Magic Seed: The Case Study of Circle of Friends in Action--A Facilitative Agricultural Cooperative

Abstract

The “Scramble for Africa” in 1885 had devastating effects in Sub-Saharan Arica (SSA). The near complete colonization of the entire African continent facilitated the suppression of culture, education, and economy and the theft of natural resources. As a result, Africa ended the 20th century underdeveloped. A major effect of underdevelopment in SSA is chronic food insecurity for its citizens. In this thesis post-colonial theory is used as a guide to explore the underpinning reasons for underdevelopment and the current state of food insecurity in SSA. The thesis begins with an unpacking of the socio-historical background of colonialism and how it led to underdevelopment and food insecurity in SSA. The thesis then discusses improving agricultural production and agricultural cooperatives as methods of improving crop yields and income and thereby reducing food insecurity. Finally, the thesis delves into the case study of Circle of Friends in Action (COFIA), a non-profit operating in Tacoma, WA, which demonstrates through their facilitative agricultural cooperative, that teaching agricultural best practices to a community facilitates increased food security and improved educational outcomes. COFIA has been in operation since 2010 and began by sponsoring educational and welfare programs at St. Jude Primary school in Rubongi Village, Tororo Town, Uganda. Since then, COFIA has evolved into a facilitative agricultural cooperative that has developed a successful model for improving crop yields and generating income and subsequently reducing food insecurity and improving the lives of the residents of Tororo Town, Uganda.