As an organization committed to sustainable and equitable agriculture and rural development, the Winrock International Farmer-to-Farmer Program would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and honor the significant contributions and impact that the Black Diaspora has had on the agriculture industry in the United States. For centuries, Black farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers have played a critical role in shaping and sustaining our food systems, despite facing systemic discrimination and barriers to land ownership and access to resources. Their contributions have been vital to the success and diversity of the American agriculture sector, yet their stories and legacy have often been overlooked or undervalued. We understand this is a long-term commitment and that much work must be done. However, we are committed to being a part of the solution and working toward a future where Black farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers are honored, respected, and have the necessary resources and support to thrive. This is why we at Winrock International’s Farmer-to-Farmer Program would like to recognize and honor the work of one of our Volunteer Champions, Felicia Bell.

Felicia Bell has worked as a Sustainable Agriculture Specialist at the National Center for Appropriate Technology’s Gulf States regional office in Jackson, Mississippi, since 2013. A fourth-generation farmer and founding member of RD&S Farm, LLC, Felicia is fascinated by traditional agriculture strategies of all cultures, especially African farming methods, and techniques. Felicia was born into agriculture and has been a lifelong practitioner of what most people today would refer to as “homesteading.” Felicia’s deep-rooted values in helping others as an agriculturalist has been the driving force in her lifelong work in assisting communities that seek Felicia’s expertise. Over many years, Felicia has learned several innovative methods and practices that assist small-scale producers with resourceful and cost-effective solutions to lessen expenditure burdens and increase the viability of farming initiatives. Felicia believes that everyone deserves the right to access healthy foods, and with the collective effort of small sustainable farmers across the country, this can become a reality. As a Volunteer Champion, we reached out to Felicia to gain insight into the extensive work Felicia has contributed to the Farmer-to-Farmer Program and how it has impacted her journey as a lifelong agriculturalist. Below is Felicia’s interview.

What makes you passionate about Winrock’s Farmer-to-Farmer Program (F2F), and why are you such a strong advocate for the program?

I am passionate about the Famer-to-Farmer Program because it allows me to serve and help African farmers–a cultural group I identify with–within my area of agricultural expertise. Service is my duty, and I feel fulfilled in being able to give back to my community through F2F.

Why do you think BIPOC communities must participate in the Farmer-to-Farmer Program? What is the purpose and importance of having a DEI initiative for the agricultural sector?

As a Person of Color, I strongly believe in the importance of BIPOC participation in programs like F2F. The majority of the people we aim to help are also People of Color, and I believe a person is more likely to receive information without putting up a barrier when it comes from someone who looks like them. It is a shame that programs like this did not exist 20-30 years ago, but now we have an opportunity where we must commit to engage. The lack of effort from organizations and institutions to recruit People of Color has meant that these organizations are missing out on a wealth of expertise, and I am a strong advocate for DEI initiatives and the role they play in rectifying this imbalance.

What are the benefits of volunteering with Winrock International? Why should BIPOC communities volunteer?

Volunteering with Winrock has provided me with many benefits. As a Person of Color, I received a warm welcome from the hosts, who appreciated that I looked like them. Being of African descent, I was eager to go to Africa and help the farmers there. It was a wonderful experience to connect with my cultural background and give back to the people of my forebears. Volunteering with Winrock provides a unique opportunity for People of Color to return to their roots and use what they have learned to make a difference in the lives of their Hosts.

What advice would you give a new Volunteer?

My advice for a new Volunteer is to take the chance of a wonderful opportunity to share their expertise but also to give service where it is needed. The benefit to you as a Volunteer is more than you would think and worthwhile for as your work is concerned. Also, the open and welcoming atmosphere of your host country is phenomenal. Take advantage of this opportunity. You will not be disappointed.

As an organization committed to sustainable and equitable agriculture and rural development, the Winrock International Farmer-to-Farmer Program would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and honor the significant contributions and impact that the Black Diaspora has had on the agriculture industry in the United States. For centuries, Black farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers have played a critical role in shaping and sustaining our food systems, despite facing systemic discrimination and barriers to land ownership and access to resources. Their contributions have been vital to the success and diversity of the American agriculture sector, yet their stories and legacy have often been overlooked or undervalued. We understand this is a long-term commitment and that much work must be done. However, we are committed to being a part of the solution and working toward a future where Black farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers are honored, respected, and have the necessary resources and support to thrive. This is why we at Winrock International’s Farmer-to-Farmer Program would like to recognize and honor the work of one of our Volunteer Champions, Amadou Makhtar Diop.

