Women's marketing barriers that affect mushroom production in Salima District, Malawi.

Abstract

Mushroom production is an increasingly important component of sustainable agriculture worldwide, valued for its environmental, nutritional, and economic benefits. In Malawi specifically in Salima District, mushroom presents a promising opportunity for diversifying agricultural income and improving nutrition. However, women mushroom farmers in the region face numerous barriers that hinder both production and marketing. These barriers include limited access to quality spawn, inadequate technical knowledge in substrate preparation, environmental control, and poor infrastructure, resulting in low yields and inconsistent product quality. Additionally, mushrooms high perish-ability, combined with the lack of proper packaging, storage, and processing facilities, leads to significant post-harvest losses and difficulties in accessing distant markets. The absence of organised supply chains, coupled with limited domestic demand and insufficient government support, exacerbates the marketing barriers. The study is aimed to examine the women’s marketing barriers that affect mushroom production in Salima district and thereafter to examine potential solutions for improving market access which will eventually improve mushroom production. The research was conducted using a qualitative approach, involving in interview guide, key informant interviews and focus group discussions with 110 women mushroom farmers in Salima District. However, this study utilised Purposive Sampling framework. Thematic analysis was employed to interpret the data. The findings revealed that women mushroom farmers face substantial barriers in accessing markets, including limited knowledge of effective marketing strategies, inadequate infrastructure, and weak market linkages. The study concluded that addressing these barriers requires targeted interventions, including investments in technical training, infrastructure development, and improved government support. The research recommends creating organised market structures, promoting cooperative efforts among farmers, and providing a supportive policy framework to enhance market access and production for women mushroom farmers in Salima District. These strategies are essential for improving the sustainability and growth of the mushroom industry in Malawi.