The Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), through its Horticulture Department, has signed a partnership agreement with the international non-governmental organisation Solidaridad to promote oyster mushroom production among smallholder farmers in Mchinji District.

The signing took place at LUANAR’s Bunda Campus and formalises a collaboration under the Beyond Cotton project, a two-year initiative running from September 2026 to August 2028. The project helps smallholder farmers turn agricultural waste, especially cotton and maize stalks, into an additional source of income. Instead of burning crop residues after harvest, farmers will use them as substrates for growing oyster mushrooms. This creates new economic opportunities and improves household nutrition.

What the agreement covers

The partnership brings together Solidaridad’s experience in farmer mobilisation, programme implementation and market development with LUANAR’s technical expertise in mushroom production, spawn supply and research. Under the agreement, LUANAR’s Horticulture Department will train the farmers, supply the mushroom spawn and provide continued technical support, so that farmers can establish and sustain mushroom production in their communities.

Making more of what farmers already have

Solidaridad’s Country Manager in Malawi, Given Phiri, said the project is about helping farmers get more from the resources available to them.

“Beyond Cotton is about helping farmers get more value from what they already have. Cotton stalks that were previously burnt can now support mushroom production, providing families with an opportunity to earn income throughout the year, even between cotton seasons,” said Phiri.

Tracking impact beyond the project

Speaking at the signing, the Vice-Chancellor emphasised the importance of measuring results.

“We should track the project’s success even beyond implementation, to see how much impact it is making. The project can also leverage the LUANAR call centre to provide additional support, giving farmers an opportunity to call and ask for any assistance in regards to mushroom production. LUANAR Radio can also be used to communicate more information about mushroom production,” said the Vice-Chancellor.

Looking ahead

Solidaridad plans to form a mushroom cooperative once the two-year project ends. The project targets about 15,000 tonnes of mushrooms.

The agreement comes as 50 lead farmers from Mchinji begin a two-day training at Bunda Campus. They are expected to pass their skills on to another 950 farmers working with Solidaridad, extending the initiative’s reach to 1,000 farming households.