Month: February 2024

Mukamujeni Nyiramutuzo, one of the farmers assisted by the Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success (ORIS), explains that her tireless efforts in growing vegetables and culturally significant crops extend beyond tangible materials; it’s the joy she feels when witnessing her crops flourish.

Originally from Congo, Mukamujeni shares that farming has been her lifelong passion, a skill she began honing at the age of seven. “I’ll never forget the tiring collection of climbing bean sticks,” she recalls when asked about her earliest farming memory as a child.

From her childhood days cultivating beans, sweet potatoes, corn, and vegetables to her current status as a farmer in the US, Mukamujeni’s commitment to farming has remained unwavering. “I began farming the very year I arrived in the US. Farming isn’t just a job; it’s my passion. Seeing ripe crops in the field brings me indescribable joy.”

“In winter, I feel unwell. I miss the crops and spending time outdoors, conversing with friends and engaging in various field tasks,” she shares.

For Mukamujeni, the primary reason she continues farming is the ability to provide fresh, culturally significant crops for herself and her family, enriching her life in her adopted home. She hopes her children will follow in her footsteps, although she acknowledges the challenges. “They perceive farming as something for the elderly, having different ambitions and aspirations. I believe it’s because they are growing up in a culture with endless opportunities and choices.”

Mukamujeni, along with 25 other farmers, cultivates various vegetables such as amaranth, kale, Bok choy, carrots, cabbages, and African eggplants, as well as other culturally significant crops like potatoes and sweet potatoes on a 1/12-acre plot provided by ORIS.

The farming season typically runs from late May or early June to mid-October. During winter, ORIS assists farmers in engaging in farming techniques and food safety training, record-keeping, and planning for the upcoming season.

These training sessions provide valuable opportunities for farmers to exchange ideas, learn from each other, and build connections with potential buyers for the upcoming season.

Mukamujeni’s advice to New Americans passionate about farming is to start small and gradually expand. “New farmers can begin by acquiring a small plot and grow in their spare time.” She advises.

Godence Ndabumvirubusa, a seasoned farmer who began tilling the earth at the age of 10 in her native Rwanda, credits ORIS for the remarkable improvement in her English-speaking abilities since joining Fresh Start Farms. Her journey in the U.S. has not only enriched her farming skills but has also broadened her horizons as a vendor, fostering interactions with fellow vendors, predominantly native to the U.S.

Arriving in America as a refugee from Tanzania in 2007, Godence explored various employment avenues before discovering Fresh Start Farms and ORIS, an organization dedicated to empowering immigrants and refugees to showcase their agricultural expertise. Since then, she has remained committed to seizing every opportunity they provide.

Reflecting on her early farming experiences with her parents, Godence reminisces about the joy of watching crops flourish and the satisfaction of contributing to her household’s needs. Her repertoire included cultivating potatoes, beans, corn, and assorted vegetables—a passion she never imagined she could continue thousands of miles away from her homeland.

Climate change poses significant challenges to Godence’s farming endeavors, with erratic weather patterns wreaking havoc on her crops. To mitigate these challenges, ORIS and the NRCS assisted her in acquiring a high tunnel at the Concord farm, enabling her to extend the growing season and safeguard her produce from adverse weather conditions.

“The high tunnel has been a game-changer for me,” Godence affirms. “It enables me to commence farming earlier and shields my crops from excessive rain and scorching sun.”

Along with approximately 40 fellow farmers, Godence typically commences farming activities from mid-May until the end of September, contingent upon weather conditions. However, inadequate market access remains a significant hurdle, dampening her enthusiasm.

“Despite our best efforts, the inability to sell all our vegetables can be disheartening,” Godence admits. “But we remain hopeful, knowing that ORIS is diligently working to expand our market opportunities.”

ORIS has forged partnerships with numerous wholesalers and has enlisted Godence and other farmers in over 35 farmers’ markets across New England, with ongoing efforts to identify new avenues for sales and satisfaction.

Babu Zuberi, a Concord NH resident, is on the cusp of transforming his one-year-old farming venture into a thriving business. Originally from Congo and Tanzania, where farming was a way of life for his family, Babu has rekindled his agricultural roots in the United States. Supported by the Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success (ORIS), Babu is not only cultivating crops but also envisioning expansion into farmers markets and even venturing into the food truck business.

