bags that are filled with compost. The bags of
compost are then sterilized, injected with spawn, and stacked on shelves
that are placed in the incubation room (dark room) where water is frequently
sprayed to maintain the required level of humidity.
We invite all friends and supporters of IFA to join our publicity efforts in
spreading the word about our products and services to help us reach as many
target markets as possible.
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