Amadou Makhtar Diop is a highly experienced and passionate regenerative agriculture professional focusing on applied agricultural science, food systems, natural resources management, and the integration of livestock and crop production. He is skilled in developing and managing sustainable development projects promoting organic/regenerative farm practices and value-added products using participatory approaches. Makhtar has expertise in building linkages between governmental and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in agricultural research. Makhtar has been a dedicated volunteer with Winrock International’s Farmer-to-Farmer Program since 2015 and has completed approximately 15 assignments. He is a strong advocate for the Program because it allows him to give back and make a positive impact. He believes the key to successful outcomes is to focus on individuals with a genuine spirit of service. Makhtar is a firm believer in the importance of having a DEI initiative for the agricultural sector, and he thinks it’s crucial for BIPOC communities to participate in the Farmer-to-Farmer Program. Through this Program, people of color can reconnect with their communities and their roots, which is essential to effectively responding to the challenges facing communities worldwide. Volunteering with Winrock International’s Farmer-to-Farmer Program offers many benefits, both for the Hosts they serve and the Volunteers themselves. For Makhtar, the opportunity to give back and make a positive impact is the most fulfilling aspect of volunteering, and he also values the chance to learn and grow through every assignment. He encourages BIPOC communities to consider volunteering with Winrock and making a difference in communities around the world.

What makes you passionate about Winrock’s Farmer-to-Farmer Program (F2F), and why are you such a strong advocate for the Program? 

I am passionate about Winrock’s Farmer-to-Farmer Program because it allows me to give back and make a positive impact. I have been a Volunteer with the Program since 2015 and have completed approximately 15 assignments, each providing me with a new and rewarding experience. Giving back to my home country is essential, but my passion for service extends beyond serving my country of origin. Volunteering efforts that make a difference in communities can have a lasting impact, which is what makes the Farmer-to-Farmer Program so unique to me. When recruiting for the Program, I sometimes encounter individuals who are more focused on the financial aspect of consulting rather than the opportunity to serve. However, I believe the key to effective recruiting and producing successful outcomes is to focus on those with a genuine spirit of service. By working with individuals motivated by making a difference, I am confident that the Farmer-to-Farmer Program will continue to thrive and make a meaningful impact in communities worldwide.

Why do you think it’s crucial for BIPOC communities to participate in the Farmer-to-Farmer Program? What is the purpose and importance of having a DEI initiative for the agricultural sector?

Participating in the Farmer-to-Farmer Program provides an opportunity to build a truly diverse and inclusive country. In order to effectively respond to the challenges facing communities around the world, it’s important to have a connection to them. Through the Farmer-to-Farmer Program, people of color can reconnect with their communities and their roots. The ability to speak their own language and communicate without an interpreter is critical, as so much can be lost in translation. When I speak with people in their language, I truly belong to them and can better understand their needs. By involving BIPOC communities in the Farmer-to-Farmer Program, we can create a more diverse and inclusive agricultural sector that better serves communities worldwide.

What are the benefits of volunteering with Winrock International? Why should BIPOC communities volunteer? 

Volunteering with Winrock International’s Farmer-to-Farmer Program offers many benefits, both for the Hosts we serve and the Volunteers themselves. For me, the most fulfilling aspect of volunteering is the opportunity to give back and make a positive impact. I also value the opportunity to learn and grow through every assignment. Every project presents new challenges and opportunities for personal growth, and I leave each one with a greater understanding of the world and its people. I believe that BIPOC communities, in particular, can greatly benefit from volunteering with Winrock’s Farmer-to-Farmer Program. Not only does it provide an opportunity to give back, but it also offers the chance to learn, grow, and expand one’s perspectives. I highly encourage BIPOC communities to consider volunteering with Winrock and making a difference in communities around the world.

What advice would you give a new Volunteer?

