Solar Dryer for ZimConserve’s Mushroom Farm
ZimConserve is a nonprofit organization based in Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe whose goal is to increase food security, alleviate poverty and protect the natural environment through permaculture. The organization particularly focuses on the young and vulnerable members of society. Their past projects include a solar-powered school well, a greenhouse, a fishpond, and an agroforestry seminar.
The Giving Exchange was introduced to ZimConserve in 2022, and together we implemented an Oyster Mushroom farming program that provides employment, training in business development, and sustainable incomes to beneficiaries.
In 2022, the mushroom farm generated over 3,000 USD in the month of May alone! After using approximately 20% of the income to cover the project's ongoing costs, the rest of the profit was dispersed to the 75 beneficiaries and helped pay for food, school fees, uniforms, and books.
The mushrooms have also been used to improve nutrition since they are a good source of protein.
In 2023, The Giving Exchange funded a project enhancement to support their work and increase their impact. The funds purchased a solar dryer that is used to diversify their produce and curb avoidable losses. By drying mushrooms and other fruits and vegetables from their garden, ZimConserve is projected to triple its income and prevent waste.
Since receiving the solar dryer, ZimConserve has harvested 10,388 kg of dried mushrooms, fruit, and vegetables every 4 to 6 weeks. On the financial side, the Solar Dryer is generating $25,262 USD annually, an average of $6,000 per harvest!
What began by touching the lives of 100 individuals has now extended its reach to 350 households, a 250% increase in lives impacted in just one year.
The solar dryer stands as a shield against hunger and food loss. Zimconserve has bolstered the community, ensuring that the fruits of hard labor are not lost but preserved during the change of seasons and in the face of climate change.
Zimconserve’s Solar Dryer – thanks to funding from TGE donors – is a testament to permaculture farming and community collaboration. At TGE, we are proud of the Zimconserve’s impact thus far and we look forward to what the future holds for the Chitungwiza community.
