For 57-year-old Mary Daka of Merwe Village in Petauke District (Zambia), farming is more than a livelihood; it is a way of life. Her personal motto, “No farmer, no future, no life,” reflects her passion for agriculture and her determination to create opportunities for her family and community.
As a mother of seven, Mary has witnessed firsthand how climate-smart agriculture can transform lives. Through the Temwani Women’s Development Club, she has embraced mushroom production as a sustainable income-generating enterprise. The intervention was implemented through a partnership between Solidaridad, the Cotton Association of Zambia (CAZ), and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
With support from the project, the cooperative received a borehole and a 10,000-litre water tank, ensuring a reliable water supply for mushroom production and hygiene activities. Members also received 70 mushroom production buckets, agricultural lime, and financial literacy training to strengthen their business and financial management skills.
The results have been significant. The cooperative has grown to 39 members, demonstrating increasing community interest in mushroom production. Together, the group has generated K48,000 (approximately $2,394.28 USD) in income, improving household livelihoods and creating new economic opportunities.
Part of the income was used to support the cooperative’s Annual General Meeting, while additional funds helped members meet household needs and participate in exhibitions during the Ncwala Traditional Ceremony.
Beyond the financial gains, the project has strengthened the cooperative’s operations and production capacity. A one-hectare game-wire fence and reliable water infrastructure have enabled members to improve productivity and maintain high production standards. Looking ahead, Mary and her fellow cooperative members are determined to expand their enterprise.
Plans include increasing the number of mushroom production buckets, enlarging the mushroom house, purchasing a refrigerator for storage, and acquiring a mushroom dryer for value addition. With growing demand for mushrooms and strong community commitment, the Temwani Women’s Development Club is building a sustainable future, one harvest at a time.
By Vincent Mofya, Senior Project Manager at Solidaridad
