Philippine E-Journals

Stakeholders’ Productivity Through Mushroom Livelihood Projects in Pangasinan (“Transforming Lives, Empowering People: A Technology with a Human Heart”)

Cesar G Della | Elisa S Della | Ma. Elizabeth S Della

 

Abstract:

This study was conducted to determine the effect of mushroom production training and demonstration program for rural enterprise development for former trainees of Pangasinan State University-Mushroom Research and Development Center (PSU-MRDC), Sta. Maria, Pangasinan. The 300 respondents were randomly selected from more than 1,000 former trainees who have undergone training and demonstration on PSU Mushroom Production Technologies from 2003 to 2019. The findings indicated that the pre-training knowledge score was not satisfactory for all the aspects of a training program. However, the knowledge score gained by respondents after training was more satisfactory in all aspects. The study revealed that exposure to training had increased the knowledge levels of the stakeholders (youth, farmers, entrepreneurs, women, employees) regarding techniques and skills of mushroom production by 83.34%. The satisfactory transformation in knowledge level might be to educational background, a keen interest of participants, and methods followed for technology transfer to the trainees. Some trainees adopted mushroom production technologies as self- employment and set up their projects at home. While others are employed in the government as mushroom project in-charge at the same time, set up their mushroom project at home, producing Volvariella volvacea (Bull. Ex. Fr.) Singer and Pleurotus spp. spawns, fruiting bags, and basidiocarp/fruits. The major problem/constraint of the respondents was the lack of financial assistance as starting capital in setting up a low-cost laboratory and fruiting house. The study revealed that the mushroom production training has created a positive attitude among the former trainees and enhanced the economic level of beneficiaries who adopted it as a source of livelihood.