In 2024 Wilderness Rwanda and Children in the Wilderness (CITW), in partnership with the Tuzamurane Co-operative, commenced training on a mushroom farming project in the Bisate community.
The Co-op was established when the construction of Wilderness Bisate started in 2017, and since then, a strong relationship has developed, with numerous mutually beneficial activities initiated between the lodge and the Co-op.
The Tuzamurane Co-operative has 245 members – 169 men and 76 women – who hail from the area surrounding Wilderness Bisate Lodge and Bisate Reserve at Volcanoes National Park.
The aim of the mushroom project is to increase the Co-op’s income, and contribute to the eradication of malnutrition in the Bisate community. Now, in 2026, Wilderness and CITW have been able to further support the project thanks to a generous donation from guests Robert and Alison Green.
At a total cost of USD 3,921.45, seven new mushroom production spaces have been constructed, and the eight original structures repaired, creating a total of 15 structures for mushroom growing. The farm now has the capacity to produce 300 kg of fresh mushrooms every month.
Between March and May 2026, Bisate and Bisate Reserve lodge chefs have purchased 399 kg of mushrooms, with one of the menu items created – a mushroom potage – being greatly appreciated by Wilderness’ guests!
Furthermore, out of the recent production, 634 kg of mushrooms were sold to 127 families in the community at well below market value – the aim being to asssit in eradicating unhealthy diets, and the stunting and malnutrition that follows.
The income generated for the Tuzamurane Co-operative by the sales will be reinvested into the project for further production of mushrooms for the community and Wilderness lodges.
Oscar Mpiranya, the Chairman of the Co-op noted that ‘Our community of Bisate has been lucky to have Wilderness company at our village. It is a good neighbor we had! Since this collaboration started in 2017, Tuzamurane members have benefitted in many ways, thanks to Wilderness employment and community projects. We really thank the Wilderness guests for all the donations that are supporting our projects. This has changed our lives!’
