Ohio African Heritage Crop Project

Project Overview

ONC24-158
Project Type: Partnership
Funds awarded in 2024: $49,999.00
Projected End Date: 03/31/2027
Grant Recipient: Central State University
Region: North Central
State: Ohio
Project Coordinator:
Clare Thorn
Email
Central State University Extension

Commodities

No commodities identified

Practices

No practices identified

Proposal abstract:

Culturally specific African crops include a multitude of vegetables such as heritage greens, okra, southern peas, amaranth, waterleaf, peppers, eggplant, basil, and others with specific tracings to Africa. These crops were brought to America by Africans hiding and carrying homeland seeds during the African Diaspora. Since their introduction to American agricultural farmlands, much effort has been given to saving seeds and maintaining the quality of these crops as viable food sources, however, locating and purchasing them are limited.   

This project will test the viability/sustainability of these crops in Ohio climates and soil types. With CSU Extension, four Ohio African American urban farmers in two cities will grow between 2-10 African heritage crops per farm. Productivity will determine the overall success of these crops and their potential to allow Ohio farmers to market and profit from, and consumers of African descent to have a local source of these beloved crops.  

The two-year trials will take place at Ohio urban farm locations in Cincinnati and Columbus, the CSU Research Farm in Wilberforce with second-year trialing to also take place at CSU’s Botanical Garden. Results will be shared with farmers and customers and will also inspire permanent heritage garden at the Botanical Garden.  

Project objectives from proposal:

  1. Field test African culturally specific crop viability in Ohio. 
  2. Develop planting schedules for production harvests /project crop yields.
  3. Promote the purpose of culturally specific crop production. 
  4. Create a Black Heritage-focused garden (12’ X 45’) within the CSU Seed to Bloom Botanical and Community Garden to emphasis African heritage crops.   
  5. Use data gathered to develop educational programs on how African Americans influenced Agricultural practices currently in use in America. 
  6. Utilize Ohio African American urban farmers with culturally specific crop production / seed saving. 
  7. Develop a sustainable marketing and seed business model collaboratively with growers.   
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.