Ohio African Heritage Crop Project

Commodities

Practices

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.  

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.