Problems Facing Mushroom Availability and Consumption in Owerri Municipal Council of Imo State Nigeria

Abstract

The need for mass consumption of mushroom and mushroom delicacies as an alternative source of protein and Vitamins has not been well appreciated by majority of our people, even when the market prices of meat and fish have increased enormously. Superstitious believes that all mushrooms are distasteful and poisonous are mysteries that have overwhelming the minds of many. This paper therefore is aimed at investigating and ascertaining the problems facing mushroom availability and consumption in Owerri Municipal Council of Imo State Nigeria. Research questions and Null-hypothesis were formulated to elicit these problems. It was discovered among other things that the major problems facing mushroom consumption include: fungi misconception, unavailability and seasonal scarcity. People are therefore encouraged to go into entrepreneurship through commercial mushroom cultivation. This would no doubt go a long way in saving man from protein deficiency diseases and create employment opportunities for our teaming unemployed youths.

Key words: Mushroom, Protein, Vitamins, Deficiency, Owerri Municipal Council, Poisonous.