At UMDIS, we continue to spotlight mushroom ventures across Africa that are making an impact. Today, we focus on Temise Tanzania, a business consulting and training service provider based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, dedicated to enhancing the growth and success of mushroom farmers. This is what Shaban Kabanga, chief consultant of Temise Tanzania shared with us.

Temise Tanzania not only provides hands-on mushroom farming training but also offers entrepreneurial development, mentorship, and business management services. Through their comprehensive training programs, they equip aspiring and existing farmers with the skills needed to run profitable mushroom farming businesses.

Temise Tanzania specializes in cultivating various types of mushrooms (LeMushroomVillage Farm), with a strong focus on oyster mushrooms. Known for their ease of cultivation and nutritional benefits, oyster mushrooms are an excellent crop for both beginners and experienced farmers. They are helping improve food security and create new business opportunities in the region.

Unlike Agaricus bisporus (button mushrooms), which require temperatures between 12°C and 18°C for proper growth, Tanzania’s typical tropical climate (with temperatures often exceeding 25°C) is naturally  unsuitable for button mushroom cultivation. However, oyster mushrooms are well-adapted to warmer environments, flourishing at temperatures between 20°C and 30°C, making them a practical and sustainable choice for local farmers.

To support local farmers, Temise Tanzania provides training on innovative cultivation techniques, including the use of DIY concrete steam pasteurization systems. This method is a cost-effective way to sterilize oyster mushroom growing substrates. Temise teaches farmers how to build and use these systems, making mushroom farming more accessible and sustainable for everyone.

In addition to their adaptability, oyster mushrooms possess numerous medicinal properties, including immune-boosting compounds. Temise has embraced this by exploring the creation of mushroom wines infused with oyster extracts, offering a unique value-added product to both local and international markets.

In addition, Temise offers training on mushroom-based recipes to further enhance the value chain. By teaching farmers and entrepreneurs how to create mushroom dishes, Temise helps open up opportunities for those interested in both the food industry and agribusiness. Whether it’s learning to make gourmet dishes with oyster mushrooms or creating packaged mushroom products for sale, Temise equips its trainees with the tools to succeed.

While Temise Tanzania currently focuses on oyster mushrooms, there is a growing interest in expanding into button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus), which have high market demand in Tanzania and across Africa. Their future plans include scaling up mushroom production and exploring additional value-added products to further enhance profitability for farmers.

As Temise continues to grow, their impact on the local agricultural landscape is undeniable. Through their innovative approaches, practical training, and commitment to sustainability, they are shaping the future of mushroom farming in Tanzania.

For more information about Temise Tanzania, you can visit their website at: www.temisetz.org or contact them at temisetanzania2016@gmail.com.