ABOUT UJAMAA SEEDS

Formed in 2021, UJAMAA SEEDS , along with Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance (UCFA). UCFA is a program of STEAM ONWARD, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit organization, organized in the state of Maryland.

The mission of UCFA is to increase diversity in the $1.5 billion dollar U.S. heirloom seed market.  We are committed to providing increased opportunities and support for growers from historically marginalized communities in the area of heirloom seed farming. 

The farming education programs of Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance serve as vital instruments for both conservation and preservation of culturally meaningful heirloom seed varieties. Because heirloom varieties often have unique adaptations to pests, diseases, and climate stressors, UCFA is tapping into the traditional ecological knowledge and farming practices utilized by growers from diverse cultures, thus contributing to expansion of agro-biodiversity and the preservation of global food crop diversity. 

WHY "UJAMAA"?

Ujamaa, a Swahili word, literally means 'extended family'. As the fourth principle of Kwanzaa, ujamaa means 'cooperative economics'. This principle tasks us to build our own businesses, and control the economics of our communities. 

 CLICK HERE to learn more about the Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance (UCFA)