BFRDP Projects

Project Summary
USDA NIFA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Project RFA 2018
Somali Bantu Community Association (SBCA)
Project Director: Libah, Muhidin; SBCA
Co-Project Director:Sarah Robinson, SBCA

The Somali Bantu Community Association (SBCA) of Lewiston, Maine, is a rare organization with a farming project completely led by a community of socially disadvantaged limited resource African refugees. With the majority of the community directly experiencing food insecurity, we have taken it upon ourselves to produce food while building the sustainable agricultural capacity of the region. SBCA is planning for its fifth season of in the field, with farmers currently numbering 220. Our intent is to reconnect to our agricultural heritage.
SBCA's three year small standard BFRDP grant is underway with a target audience of refugee farmers who have not operated a farm, or have not operated a farm for more than 10 years in the US. SBCA is applying for the funding set aside for projects that address the needs of limited resource beginning and socially disadvantaged beginning farmers or ranchers. One hundred percent of SBCA’s project will be allocated to serving that group.
The primary expected outcomes during the three-year project timeframe are:
- 40 farm start ups established by New American producers
- 10 cooperative farm enterprises launched involving 60 beginning refugee farmers
- 60 farmers generated income by sales at either farmers markets or to institutions via wholesale
- 40 farmers demonstrated significant skill development with competency-based self assessment
- 100 beginning farmers and ranchers made beneficial changes in farm operations
- 20 beginning Bantu farmers established livestock operations

Collaborating organizations include:
- Cooperative Development Institute
- Cultivating Community
- Cumberland County Food Security Council
- Good Shepherd Food Bank
- Land for Good
- United Veteran Farmers of Maine
- USDA Farm Services Agency
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
- University of Maine Cooperative Extension
- World Farmers