Having engaged in farming back in Africa, Babu’s transition to farming in America faced initial challenges due to a lack of connections and information. However, his fortunes changed when ORIS offered him a plot and the opportunity to join a community of 40 fellow farmers. Babu reflects on the immense support he receives from ORIS, which provides training on proper farming systems, food safety, and market access.

For Babu, farming is not just a source of income; it is a deeply rewarding experience. He finds joy in working the soil, witnessing seeds sprout into seedlings, and eventually cultivating flourishing crops. Babu emphasizes the financial rewards that come with successful farming, making it a fulfilling venture for those passionate about agriculture.

Babu specializes in cultivating culturally appropriate crops for the immigrant and refugee communities from East Africa. His produce includes African Eggplant, Amaranth, Isogo, Sawa sawa, ibisusa, and more. To share his harvest with a wider audience, Babu participates in local farmers markets, such as the Morning Star Farmers Market and Concord Farmers Market.

Undeterred by last year’s limited market opportunities, Babu is gearing up to attend two additional farmers markets within a 40-minute radius as soon as the weather warms. Beyond that, he is taking his farm on the road by investing in a food truck. This move aims to bridge the gap for consumers who may not be able to reach traditional markets and offer a diverse range of culturally rich and healthy meal choices.

Babu’s food truck will not only feature his fresh produce but also offer a taste of Africa to a wider audience. Among the menu items is Mandazi, a ball-fried pastry with a donut-like flavor, popular in Africa and among African communities worldwide. Babu envisions providing a plethora of breakfast and meal choices to cater to diverse preferences.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Babu Zuberi plans to own and run his own land, expanding his farming endeavors to include livestock. This strategic move will not only provide a sustainable source of manure but also pave the way for a holistic and self-sufficient farming operation.

Babu Zuberi’s journey from the fields to the food truck epitomizes the resilience, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit of individuals pursuing their farming dreams. As he continues to cultivate not just crops but a thriving business, Babu remains an inspiration for those who see the potential for growth in every seed planted and every harvest reaped.

Harimaya has found solace and purpose in farming since 2015, when she started her farming activities in Boscawen NH, thanks to the support of the Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success (ORIS). Having overcome challenges in her journey, she now grows flowers and vegetables, creating a vibrant tapestry of memories that connect her to her childhood and homeland.

Harimaya’s love for farming traces back to her early years in Nepal, where she followed in the footsteps of her uncle and granddad through dense jungles teeming with Jaguars, Tigers, and wild animals. Despite the challenges, these memories form the foundation of her enduring passion for farming. She vividly recalls the ingenuity of storing harvests without modern amenities, relying on traditional methods like drying and pickling to sustain her family through seasons.

For Harimaya, farming is more than a livelihood; it’s a way of life that brings peace to her soul. After relocating to the United States in 2014, she faced a year-long hiatus from farming due to the absence of suitable land. However, her fortunes changed in 2015 when she joined ORIS in New Hampshire, allowing her to reconnect with the soil and rediscover the joy of cultivating crops.

During the winter, Harimaya engages in regular jobs, but when warmer seasons arrive, she dons her farmer’s hat. Beyond the fields, she actively participates in various farmers’ markets across the state, viewing it not only as a source of income but as an opportunity to connect with fellow farmers and showcase the fruits of her labor. Despite her dedication, she acknowledges that farming alone is insufficient to cover the rising costs of living, treating it as a part-time endeavor.

Harimaya, like many growers, grapples with challenges such as climate change and a limited market for her produce. The shortage of customers can be disheartening, and she emphasizes the need for more market opportunities to expand her farming activities. Harimaya seeks solutions and has been enrolled by ORIS in three farmers’ markets open between May and October: Concord Farmers Market, Bedford Farmers Market, and Canterbury Farmers Market.

With determination and resilience, Harimaya envisions an organized and successful future for her farming activities. Her customer base, a diverse mix of regular Americans and immigrants, particularly those from India and Nepal, speaks to the universal appeal of her produce. As she navigates the ups and downs of farming, Harimaya remains committed to reaching as many people as possible, fostering connections, and ensuring the prosperity of her agricultural venture.

Harimaya’s journey represents the transformative power of farming, transcending borders and connecting communities. Her dedication, coupled with the support of ORIS, serves as an inspiring tale of resilience, cultural preservation, and the enduring joy that comes from nurturing the land. In the fields of Boscawen, Harimaya continues to sow the seeds of her dreams, cultivating not just crops but a legacy that echoes the richness of her Nepalese heritage.