“Fungal Conservation in Sub-Saharan Africa: sustainability and livelihood implications” is funded by the UK Darwin Initiative as one of its Main Projects (Grant 20-030). It is led by the University of Parakou (Benin), with collaboration from CABI (UK), the Matobo Conservation Society (Zimbabwe) and the Permaculture Association (UK), and has a duration of 34 months.
Key themes include:
value of wild edible fungi as a sustainable food source;
threats to Sub-Saharan fungi;
links between poverty, gender inequality and fungal diversity loss;
recommended conservation actions to protect fungi and restore lost habitats.
The project will furthermore support development of fungal conservation policies in Sub-Saharan countries, and strengthen the University of Parakou as a centre of mycological excellence.
Edible fungi as a sustainable food source
Threats to fungi :
destroying native woodland for charcoal
Treats to Sub-Saharan fungi :
Logging of native woodland
Threats to Sub-Saharan fungi :
Overgrazing
Threats to Sub-Saharan fungi :
Mining and other pollution
CONSERVATION ACTIONS :
planting young native trees to regenerate destroyed woodland
Declining populations of wild edible fungi mean poverty for the women who collect them