A new project in Namibia uses mushroom waste and invasive weeds to create building blocks, aiming to address the country’s housing shortage while promoting environmental sustainability.
Kristine Haukongo of MycoHab grows oyster mushrooms on invasive weeds, turning the waste into mycoblocks—solid, odourless building materials. This innovative approach seeks to combat Namibia’s severe housing crisis and the environmental damage caused by encroacher bush.
Namibia needs at least half a million new homes due to a severe shortage, with many residents living in makeshift shelters. The encroacher bush, which covers 45 million hectares, affects agriculture and groundwater recharge. The government plans to burn the bush for charcoal, increasing CO2 emissions. Instead, MycoHab grinds the bush to grow mushrooms, then compresses the waste into mycoblocks. These blocks are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and quicker to erect than traditional bricks. However, scaling up the operation to meet demand remains a challenge, with transport costs impacting affordability.
While the initiative is promising, the project faces hurdles in gaining widespread adoption and funding. The Namibian government supports such environmental efforts but emphasises compliance with environmental regulations.
Photo: (c) MycoHaB/Ester Mbathera
