Potential of Improving Rural Livelihood through Mushroom Production: A Case Study of Kamburupitiya Ekamuthu Bimmal Samajaya.

Abstract

Improving rural livelihood through small scale enterprises has been practicing in Sri Lanka from early ages. However performance of such activities varies depending on the activities and the location. Mushrooms can be grown as a small scale enterprise in rural areas as it it involves with a short production period, low inputs and low space. Main objectives of this study are to identify the present status of mushroom production, its effects on the livelihood of the producers and to find the problems related to the mushroom production. The study was done in Kamburupitiya Divisional Secretariat of Matara District. All the members of "Kamburupitiya Ekamuthu Bimmal Samajaya" (sample size=37) were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. In addition to the questionnaire survey, direct observations and discussions with relevant stakeholders were made for further information. The descriptive statistical tools and the Wilcoxon Sign Ranked Test were employed to analyze the data. The study revealed that the major problems were difficulty of obtaining reliable seeds in time (76%), problem of quality raw materials (saw dust) (57%), quality of other inputs (43%), unavailability of advisory or extension services (41%), problem of finance when required to replace the fixed items (37%) and technical know-how to face some of the emerging new pests and diseases (33%). Among the social aspects, support from the spouse, support from family members, their living standard and social relationships significantly increased the activities of mushroom production. The study concludes that there is a potential to improve the mushroom industry in the area as there is a growing market.