By Noko Mashilo
A 30-year-old agricultural science teacher from Mpumalanga is making strides in both education and agriculture through her passion for mushroom farming. As the founder of Mche Oyster Mushroom Firm, Charity Nkalanga’s small-scale farm has been steadily contributing to local food systems and the agricultural sector. Nkalanga’s entrepreneurial journey recently reached an exciting milestone when she was selected for a prestigious cultural exchange programme in China. This opportunity allows her to enhance her skills, explore advanced innovations in mushroom production and broaden her global perspective.
Now in China, Nkalanga is immersing herself in agricultural practices focused on mushroom cultivation techniques, technology, and sustainability. Her goal is to integrate this knowledge into her operations back home, fostering innovation in mushroom farming and expanding into cross-border e-commerce.
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Overcoming Challenges in Mushroom Farming
Despite operating from a modest three-roomed house without modern technology, Nkalanga has successfully grown oyster mushrooms, supplying her local community, including street vendors and individuals. “I operate manually, following the right processes for production, incubation, cropping and packaging,” she told Vutivi News.
Without a humidifier, she creatively manages humidity by pouring water onto sand floors to create evaporation. However, this method limits her production capacity. “I had to decline a client who required 600kg per order because I couldn’t meet the demand,” she shared. “With funding or investment, I could upgrade my facilities, expand production and introduce other mushroom varieties like mutton mushrooms, medicinal fungi and processed products such as tea, yoghurt, snacks and seeds.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Nkalanga’s passion extends beyond farming. As a Grade 10 teacher at Njeyeza Secondary School, she seeks to inspire her pupils to view agriculture as a viable and rewarding career. “Many students see agriculture as a dirty job. I wanted to show them there’s so much more you can achieve after university,” she explained.
She also highlighted the significant role mushrooms played in improving food security and health. “Mushrooms boost the immune system and reduce inflammation,” she noted, reflecting her commitment to creating awareness about their benefits.
Empowering Her Community
Living with spina bifida, Nkalanga is determined to empower others with disabilities. She plans to mentor individuals through various non-profits and share her agricultural expertise. “The skills I gain in China will benefit not only my school but the entire Mpumalanga region. I want others, especially people with disabilities, to have these opportunities too,” she said.
Her experience in China has also underscored the global popularity of mushroom farming. “One of my meals this week featured mushrooms so well-prepared I didn’t even realise it was fungus. Mushroom farming is truly celebrated here,” she remarked.
A Message of Resilience
Nkalanga’s journey is a testament to the power of education, global exchange and the determination to overcome challenges. Her advice to others: “Stand up – opportunities are waiting for you.”