This is an opportunity to improve people’s lives and give them more hope. I feel great when the beneficiaries open their heart to me at the end of each assignment. Please do not give up on these opportunities!

What was the best part about contributing to Farmer-to-Farmer as a national volunteer in their country/region?

Firstly, in the case of this assignment (which involved the development of training modules and in-person training of the host on strategic digital marketing for agribusinesses), the best part was having to interact and co-learn with the host as well as other agribusiness participants towards a playbook that identified the challenges and limitations akin to traditional marketing evident in their businesses, and developing their capacity to utilize digital marketing to carry out their businesses. This presents opportunities to increase visibility and generate business-to-business leads more efficiently.

Secondly, representing Winrock International at the National Level, as a Farmer-to-Farmer National Volunteer helped develop in me a psyche of being part of a global vision to achieve the SDG goal I (no poverty), II (zero hunger) and VIII (decent work and economic growth). This psyche wound up a resilience in me that transcended local boundaries to make impact despite the ongoing uncertainty around COVID-19 transmission.

What was the best part about working with a remote US based volunteer?

Working with a remote US based volunteer made this cliché practical– the world is a global village. In practical terms, the knowledge, experiences and thoughts that diffused across borders seamlessly as a result of this assignment and via the technological aid of the internet was the best part for me.

What did you learn/were there any cultural exchanges with the US volunteer
and/or your host?

One outstanding example that the remote US Volunteer, Jessica Byasse shared which was her approach to using personalization as a communication technique to increase donations to a US-based NGO she worked with remained a key take-away for me, even as a digital marketing professional. It helped me view the use of this technique from a different cultural setting, and relate that with the local setting in Nigeria. This was very useful in the development of the material that was prepared for the host.

What lasting impact did volunteering with Winrock have on you?

Volunteering with Winrock International remains one of the highlights for me this year, especially as it helped me understand the scriptural saying (Acts 10:35) that “it is more blessed to give than to receive”. COVID-19 created a panic worldwide and a large percentage of people wound-up their psyche to receiving, so we had huge populations of people around the world expecting reliefs, vaccines, help and support in one way or the other.

In my case, I had myself through the volunteering activity, giving-off rather than receiving. This was by transferring knowledge, skills and expertise to help boost the host capacity to train agribusinesses to be digitally complaint in their marketing activities. In one sentence, volunteering with Winrock leaves me with this thought permanently and that is “Despite the prevailing circumstances you may find yourself in, always find creative ways to be of help or support to someone in need”

What was the best part about contributing to Farmer-to-Farmer as a national volunteer in your country/region ?

The best part of my contribution with Farmer-to-Farmer as a local volunteer in my country is the capacity building of the teachers of the vocational Training Center of Nioro du Rip in business marketing. It was interesting for me to be able to help the center to effectively manage their commercial and income generating activities in order to be able to face the budget deficit.

The government of Senegal has decided to make training centers responsible for generating income in order to manage their internal operations. And participating in this training gave me the opportunity to contribute my part in the implementation of this policy.

What was the best part about working with a remote US based volunteer ?

The remote work with the American volunteer (Michelle LaPrise) has greatly contributed to the improvement of the documents produced during the assignment, especially on the development of the business plan model and the questions that the promoter must ask himself on each part that composes the business plan.

I am in charge of following up with micro enterprises in my Zone of Influence and this collaboration with Michelle allowed me to grasp and appropriate other knowledge in the field of business and entrepreneurship. Michelle’s flexibility and willingness to assist was helpful and she has spared no effort in providing information despite the time differences. This further motivated me to provide the training from start to finish and to continue to work with the producers in my area to help them as much as I could without any setbacks.

What did you learn/were there any cultural exchanges?

I learned a lot about the assignment, especially about the financial indicators part of the business plan, the insertion model of the center and marketing techniques. There is a diversity of people within the center from all over Senegal. I met and exchanged with my Diola (one of the ethnic groups in Senegal) relatives and my Serer (another ethnic group)”workers” with whom I teased by taking examples from them during the training. This made the training much easier and with great fun. I was able to understand that this cousinhood is practiced everywhere in Senegal and contributes greatly to the social peace of the country. This mission also allowed me to discover another part of the country with different cultural features.

What lasting impact did this have on you?

