Bami Farm

Bami Farm is a 6-acre community farm in Johnston, RI run by the African Alliance of Rhode Island. This is a place where our local farmers grow a wide variety of produce to sell at market and take home to their communities.

Group of people in a greenhouse, with one young man holding freshly harvested carrots while others observe.
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Bami Farm Offerings

Whether you’re a seasoned grower or have never stepped foot on a farm in your life, we want to meet you!

  • Dive hands-on into agriculture with our Learning Plots. Perfect for individuals, families, and educational groups wanting to grow their knowledge along with their produce. Never planted a seed? No problem! Contact us today and discover the satisfaction that comes from growing your own food.

    Contact us here.

  • We value the experience and the depth of knowledge that seasoned African farmers bring to our community. We’re calling on you, the custodians of agricultural wisdom and tradition, to join us in a shared mission of cultivation and cultural preservation. Lead, mentor, and inspire a new generation of farmers, shaping the future of sustainable and culturally rich agriculture. Fill out an application today.

    Contact us here.

  • Interested in bringing a school group or community organization to Bami Farm? Contact our farm coordinator to arrange an enriching experience. Contact us to schedule your visit. Whether you're part of a school group, a community organization, or just interested, we offer tours and workshops to introduce you to sustainable farming practices and the importance of cultural crops. There's always something happening at Bami Farm.

    Contact us here.

  • Join us on the farm and help with everything from planting to harvest. It's a great way to learn and give back. It’s a hands-on way to learn and contribute.

    From traditional African crops to local Rhode Island favorites, our farm is a living classroom where knowledge and stories are shared freely.

    Contact us here.

Bridging Cultures Through Agriculture

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The Farmers

We are passionate about creating spaces to exchange culture and empower the next generation of leaders in Rhode Island.

  • Seraphina

    Originally from Burundi, Seraphina has lived in Providence for the last fifteen years, thirteen of which she has spent farming. Since arriving in Rhode Island, she has developed methods of using compost and has learned how to cultivate crops that are less common in Burundi.

  • Charlotte

    From Rwanda, Charlotte has been living in Providence for the last seven years, where she has been able to teach herself English by listening to and having conversations with people on the street. Charlotte began farming in Rhode Island partially because of her mother, Marie, but also because she wanted the exercise and physical flexibility that a daily desk job prohibits; plus, she loves being able to eat the vegetables she grows herself. Every day except for Saturday (which she spends with her kids) Charlotte leaves for the farm at 6am and returns at 8pm.

  • Marie

    Marie began farming for three main reasons. First, she wanted to be able to eat African vegetables, which she wasn’t able to find at local grocery stores. Second, she enjoyed eating the food she was able to grow on her own. Third, farming gave her a sense of agency, responsibility, and independence; she could commute to Bami Farm on her own, manage her own plot of land, and schedule her day however works best for her. Marie came to Providence from Rwanda 14 years ago; she has been growing food for the past nine years, first in smaller urban gardens in Providence, and since last year, at Bami Farm in Johnston.

The Beauty of Bami Farm

From planting seeds to the joy of harvest, see what makes Bami Farm a special place.

A woman with dark curly hair is standing outdoors on grass, laughing, holding a vine with leaves. She is wearing a light gray sweater, bright blue pants, and sandals, with a background of trees and a small white shed.
Five pumpkin seeds scattered on a black background.
Watercolor painting of a butternut squash with a beige and orange exterior.
Close-up of purple bean pods growing on a vine in a garden, with a background of green trees and plants.
Three people standing in a garden with plants and a wire fence, engaging in conversation on a sunny day.
Close-up of a branch with two small, round, shiny berries, one yellow and one reddish-brown, hanging from a dark stem with green leaves in the background.
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What We Grow

  • Efo-Tete

  • Sweet Potato Greens

  • Garden Eggs

  • Okra

  • Pepper Varieties

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Specialty African Produce

Rhode Island Favorites

  • Garlic

  • Cilantro

  • Squash

  • Tomatoes

  • Collard Greens and more!

Fresh green onions in a burlap basket.
Red and yellow bell peppers with green stems against a background with green, black, red, and yellow horizontal stripes.

FAQ

  • If it’s your first time on the farm, you can expect to go on a tour of our 6-acre plot and learn about our history, growers, and crops. If you are already familiar with the farm, you can volunteer your skills in maintaining plots, helping with the harvest, preparing for market, planning youth activities, building infrastructure, or developing marketing materials. Many hands make light work!

  • Yes! And we love them. Check out our volunteer page to learn more.

  • First visits are typically an hour. Volunteer visits vary by activity but can be 2-3 hours at a time.

  • Saturday mornings are the most popular time for visits, but we’re also available Fridays! Send us a message to coordinate your visit.

  • Wear clothes you are ready to get a little dirty and sweaty. If you’re working, bring work boots or sneakers, gardening gloves, water, sunscreen, and any other protective clothing you like. We have some tools, but you’re welcome to bring your own pruners or spades.

  • Yes, we have bathroom facilities available on the farm.

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Join the Village

Stay in the loop about farm happenings, volunteer opportunities, and events by subscribing to our newsletter.

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All are welcome.

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