By Andi Anderson
Michigan State University (MSU) continues to strengthen global agricultural partnerships through its Professional Fellows Program, which connects agricultural leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators from different countries. The program promotes knowledge sharing, sustainable farming practices, and long-term international collaboration.
As part of the 2026 exchange, Hillary Coleman, Urban Farmer and Manager of Hunter Park GardenHouse at Allen Neighborhood Center in Lansing, and John Krohn, Farmland Preservation Specialist with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, traveled to Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Their experience provided valuable lessons about agriculture, community development, and resource management.
Since 2017, Michigan State University has partnered with universities in Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to implement the Professional Fellows Program. The initiative supports agribusiness growth, promotes women’s economic empowerment, and encourages cooperation between agricultural professionals in Africa and the United States.
During their visits, both fellows observed how farmers successfully produce food using locally available resources. They learned that effective farming does not always require expensive technology and that simple practices can often deliver strong results while protecting natural resources.
Reflecting on the experience, Coleman said, “I was hoping to learn the simple practices that we don’t utilize in America. They’re interested in our technology, but we were there trying to learn from the simple ways they farm. Sometimes that’s really what we’re missing.”
Coleman was especially impressed by agricultural entrepreneurs who used available materials to build productive farming operations. She also observed intercropping and other sustainable practices that help maintain soil health and improve farm productivity.
Discussing her observations, she said, “When I visited a mushroom farm, they used every piece of what they had to build the infrastructure they needed. They used every resource available to make their business successful. We don’t do enough of that here.”
She further emphasized sustainable farming by saying, “Keeping it simple is the way to grow a successful garden or farm. Taking care of the land while we’re farming on it is what’s important.”
Krohn was impressed by how communities use land efficiently to produce food. He noted that many residents grow a variety of crops throughout the year and focus on making productive use of available space.
According to Krohn, “We talk about ‘food, not lawns’ in the United States. That’s really how they live.”
He also recognized the similarities shared by farmers around the world, saying, “As much as some things were different, a lot of things about growing food are just the same everywhere. We really had a lot of common ground to talk about when we talked to farmers there.”
Community involvement was another key lesson from the exchange. Both fellows observed strong cooperation among farmers and community members working together to produce food and support one another.
Coleman reflected on the welcoming atmosphere by saying, “The welcome from the community was so warm. They were just so excited for us to be there. It made me feel at home.”
Krohn added, “There would be a lot of people working together on a community plot. That’s something we could certainly do here. We have the space. It’s really about creating the cultural interest in growing food together.”
The program also introduced innovative agricultural ideas, including food waste composting systems that produce livestock feed. Beyond new technologies, both fellows highlighted the importance of lasting professional relationships.
Summing up the experience, Coleman said, “We come back with so many resources and connections. Those relationships continue, and that’s what makes programs like this so valuable.”
Krohn concluded, “It was really wonderful to be reminded how similar people everywhere are. Everybody is focused on their families, their communities and making things better.”
Through global exchanges like these, Michigan State University continues to support sustainable agriculture, innovation, and international cooperation that benefit farming communities around the world.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu
Categories: Michigan, Sustainable Agriculture