This assignment allowed me to reinforce my knowledge on marketing techniques and business plan elaboration. It has allowed me today to reinforce my knowledge on business marketing. There is a lot of materials and information that will be useful to me in my activities with the producers that I supervise. I will definitely become another type of trainer in the future.

What advice would you give or what would you want to tell someone else who is interested in volunteering nationally?

This program allows us not only to develop our skills but also to share our experiences with the beneficiaries for the development of this country. It is a very interesting program. In addition, it allows us to contribute to the capacity building of learners, youth and women in different areas of the country, in order to contribute to sustainable development at the local level.

Why did you choose to volunteer?

I chose to volunteer in the Farmer-to-Farmer program because I am driven by the spirit of sharing and the constant quest for experience and knowledge. Since I am also a microenterprise consultant, I felt it necessary to give my time and in return gain experience for my future career.

L-R: Jen Snow, Associate Director; Ibro Diallo, Guinea Country Director; Mike Bassey, Nigeria Country Director

Mike Bassey joined Winrock International in April 2011. Mike is a Certified Accountant and has a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Roehampton, London. Before his work with F2F, Mike managed the Drucker Center for Entrepreneurship Development (DCED) of the Kaduna Business School before joining the World Bank/Government of Nigeria Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) project. Working with Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) volunteers has in many ways strengthened Mike’s motivation to do his own volunteering. In his free time Mike heads a Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God as a volunteer Pastor and enjoys fixing simple plumbing and carpentry.

I started out just like most young Nigerians: not wanting to study or have anything to do with farming or agriculture; I wanted to become a certified accountant. After achieving that goal and working in a for-profit, efficiency-driven environment, I felt professionally unfulfilled. However, when I began managing a World Bank/Government of Nigeria agricultural and tourism value chains development program focusing on opportunities for smallholder farmers to increase productivity, income and overall improve their livelihoods, it opened my eyes to the how rewarding the agriculture sector could be.

Working with smallholder farmers was  wonderful but working with F2F volunteers who each come with different skills offered me the opportunity to learn a lot and I now know what it takes to be a beekeeper, fish farmer, and trainer; increasing my skills in organizational development, institutional assessments, partnership development, recordkeeping, leadership, campaigning for safe pesticide use For instance, with:

Leslie Harris Cosgrove – I learned about business and project development for grant funding. I learned about the components and the documents (strategic plan, revenue-raising plan, and platform statement) required for successful grant proposal writing as well as the art of winning grant proposal writing. Two of the most resounding experience working with a) Leslie was seeing the faculty of the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Osun State rise from a practically zero Ph.D. research grants to 26 Ph.D.D research grants in three years following the 2015 training to the leaders and faculty of the institution; and b) the formation of the Net which she co-facilitated with Professor Chris Igodan of the Ohio State University.

A group leader delivers the groups project to the volunteer

Mathew Baker, a professor from the Texas Tech University –Dr. Baker and I had several great discussions  on leadership development and managing people. It was a huge surprise when, upon returning to the US, Dr. Baker asked me to do a one-page write-up on ‘community extension service’ – one of the topics we discussed during his visit. This resulted in a paper that was jointly presented by Baker and me at a conference at the Ohio State University.

Volunteer with Mike (center) and host members

Jolene Warnke-Roszel – I learned about the dangers inherent in abuse and pesticides misuse; to the applicators, farmers and their families, livestock, communities as well as consumers through air pollution, contamination of source of drinking water and farm products. I also learned about ways to minimize the hazards associated with these chemicals.

Jennifer Kushner – I learned lessons about general monitoring and evaluation and specifically learned how to develop a program logic model. I worked with the volunteer and the Nigeria F2F team to develop a logic model for the Network for Agricultural Technical Education’s Making Agriculture Glamorous and Attractive to Nigerian Youth Initiative.

Volunteer (center) with host members and Mike (right)

Teresa Morris – I learned so much about sustainable agricultural practices – best practices in natural resource (soil and water) maximization and management, composting, etc.

Volunteer discusses with the village leader

I have always considered myself fortunate to interact with these highly skilled professionals and benefit from these relationships. Especially since they provide me with a huge resource base for me to continue to leverage. The new program presents me with yet another excellent opportunity to continue to deepen my learning experience.