In the hills of Rukiga District, southwestern Uganda, an unlikely alliance is taking root—between rural farmers, endangered cranes, and a humble fungus. What began as a bold conservation idea by the International Crane Foundation (ICF) is now a transformational story of sustainable livelihoods, restored ecosystems, and a community rewriting its future.
Once overlooked and even laughed at, oyster mushrooms are now changing the economic fortunes of rural Ugandans—and playing a quiet but critical role in saving the Grey Crowned Crane, Uganda’s national bird, from extinction.
In mid-2023, the International Crane Foundation launched an experimental project in collaboration with three local farming groups. The goal: to reduce the strain on critical wetland habitats by introducing alternative sources of income to subsistence farmers who had long relied on wetland-dependent agriculture.
Traditionally, communities in Rukiga grow beans, Irish potatoes, and sorghum—crops that take months to mature and yield meagre profits. Incomes are often supplemented by small-scale beekeeping, craft-making, and rearing livestock. But with limited land and poor soil quality, some farmers were increasingly clearing wetlands to survive—wetlands that are essential breeding grounds for the Endangered Grey Crowned Crane.
ICF’s solution was radical but simple: mushrooms.
“When we first started growing mushrooms, people mocked us,” recalls Tumuhimbise Kedress from the Rwempango Tukwataniise farming group. “They didn’t think anyone would buy mushrooms because they weren’t common in the village.”
Despite public skepticism, the initiative pressed on. The Foundation’s local team believed that a fast-growing, space-efficient, and high-value crop like oyster mushrooms could provide the economic alternative necessary to ease wetland encroachment.
And they were right.
“For just $31 worth of mushroom spawn, farmers are now earning over $125 within three months,” explains Patrick Engoru, Uganda Country Manager at the International Crane Foundation. “Compare that to sorghum, which takes six months to yield just $53—if at all.”
The impact has rippled across communities.
Families that once lived on the brink are now using mushroom revenue to pay school fees, improve nutrition, cover medical expenses, and even upgrade their homes.
Ellen, a widow in Rukiga, describes mushroom farming as a lifeline. “It puts food on the table and has helped me repair my home. I no longer worry about tomorrow as I used to.”
Vanansio, a retired schoolteacher, beams with pride: “This project has done miracles for me. My goal is to see my children complete their education in good schools—and now, that dream feels possible.”
Former skeptics are now enthusiastic consumers. “People discovered that mushrooms are not only tasty but also economical,” says Kedress. “You can use them instead of meat in traditional meals like katogo.”
Beyond individual transformation, the ecological impact has been remarkable.
In areas where mushroom farming has taken root, the Foundation has documented reduced encroachment on wetlands—precious habitats where cranes breed and forage. With less land needed for income generation, the pressure on fragile ecosystems is easing.
Sorghum husks, once burned as waste, are now repurposed as mushroom-growing substrate. And although cooking mushrooms still requires firewood, the overall environmental footprint has decreased significantly.
“This is more than just farming—it’s a conservation strategy that works,” Engoru explains. “By solving economic problems, we’re protecting natural ecosystems and the species that depend on them.”
What makes this initiative stand out is its holistic approach. It doesn’t just protect cranes. It strengthens households, empowers women, supports education, and promotes environmental stewardship—all through a crop that grows in backyards and kitchens.
And it’s scalable.
With support from donors and members, the International Crane Foundation hopes to replicate this model in other parts of Uganda and beyond. Even small contributions, the Foundation notes, can seed powerful change.
“Our conservation model is built on partnerships,” says Engoru. “We work hand-in-hand with local communities to address shared challenges—poverty, food insecurity, habitat loss. And we’ve seen that when people are empowered economically, they become allies in conservation.”
Founded in Baraboo, Wisconsin, the International Crane Foundation operates globally with programs across Africa and Asia. With over 135 staff members working in 50 countries, the organization is dedicated to securing the future of all 15 crane species worldwide.
Through its Uganda office and partnerships with local groups, ICF is demonstrating how rural innovation can serve both people and planet.
