WHY UJAMAA

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Ujamaa, the Fourth Principle of Kwanzaa means 'Cooperative Economics'. This principle tasks us to build our own businesses, control the economics of our communities, and share in its work and wealth. 

Ujamaa is a Swahili word popularized by the former Tanzanian president and scholar Julius Nyerere. Nyerere's educational philosophy as represented by Ujamaa embodies self-reliance - especially economic self reliance.

Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance (UCFA), is a program under the non-profit organization STEAM ONWARD Inc. UCFA is a collective of emergent and seasoned BIPOC growers, farmers, and gardeners who cultivate and distribute heirloom seeds as well as grow culturally meaningful crops for food, healing, and textiles.  

UCFA recognizes the need for increased diversity in agriculture and farming and diversity in the $15 billion dollar U.S. seed industry. UCFA works to provide more opportunities and support for growers from historically oppressed and marginalized communities. To this end the Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance is working to bridge the gap between prospective growers and seed companies. 

Heirloom seed farming can be a lucrative business opportunity for farmers, gardeners, and growers as demand far outstrips supply.  Farmers and gardeners can make a profit from seed farming on just a small plot of land. Many folks take up seed growing as a side business, rather than as their sole source of income.  

Support UCFA by purchasing UJAMAA SEEDS at ujamaaseeds.com. In addition to plant types, our culturally meaningful seed collections are organized by regional and ethnic/cultural traditions. 

As a community of creatives UCFA includes growers, makers, teachers, and bakers. We are committed to the collection, preservation, advancement, and dissemination of agricultural and environmental practices that will benefit and sustain current and future generations.

UCFA supports a healthier way of living for our youth and adults through agriculture. UCFA utilizes environmentally sustainable practices for gardening and farming that will support a more nutritious diet and more active lifestyle.  

To learn more contact UCFA at: 240-515-8558 or ujamaafarmingcoop@gmail.com