2023-2024 SLLC Green Fellow Emmanuel Momoh and third-year PhD candidate within the Geography Graduate Group shares his project updates below.

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The African Food Basket Project, funded by the Green Fellowship, offers a multitude of benefits. Not only does it enhance food security for African international students and the African
Diaspora communities in the Davis area, but it also functions as a safe haven, a platform for
community development, and facilitates cross-cultural and cross-racial connections.
In terms of food security, the project provides culturally relevant foods that would otherwise be
challenging to obtain for the African diaspora communities. For instance, one student expressed
gratitude, stating, "Thank you so much for the abundance of veggies and corn. We are very
appreciative. I enjoyed Nigerian maize yesterday after 5 years." Another student echoed this
sentiment, expressing a desire for ewedu, a traditional dish, remarking, "Please, I would really
love to have ewedu. I have missed eating amala and ewedu soup."

Apart from growing and distributing food, the food events organized by the African Food Basket
also offer a space for individuals to come together, share experiences, and celebrate cultural
diversity. For instance, during the inaugural African Food Potluck and Okra-Chili Cook-off held
on September 11th, 2023, in collaboration with the UC Davis Student Farm, over a hundred
individuals, including Chancellor May and his wife, LeShelle, attended. Beyond the culinary
delights, the project acts as a conduit for cultural exchange, fostering connections between
diverse groups. African students find solace within the project, where they can celebrate their
heritage and engage with others. Interactions between students from various African nations and
members of the Davis community promote diversity and inclusivity. Similarly, the upcoming
African End of Winter Potluck scheduled for April 23rd, 2024, has generated considerable
interest not only among African students but also within the broader UC Davis community.

Beyond food, the project has been a point of interest for tours as people are often excited to learn
about the different varieties of crops grown and their cultural relevance. For example, a
photography class from Sacramento State University visited the farm for a tour in November
2023. Following the tour, they expressed their admiration in a letter, “THANK YOU so very
much for hosting us at the student farm two weeks ago, and sharing about your wonderful work.
My students & I loved it. We learned a lot, & it was a joy to be with you & your beautiful
family.”

Furthermore, through this project, we've established an African Graduate and Postdoctoral
Scholars Association at UC Davis. This association provides a space for African graduate and
postdoctoral scholars to network, support one another's academic and professional endeavors,
and advocate for the representation and advancement of African scholars within the university
community.

Additionally, the project provides internship opportunities, imparting hands-on experience in
organic and sustainable farming/gardening, composting, and design-build projects to UC Davis
students. This fosters a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship and sustainable
practices among students, equipping them with practical skills that can be applied beyond the
scope of the project. Moreover, these internships promote a sense of responsibility towards the
environment and encourage students to become active participants in creating a more sustainable
future.

In essence, the African Food Basket Project, made possible by the Green fellowship, stands as a
beacon of community empowerment, cultural celebration, and environmental stewardship at UC
Davis. Through its multifaceted initiatives, from enhancing food security to fostering cross-
cultural connections and providing valuable internship opportunities, the project embodies the
spirit of collaboration and inclusivity. As it continues to flourish, it not only enriches the lives of
African international students and the broader Davis community but also serves as a shining
example of how collective efforts can create positive change and inspire a more sustainable and interconnected future. 

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To learn more about the SLLC Green Fellowship click here. We are currently accepting applications for 2024-2025 Green Fellowships proposals (applications due April 14th at midnight). Stay tuned for future updates on other Green Fellowship projects and the various ongoing programs at the SLLC.