African Alliance Of Rhode Island (Aari)

African Alliance of Rhode Island (AARI) is a non-profit organization and small agricultural cooperative based in Providence, Rhode Island, focused on supporting African refugee farmers and promoting local agriculture. Established in 2004, AARI aims to provide assistance to African immigrants and refugees settling in Rhode Island, with a mission of promoting unity within African communities, advocating for their rights, and educating the American public about Africa. The organization specializes in supporting and training African agricultural producers, offering health and nutrition education, providing culturally-appropriate fresh crops, delivering literacy and youth programs, and facilitating access to resources that promote self-sufficiency.

AARI has received multiple federal grant awards from agencies including the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service, the National Resources Conservation Service, and the Institute of Youth, Family, and Community. These grants have supported various initiatives such as expanding farmers markets in low-food access neighborhoods in Providence, developing training and coaching programs for farmers of color in Southern New England, and improving small farm management techniques. The organization has worked on projects including adding new farmers markets, recruiting and training vendors (particularly African refugee women), conducting market research, providing training on market operations, developing agritourism activities, and establishing online sales platforms. AARI has also been involved in collaborative efforts like the Southern New England Farmers of Color Collaborative, which aims to increase the success of farmers of color in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island through education, training, mentoring, and networking.