The Nthanda Women Mushrooms Project
Growing Income, Creating Jobs, and Fostering Resilience — a bold initiative by Zayane Creations Trust to transform the lives of 900 rural women in Lilongwe. Over three years, with a dedicated budget of USD 120,000, we are building the capacity of women to establish and manage their own mushroom enterprises, stimulating rural economic growth one harvest at a time.
Why Mushrooms?
In Malawi, women often face high levels of poverty, unemployment, and limited decision-making power. We chose mushroom farming because it is a sustainable, climate-friendly, and low-labour agricultural enterprise.
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Sustainable Enterprise
A sustainable agricultural enterprise suited to the realities of Malawi’s rural communities.
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Climate-Friendly
A climate-friendly approach to farming, chosen deliberately over more resource-intensive crops.
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Low-Labour
A low-labour enterprise that fits within the time and resource constraints rural women face.
Our Holistic Approach
Comprehensive Training
Comprehensive training in mushroom production and value addition, equipping women with the technical skills to build their own enterprises.
Market Access
Connecting women-led businesses to financial institutions and to local and international markets.
Entrepreneurship & Financial Literacy
Training in entrepreneurship and financial literacy to help women manage and grow successful enterprises.
Support Networks
Organizing beneficiaries into enterprise groups with access to networking, mentorship, and strengthened leadership skills.
The Impact: Healthy Homes, Stronger Economies
Our initiative directly aligns with five Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including No Poverty (SDG 1), Zero Hunger (SDG 2), and Gender Equality (SDG 5).
Economic Growth
Increased household incomes and stronger market linkages.
Innovation
Adoption of vertical farming and hybrid cultivation systems to maximize space and efficiency.
Environmental Sustainability
Using agricultural waste as mushroom substrates and ensuring efficient water use.
Leaving No One Behind
At ZCT, we believe in radical inclusion. This project is specifically designed to include women with disabilities, survivors of gender-based violence, women living with HIV/AIDS, and youth.
We maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy for child labour and exploitation, ensuring that our progress is built on human rights and social dignity.
Join the Movement
Join us as we watch these women-led cooperatives and rural business centres thrive, proving that when women grow, the whole community prospers.