Story by Silibaziso Dlodlo
A site once characterised by illegal dumping in Pumula North, Bulawayo, has been converted into a productive mushroom farming hub by a youth-led enterprise operating under the Deep Plough Agriculture Cooperative.
What was previously a neglected dumpsite is now home to structured growing units, drying facilities and a small-scale agribusiness supplying supermarkets in the city. The transformation reflects a broader shift towards youth-driven, community-based economic initiatives.
Formed to address unemployment and social challenges affecting young people, the cooperative focuses on mushroom production and value addition through solar drying. Members say the project has provided both income and skills development.
“This project helped me because I was not working after being involved in an accident. When I joined, I saw that it would help me, especially since many youths end up involved in drugs because of unemployment. So far, I have learnt a lot,” one beneficiary says.
Another member notes the technical knowledge gained through the initiative. “From this project, I learnt how mushrooms are grown and how they generate income and help our community grow.”
Mushroom cultivation requires a structured production cycle. Growers begin with substrate preparation before inoculating with spawn. The inoculated bags are then placed in dark rooms for colonisation, a process that takes about 21 days. Fruiting follows, with harvesting extending over two to three months before the cycle restarts.
Chairperson of the cooperative, Mr Muziwanele Ncube, says the group was formed to create sustainable employment opportunities while contributing to food security.
“Deep Plough is made up of youths from different places in Bulawayo. We came up with the concept of mushroom production and drying. With proceeds from sales, some youths are now able to support their education. We are currently supplying different supermarkets in Bulawayo,” he says.
Local authorities say the initiative has also delivered environmental benefits. Ward 17 Councillor Mr Sikhululekile Moyo confirms that the cooperative acquired the land from the city council and rehabilitated an area that previously had multiple unmanaged dumpsites.
Officials from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development commend the project for integrating sustainable practices, including solar drying technology, and promoting youth empowerment.
The Deep Plough initiative illustrates how community-led agribusiness can address unemployment, enhance food production and restore degraded urban spaces.
