ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA – Zanzibar Volunteers for Environmental Conservation (ZAVECO), in partnership with PELUM Tanzania and funded by Brot für die Welt, is proud to announce the launch of a transformative project: “Strengthening Coastal Livelihoods through Sustainable Mushroom Farming to Conserve Mangrove Forests.”
For decades, coastal communities in Zanzibar have relied on mangrove forests for fuel, timber, and building materials. This dependency has placed immense pressure on these vital ecosystems, leading to environmental degradation. Recognizing that conservation cannot succeed without economic stability, ZAVECO is introducing oyster mushroom cultivation as a high-yield, eco-friendly income alternative for the Central District of Unguja.
Empowering Communities, Protecting Nature
The project specifically targets three frontline conservation groups:
-
“Mikoko Urithi Wetu” (Mangroves are Our Heritage) from Unguja Ukuu.
-
“Uvivu si Mtaji” (Laziness is Not Capital) from Kibele.
-
“Tuhurumiane Cooperative” from Kikungwi.
By diversifying local livelihoods, the initiative seeks to reduce the “economic burden” of conservation, ensuring that protecting the environment does not come at the cost of a family’s next meal.
Milestones and Training
To date, the project has successfully completed a baseline survey of 114 community members and concluded an intensive 10-day Training of Trainers (ToT) program for 50 selected participants. This curriculum integrated technical agricultural skills with business acumen, covering:
-
Mushroom Science: Substrate preparation, sterilization, and harvesting of Oyster mushrooms.
-
Entrepreneurship: Basic finance, marketing strategies, and leadership skills.
-
Infrastructure: The construction of specialized mushroom houses built from sustainable local materials like mud and coconut husks.
The Path to 1,600+ Beneficiaries
While 55 beneficiaries have been reached in the pilot phase, ZAVECO’s vision is expansive. The 50 newly trained experts are now tasked with training 500 additional community members. By the end of the year, the project aims to reach over 1,650 individuals through direct training and a massive conservation awareness campaign.
To ensure long-term viability, ZAVECO is currently negotiating with the local tourism sector.
“Our strategy is to secure partnerships with at least three major hotels to create a reliable market for these community-grown mushrooms,” says a ZAVECO representative.
About ZAVECO
Zanzibar Volunteers for Environmental Conservation (ZAVECO) is a grassroots organization dedicated to the protection of Zanzibar’s natural resources. Through community mobilization and sustainable innovation, ZAVECO works to ensure that the island’s unique biodiversity is preserved for future generations.
About the Partners
This project is made possible through the generous support of PELUM Tanzania and Brot für die Welt, organizations committed to ecological land use and global food security.
