Yao Afantchao

Ethnic Crop Development Specialist / SARE State Coordinator

University of the District of Columbia

State: DC

(w) (202) 274-5419

About

Yao Afantchao is the leading Specialist for the Ethnic and Specialty Crops Program at the University of the District of Columbia. As a community educator in the Center for Urban Agriculture & Gardening Education, he has contributed to the ethnic vegetables program with outcomes such as: ethnic and specialty program recognition at the University of Maryland Research & Education Center; dissemination of an ethnic vegetables production guide to farmers; adoption of ethnic and specialty vegetables by Maryland farmers (including Amish and Mennonite farmers); expansion of specialty produce acreage, bringing additional profit to farmers; and ethnic vegetable markets expansion into Mid-Atlantic and Midwest states. Mr. Yao has engaged in innovative agricultural transfers of knowledge to small farmers in the USA and Africa. He is an expert in ethnic and specialty foods, such as African and Caribbean vegetables, and seafood processing. In this capacity, he consults with several universities, government agencies, and private organizations. Collaborating with community gardeners, Mr. Yao advises residents on how to grow and cook various international menu options and introduces commercial growers to expanding ethnic produce marketing opportunities. His work has been recognized by the Mid-Atlantic Food & Farm Coalition. He also serves as DC’s State Coordinator for the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education program of USDA's National Institute of Food & Agriculture. Via a partnership with DC Public Schools and DC Central Kitchen, Mr. Yao also introduces international foods to District Youth. His several recognitions and awards include a grant from Maryland Industrial Partnerships, the Mid-Atlantic Food and Farm Summit’s Farming Leadership Award, and the prestigious Honorary County Agent and Service to Agriculture Award. Mr. Yao was educated in Togo, West Africa and at Prairie View University in Texas, where he studied Small Farm Planning and Agricultural Marketing.