HHIPP - Meet Daniel

Daniel joined the Hearty Harvest in Iowa: A Photovoice Project to share that moving with purpose and passion creates opportunities

While not originally a farmer, Daniel understood and fostered critical connections between nature, community, and religion in his life. He views the acts of farming and teaching as gifts that should be shared. Accordingly, Daniel, who is invested in youth development, has shared these gifts as a scout leader - while in his home county - and as a pastor.

Daniel harvesting cabbage at his farm. Image credit: Marianna C.

During his time in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Daniel recalls being motivated to guide his scout group to take good actions and work from the heart with the spirit of creativity. Daniel guided youth and young adults to do just that by teaching them how to grow their own food and how to sell it. Together, they also restored damaged forests and grew forests on unforested land. 

Featured above are images taken during Daniel's time as a scout leader in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, working with youth and young adults. Image credit: Batige

Leading by example, Daniel sought out and gained agricultural expertise in coffee beans. This endeavor would lead him to grow and sell products in countries throughout Africa, Europe, and across multiple states in the United States.

Daniel visiting his plant nursery at the Kirkwood Community College greenhouse. Left pictured with Edith Mugehu and Protirda Siriro. Right pictured with Edith, who is from Zimbabwe. She specializes in agriculture and rural development, including food security and crop improvement. Image credit: Batige

Nowadays, Daniel continues his ties to agriculture by producing familiar crops for his community in Cedar Rapids through Feed Iowa First’s Equitable Land Access Program. He currently sells culturally relevant produce, such as white eggplant, hot peppers, roselles, and sweet potatoes/vines to local and community markets. Daniel seeks to expand his market presence and include more Western crops in his rotation.

Daniel is a first-year Equitable Land Access farmer at the Wanatee Farm location. Image credit: Marianna C.

Daniel loading bins of white eggplant into his vehicle. Image credit: Marianna C.

Daniel works directly with customers and partners like Feed Iowa First and HACAP to ensure his product gets distributed to community members. Featured above are boxes of his white eggplant ready for distribution. Image credit: Batige

Daniel hopes to continue sharing the lessons he has learned about agriculture with youth here in Iowa. One of his goals is to recreate a youth program centered around farming that will provide opportunities for young people to take good action.

Featured left to right: Daniel showcasing his hard work on his cabbage crop and Daniel tending to his crops. Image credit: Lauren Luerkens