SayPro, together with the United States Peace Corps, is promoting sustainable agriculture in urban areas by empowering communities to grow food locally. SayPro implements rooftop gardens, vertical farming systems, and hydroponics to make use of limited urban space. Peace Corps volunteers support SayPro by teaching best practices in composting, seed preservation, and water conservation. These programs ensure food security, reduce dependency on supermarkets, and foster greener environments. SayPro’s focus is on low-cost, replicable techniques that families and community groups can use. By turning unused land into productive plots, SayPro is helping cities combat food deserts and climate change simultaneously.
SayPro understands that education is essential for the success of urban farming. The organization, in partnership with Peace Corps volunteers, conducts workshops for students, unemployed youth, and senior citizens. SayPro trains participants on organic growing methods, integrated pest management, and sustainable harvesting techniques. These training sessions not only transfer agricultural skills but also build environmental awareness. SayPro also integrates traditional agricultural knowledge into its programs to ensure cultural relevance. With Peace Corps support, SayPro provides learning materials, starter kits, and follow-up mentorship, encouraging participants to build thriving home or community gardens that contribute to healthier diets and neighborhood beautification.
SayPro also strengthens local economies by supporting urban farmers in marketing and selling their produce. SayPro and Peace Corps volunteers help participants form co-operatives to pool resources, access markets, and set fair prices. Training includes how to use mobile apps for inventory management and customer communication. SayPro hosts weekly farmers’ markets and pop-up stands where growers can connect directly with urban consumers. This initiative creates sustainable income streams and reduces carbon emissions from long-distance food transport. SayPro ensures that women and youth are prioritized in access to resources and training, promoting inclusive, community-led agricultural entrepreneurship.
To sustain long-term impact, SayPro collaborates with municipalities to secure safe growing spaces and integrate urban farming into city planning. Peace Corps volunteers assist in negotiating land-use agreements and documenting best practices. SayPro also advocates for policies that support small-scale urban agriculture, such as compost subsidies and water credits. By embedding sustainable agriculture into city development frameworks, SayPro ensures lasting food system resilience. SayPro’s urban farming program is a model for combining green innovation, local empowerment, and economic opportunity—transforming gray cityscapes into vibrant, productive, and sustainable food-growing hubs.