Five Ecological Practices Black Farmers Have Used In The Past & Present
By: Mykalee McGowan
Edited by: Onyx Ramírez
This blog post contains the personal opinions and reflections of the author and is not representative of the voice of the organization.
By Mykalee McGowan, Communications Associate at Black Farmer Fund
Today is the 55th Earth Day. Started in 1970, Earth Day is a global moment dedicated to reflecting on our environmental impact and fostering a healthier relationship with our planet. For generations, Black farmers have cultivated the land with an intimate understanding of ecological balance, employing sustainable practices deeply rooted in their history and connection to the Earth.
These methods, often born out of necessity and a profound respect for natural cycles, offer invaluable lessons for contemporary environmental stewardship. In honor of this legacy and the ongoing commitment of Black farmers to the health of the planet, we delve into five ecological practices that have shaped farming in Black communities.
1. Intercropping
Intercropping is the farming method of growing two or more crops in close proximity to each other. This practice promotes climate resilience through higher plant resource efficiency and decrease harmful insects, pests, weeds, and pathogens.
Intercropping has been done for centuries. However, every culture has different approaches. For example, Hausa farmers in Nigeria have created 156 crop combinations which included no-till polycultures. Also, the relay cropping technique was developed by Indigenous people of Africa and the Americas.
2. Rotational farming
Rotational farming is the practice of planting different crops consecutively on the same plot of land. This practice improves soil health, prevents pests and disease concentration, and raises crop yield.
Crop rotations have been a practice for centuries. However, agricultural scientist and pioneer, George Washington Carver introduced a crop rotation method of alternating cotton and legumes crops to restore nitrogen in the soil. This method helped revive soil productive capacity and gave southern Black farmers another crop to produce and sell.
3. terracing
Terracing is agricultural technique where a sloped piece of land is formed into step-like ridges. The practice reduces soil erosion by capturing rainfall runoff and leading it to an adequate and stable outlet.
This method has been used by many farmers around the world. In East Africa, terracing is called fanya-juu which means “throwing it upward”. The practice can increase crop yields by 25% compared to conventional farms.
4. seed keeping
Seed keeping is the practice of saving seeds and other reproductive materials from one harvest to use for the next one. The practice increases pollinator habitat and preserves biodiversity.
During the Transatlantic Slave Trade, West African women braided the seeds of crops like sugarcane, yam, and collard greens, and rice in their hair. Seed keeping continues to save heritage seeds from extinction.
5. composting
Composting is the natural process of decomposing plant and food waste, recycling organic materials, and manure into a fertilizer that will enrich soil and crops.
George Washington Carver promoted the use of compost to revitalize the soil instead of commercial fertilizer that provided short term gains but released harmful chemicals into the soil if used long term.
Carver’s system was known as regenerative agriculture and helped Southern farmers diversify their crops.
The five practices we've explored offer a mere glimpse into the rich tradition of ecological wisdom held by Black farmers. Like our ancestors, Black Farmer Fund keep environmental stewardship at the forefront of our mission. Our investment guidelines specifically emphasize supporting investees who actively manage their environmental impact, thereby cultivating positive health outcomes for both their communities and the planet at large.
As we continue this journey towards a more sustainable future, we invite you to reflect: What practices have you incorporated into your life or work to benefit the Earth?
Sources:
“7 Contributions of Black Farmers to Agriculture — Poughkeepsie Farm Project.” Poughkeepsie Farm Project, 7 Feb. 2017, www.farmproject.org/blog/2017/2/4/ hikqys8igvv0bo368aco3mrb1rv7d1.
Huss, C. P., et al. “Benefits and Risks of Intercropping for Crop Resilience and Pest Management.” Journal of Economic Entomology, vol. 115, no. 5, Oxford UP, Jan. 2022, pp. 1350–62.
Mok, Aaron. “The Preservation of Culture Begins With a Seed.” Sierra Club, 27 Feb. 2021, www.sierraclub.org/sierra/ preservation-culture-begins-seed.
Penniman, Leah. Farming While Black: Soul Fire Farm’s Practical Guide to Liberation on the Land. Chelsea Green Publishing, 2018.
Wheaton, Rolland Z, and Edwin J Monke. “Terracing as a `Best Management Practice’ for Controlling Erosion and Protecting Water Quality.” Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, 1981, https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ae/ae-114.html#:~:text=How%20effective%20are%20terraces%20in,for%20sheet%20and%20rill%20 erosion.