Publications

The economic significance of mushroom cultivation cannot be overstated, contributing to revenue generation andpossessing notable nutritional and medicinal attributes. However, global production has been suboptimal,registering only 3,414,392 tons in 2007 with an annual growth rate of 5.6%. Particularly, mushroom production inAfrica remains minimal, with Kenya demonstrating a lackluster performance, producing a mere 500 tons annuallyand relying on imports (150 tons) to meet domestic demand. This low output in a country rich in agriculturalwaste resources raises concerns. The study addresses the inadequately researched aspects of mushroomcultivation, focusing on critical factors such as growing houses, substrates, pests, temperatures, and relativehumidity. The central research question probes the impact of growing condition management on the performanceof smallholder mushroom farmers. The study draws on the Resource-Based Theory and employs a conceptualframework to guide the research. Employing a descriptive research design, the study encompasses a population of300, with a sample size of 30 respondents selected through simple random sampling. Questionnaires wereadministered for data collection, and the analysis was conducted using the Statistics Package for Social Science(SPSS version 12). Key findings include the revelation that 90% of mushroom growers possess adequatelyventilated growing houses, but none have a thermometer or radiometer. Additionally, 43.3% of growers utilize amix of substrates, while 93.3% are aware of the prevalence of pests and diseases. The study concludes that effectivemanagement of mushroom growing conditions significantly impacts the performance of oyster mushrooms. Inlight of these findings, the study recommends further research on mushrooms, an increase in agriculturalextension services, and the establishment of a Mushroom Training Institute. The insights derived from thisresearch are anticipated to benefit policymakers, academicians, scholars, and mushroom growers alike.