Published: May 05, 2008 10:11 am            

Shiitake lessons

• Local mushroom growers want to teach Ghanaians about their craft

Education for a sustainable food source is the goal of the Mushrooms for Ghana Project.

Doug and Sandra Williams of Lost Creek Mushroom Farm are seeking to help the people of Ghana by teaching them their craft — growing shiitake mushrooms. They recently spent seven weeks in the country aiding Ghanaians’ efforts to become more efficient producers of mushrooms, which supply a good source of protein for the up-an-coming country.

During their visit to the African nation last year they saw the importance of the need for a sustainable source of protein. They volunteered their time to help oyster mushroom growers in Ghana combat contamination issues experienced by many of the 7,000 producers.

Their time spent with the Bemcom Youth Association/Enterprises made an impact and also opened an avenue to introduce the growers to shiitake mushrooms. Some believe oyster mushrooms could end hunger in Africa, and the Williamses want to pass along their skills.

According to Sandra Williams, shiitakes are higher in protein that oyster mushrooms and provide an alternative to meat. They also have a longer shelf life than oyster mushrooms.

To accomplish their goal, the Williamses initiated the Mushrooms for Ghana Project, with the goal of raising $20,000 to bring BYEA founder Bernard Bempah to the United States in September to learn the craft.

Bempah’s BYEA program trains more than 1,200 people a year, including 500 oyster mushroom farmers. Donations are needed to cover airfare, lodging, vehicle rentals, equipment and shiitake spawn to take back to Ghana.

Sandra Williams said that as a mushroom producer, “It was eating at me that I wasn’t helping anybody.”

“There is a cultural awareness for the need of protein,” Williams said. “Shiitakes can actually replace meat.”

Many issues lie with the oyster mushroom farmers’ methods and success. Oyster mushrooms are grown in bags filled with composted sawdust, which are often contaminated.

Shiitakes can be grown in a similar fashion, but the Williamses want to teach Ghanaians to grow them in logs.

Growing the mushrooms in logs eliminates contamination risks and also provides a product that is more nutritious.

Not only would a good source of protein be provided, but also a viable source of income.

Williams said Ghana was different than most would imagine, with no violence and warfare and a democratic government.

While Bempah is in the United States, tours of facilities in Arkansas and Missouri are planned. The group will also tour the nation’s two largest spawn producers in Wisconsin and Tennessee.

A partnership with the Magical Child Foundation has been made to raise money for the project.

The Williamses have also dedicated a portion of their business profits to the project. Lost Creek Mushroom Farm specializes in shiitake mushroom log kits.

For more information on the project or to make a donation, go to the project’s Website at .

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.