Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to share findings from the SISTAHS (Sisters Through Agriculture, Health, and Sustenance) Study, a cross-cultural, community-based research project examining the relationship between food insecurity, health, and agricultural practices among Black women farmers in the Southern United States and Southern Ghana. This study uses qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and focus groups, to explore how structural inequities, cultural identity, and local food systems shape nutrition and health outcomes in rural communities. Preliminary findings reveal shared challenges related to land access, climate vulnerability, and resource scarcity, alongside common strengths such as community organizing, ancestral farming practices, and food-sharing networks. The research highlights the critical role of Black women farmers as agents of health and sustainability, offering insights for policy, nutrition education, and culturally responsive food interventions. The implications underscore the importance of centering marginalized voices in global discussions of food justice and public health.
Presenters
Hamidah Sharif-AmanyiAssociate Professor, Public Health, Fort Valley State University, Georgia, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
FOOD INSECURITY, BLACK WOMEN FARMERS, NUTRITION EQUITY, AGROECOLOGY, SMALL FARMERS
