Empowerment of Women Folk through Mushroom

CultivationLecture

ByAllah Dad Khan

Former DG Agriculture Extension KPK

Mushroom

The mushroom is a fungus which comes in a wide range of varieties that belong to two distinct types: cultivated and wild. In myth and folklore mushrooms have always had something of a mystical connection: elves and fairies are often depicted sitting atop them, and they are known to spring up seemingly overnight in 'fairy rings'. On a more practical level, many mushrooms and fungi can be poisonous or hallucinogenic. If foraging in the forest, it's important to know what you're looking for.

Concept of Empowerment

The concept of empowerment is defined as the process by which women take control and ownership of their choices The core elements of empowerment have been defined as agency (the ability to define one’s goals and act upon them), awareness of gendered power structures, self-esteem, and self-confidence .

Empowerment at different levelEmpowerment can take place at a hierarchy of different levels – individual, household, community and societal – and is facilitated by providing encouraging factors (e.g. exposure to new activities, which can build capacities) and removing inhibiting factors (e.g. lack of resources and skills)

Mushroom Technology Depend on

1. Awareness about Mushroom Cultivation .2.Lack of awareness about Mushroom Nutrition3.Lack of access to Training Facilities .4. Capacity Building .5.Initial capital / finances

How Women Empowered

1. Awareness creation and motivation to adopt mushroom cultivation as an income generating activity. 2.Training at the door step to impart skill3.Practical application and demonstration 4.Utilization of women folk as women are considered as the most disadvantages group.5.Technical support and staff for women activities.6. Became a source to build organization, strengthened the management capabilities and promoted women self-reliance; and7. Raised consciousness and awareness among the people and in the government focusing on the most neglected areas related to women.8.Special projects for women empowerment initiated.

Sustainability of activity of Mushroom cultivation

1.Orientation of the women.2.Spreading of information3.More training support may be provided as and when necessary.4.Spreading the technology through adaptation.

Sustainability of activity of Mushroom cultivation5.Keeping up the activities.6.Promotion of mushroom as a cottage industry.7. Formation of women organizations.8.Post training evaluation.

Through Empowerment of Woman weget the following results1.Economic empowerment and reduction in malnutrition.2.Improved standard of living and self reliant livelihood.3.Self confidence4.Enhance awareness5.Sense of achievement6.Increased social interaction7.Involvement in solving problems related to women community.8.Decision making capacity in family and community.9.Bioconsevation of agriculture waste.

Mushroom farming is a viable cottage

agricultural activity because it requires

minimal investment, and has a very short

growth period.