Mushroom research, production and marketing in Cameroon: A review

*Corresponding Author Email:[email protected] Tel.: +23774625339 In Cameroon, edible mushrooms (macrofungi) are referred to as the “poor man’s meat” because it serve as a source of protein for people who cannot afford other protein sources from animal products. Edible and medicinal mushrooms are ubiquitous found in Cameroon constituting a substantial volume of internal trade especially by women in rural areas. The objective of this study was to review published research works on mushroom research, production and marketing in Cameroon. A literature search was done on the internet, university libraries and personal communication with researchers in this area. It was found that, mushroom research in Cameroon is under explored and the few research carried out is mostly concerned with the taxonomy, ecological and ethnomycological studies. There is a dearth of information on the cultivation, nutritional content, biotechnology and bioactivity of compounds for medicinal utility. With the known nutritional and medicinal benefits from mushroom in treating and preventing diseases in many countries, there is a need for more research in these areas in Cameroon. The demand for edible and medicinal mushroom presently exceeds supply due to low capital investment to boost production, lack of trained personnel in mushroom biotechnology and above all poor post harvest storage facilities. This is evident by the number of people mostly children and women who scramble for mushroom after the first drop of the rain, also medical doctors advice patients suffering from diabetes, hypertension, HIV/AIDS, cancer and other ailments to consume mushroom. There is a ready market for mushroom in Cameroon; however this needs to go alongside more research work, sensitization, training of manpower, provision of funds by the government of Cameroon and International organizations for mushroom research and commercialization. This will go a long way to better the health and nutrition of the people of Cameroon.