Nairobi: A groundbreaking agricultural innovation is quietly taking shape at the leafy campus of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), where mushrooms are being grown, not in traditional mud huts, but inside a high-tech 40-foot container. Using a blend of smart farming technologies, including environmental sensors, CCTV cameras, and smartphone-linked applications, the project is redefining mushroom cultivation. Farmers can now monitor and manage growth conditions remotely, receiving real-time notifications to ensure optimal productivity.
According to Kenya News Agency, the project is a collaboration between JKUAT, JKUAT’s innovation hub (J-Hub), South Korean company MushandCo., and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). It also receives strong support from Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO). Jihyun Jung, CEO and Director of MushandCo., highlighted that this method could help combat deforestation by minimizing land use while ensuring high yields.
The founder and director of J-Hub at JKUAT, Laurence Nderu, explained that the project leverages advanced smart farming systems to enhance mushroom growth. ‘We use sensors to track temperature, humidity, and light levels, key parameters for mushroom growth. If temperatures rise too high, actuators automatically activate sprinklers to cool the container. All of this can be controlled remotely via a mobile app, anywhere in the world,’ Nderu explained. He emphasized the importance of innovation in attracting young individuals to agriculture.
While the initial setup costs are relatively high due to the cost of sensors and smart systems, Jihyun Jung believes the investment is worthwhile. ‘The risks are lower because the conditions are optimized. Mushrooms mature in about one and a half months, with daily harvesting possible. You start to see returns almost immediately,’ she said. The traditional substrate of hay and manure is still used, maintaining familiarity for farmers despite the technological upgrade.
The project’s outreach is expanding rapidly, with JKUAT having partnered with over 400,000 farmers, initially focusing efforts on Kiambu and Machakos counties before scaling up nationally. KALRO’s involvement ensures that farmers countrywide are trained and exposed to this innovative technique. Nderu urges farmers to embrace new technologies, noting the increasing consumer interest in traceability and organic certifications, both facilitated by smart farming practices.
By integrating technology into agriculture, the team at JKUAT is not just growing mushrooms; they are sowing the seeds for the future of Kenyan farming.