By Philemon Hatangimana, Founder & CEO of Philemon Farm Ltd, Rwanda

In 2024, I was selected by the Government of Rwanda to travel to China for training in Juncao Technology. During the training, I gained practical knowledge in mushroom spawn production, Juncao-based substrate preparation, and mushroom cultivation and juncao animal feed preparation.

When I returned to Rwanda, I had approximately $170 remaining from my training allowance. Rather than seeing this as too little to start a business, I saw it as an opportunity to put what I had learned into practice.

I used the money to rent land and begin establishing Juncao grass and developing mushroom production activities. This small beginning became the foundation of Philemon Farm Ltd.

#From a Small Beginning to a Growing Enterprise

Since returning from China in 2024, our journey has been one of learning, hard work, and growth. In approximately one year and eleven months, Philemon Farm has made significant progress:

Acquired land that was initially rented for our activities. Built a team of approximately 20 employees. Acquired a vehicle to support our operations. Trained more than 2,000 farmers in mushroom production. Supported approximately 800 farmers who are now earning livelihoods through mushroom farming. Reached monthly 15000USD sales of approximately 30,000 mushroom seeds units. Generated approximately US$15,000 in monthly revenue from mushroom spawn sales. Established market connections with hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets.

Beyond producing and selling mushroom spawn, Philemon Farm connects farmers to markets through a buy-back system. We purchase mushrooms from supported farmers and link their production to buyers, helping them access more reliable market opportunities.

Juncao Technology: Turning Agricultural Resources into Value

Juncao Technology has opened opportunities to use suitable grasses and other agricultural materials for mushroom substrate production and livestock feed. This creates opportunities to add value to locally available resources, diversify agricultural production, support farmers, and contribute to more sustainable agrifood systems.

For Philemon Farm, Juncao is not simply a grass-growing activity. It is part of an integrated approach that connects agricultural resources, mushroom production, livestock, employment, and markets.

From Rwanda to Africa: The Mushroom Employment Technology (MET) Vision

Our next ambition is to expand this impact beyond Rwanda through Mushroom Employment Technology (MET).

MET is a developing model designed to make mushroom farming more accessible and scalable by combining digital learning, artificial intelligence, practical training, and support from experienced human experts.

Our vision is to develop regional innovation hubs that can support farmers with quality mushroom spawn, locally adapted Juncao-based substrate formulations, research and development, farmer training, and market connections.

We believe technology alone is not enough. Farmers also need practical knowledge, reliable inputs, technical guidance, and access to markets. MET aims to bring these elements together in one connected system.

Participating in Africa-SIF 2026

From 27 to 29 October 2026, Philemon Farm participated as an exhibitor at the Africa Forum on Harnessing Science and Innovation for Agrifood Systems Transformation (Africa-SIF 2026) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The forum provided an opportunity to showcase our experience, share how Juncao Technology is contributing to our work, and connect with stakeholders working to transform Africa's agrifood systems through science and innovation.

The forum's call for action emphasizes investment in people, research and innovation; scaling proven solutions; evidence-based policies; and placing producers, women, and young people at the centre of transformation. These priorities align with our ambition to make mushroom farming a practical source of employment and income.

A Journey That Is Still Growing

What began with approximately US$170  has developed into a growing agribusiness supporting farmers, creating employment, producing agricultural inputs, and connecting rural production to markets.

My journey demonstrates what can happen when knowledge is transformed into action and when a small opportunity is pursued with commitment.

Our ambition is bigger than building one successful farm. We want to contribute to a future where mushroom farming and Juncao Technology create opportunities for more farmers and communities across Africa.

来源：Philemon Farm Africa https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTr43A3mnI4