The Kenyan professor developing mushroom food products

Kenyan nutritional scientist Professor Asenath Sigot has been researching mushroom farming and developing new food products since 2010. She works at the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), which is a centre of research and agricultural innovation - and the only university in Kakamega, western Kenya.

Her mushroom breakfast porridge and mushroom & nuts crunchies are examples of food products that could be mass produced for markets, not only providing opportunities for farmers and young entrepreneurs, but they could also contribute to improving food security in western Kenya. Yet there is currently a lack of investment in cultivating mushrooms. Professor Asenath Sigot told Focus on Africa's Karnie Sharp, she would like to see that position changed and see the government recognise the potential of mushrooms as a cash crop.

Photo: Kenyan nutritional scientist Professor Asenath Sigot. Credit: BBC.