Fungal Resources for Human Well-being: Implications for Poverty and Gender Inequality in Sub-Saharan Africa
Our new article presents the first large-scale synthesis on the role of wild useful fungi (WUF) in Sub-Saharan Africa. From 95 scientific papers, we identified 396 fungal species, including 47 with medicinal uses. These fungi are rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, contributing significantly to nutrition, food security, and traditional healthcare. Economically, WUF harvesting and trade mostly led by rural women provide essential income that supports families’ food, education, and health needs. However, challenges like deforestation, under-documentation, and gender inequality threaten their sustainable use. The study calls for inclusive policies, cultivation programs, and value chain strengthening to unlock fungi’s full potential for sustainable development. 
Read more: https://urlr.me/Pn8Mrx
