SayPro, in partnership with the United States Peace Corps, is actively supporting the growth of local agricultural cooperatives in urban areas. SayPro recognizes the increasing importance of sustainable urban agriculture in improving food security and creating economic opportunities. Through training, resources, and community engagement, SayPro helps form and expand cooperatives that enable urban residents to grow and distribute fresh produce. These cooperatives empower low-income neighborhoods by creating jobs and reducing reliance on imported food. SayPro believes that urban farming is not just about growing food—it’s about growing strong, self-reliant communities equipped to tackle economic and nutritional challenges together.
SayPro provides technical support and guidance to cooperative members, including training in hydroponics, composting, crop rotation, and sustainable farming practices. Peace Corps volunteers assist by sharing expertise and facilitating connections with local agricultural experts and urban planning authorities. SayPro also assists with land access and converting unused urban spaces into productive gardens. These efforts enable communities to maximize limited space and cultivate meaningful livelihoods. SayPro ensures each cooperative is community-led and inclusive, creating long-term food systems that are both environmentally friendly and economically viable. SayPro’s commitment to local leadership helps build lasting agricultural networks in urban settings.
SayPro also supports the development of business and marketing strategies for these cooperatives. By helping members create brands, manage finances, and access local markets, SayPro ensures their efforts result in real income and local economic stimulation. Peace Corps volunteers help design educational campaigns that promote the consumption of locally grown food. SayPro works with local governments to advocate for supportive policies, such as grants and subsidies for urban agricultural startups. Through these integrated efforts, SayPro turns city neighborhoods into thriving ecosystems of collaboration, productivity, and sustainability rooted in community-driven agriculture.
Moving forward, SayPro aims to replicate this model in other cities and introduce mobile urban farming units for greater accessibility. SayPro also plans to establish cooperative networks where groups can share best practices and collectively scale production. With ongoing Peace Corps support, SayPro envisions an urban future where fresh produce, economic opportunity, and community well-being go hand in hand. SayPro remains committed to food justice, environmental health, and community resilience—ensuring that every urban cooperative becomes a beacon of sustainable development and local empowerment.