On most days, you can find Methodist University alumnus Rodney Machokoto ’10 tending to his family-owned sustainable urban farm in Phoenix – growing tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, cabbages, broccoli, cauliflowers, and more. But his most impressive crop is the community he is helping build up through his transformative farm, thanks in part to the education he received at MU.
On most days, you can find Methodist University alumnus Rodney Machokoto ’10 tending to his family-owned sustainable urban farm in Phoenix – growing tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, cabbages, broccoli, cauliflowers, and more.
But his most impressive crop is the community he is helping build up through his transformative farm, thanks in part to the education he received at MU.
Machokoto grew up in the streets of Harare, Zimbabwe, where his parents taught him how to garden and farm. He said he struggled academically at a young age, however.
“When I was in kindergarten, I couldn’t count from one to 10,” Machokoto said. “But from that point, my father spent at least an hour tutoring me each day for almost seven years, and it really helped me get on the right track.”
Machokoto’s grades drastically improved in school and he was accepted into one of the country’s most prestigious high schools. In 11th grade, he received financial assistance to finish high school at a United World College in the United Kingdom.
As he graduated, Machokoto considered attending several Ivy League schools, but Magda Baggett – the director of MU’s International Programs at the time – attended a college fair at the school and made a great impression on Machokoto.
“I met with Magda, and she did a great job of convincing me to attend Methodist University,” he said. “It’s in the perfect spot because it’s away from the cold weather of the north, but it avoids most of the danger from the Florida hurricanes. Also, the low student-to-faculty ratio was a big selling point for me to attend Methodist University.”
Machokoto landed in the United States in 2006 – starting four years of success at Methodist University.
“I was experiencing culture shock at first, but the connection I built with other students and the faculty was awesome and allowed me to thrive,” Machokoto said.
He went on to become the president of the Accounting Club and the Students in Free Enterprise Club, held multiple student worker positions in MU’s Accounting Department, and participated in several international student events like Pangea.
But to this day, Machokoto most cherishes his time in the classroom, eventually graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and minor, in Business Administration in 2010.
“My education at Methodist University has allowed me, particularly with business law in accounting, to actually manage the farming I’m doing and launching into a business. It allowed me to understand the world of business”
Machokoto went on to earn a master’s degree in Accountancy from North Carolina State University and is pursuing his doctorate in Community Resources and Development from Arizona State University.
He spent time as a business consultant and auditor before moving with his wife, Daphine, to Phoenix in 2014. Machokoto’s passion for farming took off as he started experimenting with different crops that could thrive in the desert.
Four years later, they decided to start Machokoto Family Farms, a sustainable urban farm that focuses on building local food systems and making fresh food more accessible to food-insecure people.
They partner with local food banks, the City of Phoenix, and other organizations to support disadvantaged families.
“We’re focusing on how we can grow the best quality produce that is grown organically without pesticides or harmful chemicals so we can bring it to those that are less privileged in our society,” he added.
His farm’s success has been noticed on a national level. Recently, Netflix featured Machokoto Family Farms in “Live to 100: Secrets of Blue Zones” (Season 1, Episode 4), while Machokoto was also named an acting chair of the USDA’s Urban Agriculture Committee.
“It’s been very humbling because the basic background of my life is someone who would not be great in life,” he said. “It goes to show that there’s hope to turn things around and make success out of it. It’s been wonderful to be on this journey with my family and have support.”
Now with three children – Thomas, 9, Michael, 7, and Daniel, 2 – the Machokotos hope to start building relationships with schools around the country so students can have access to fresh produce. After that, they plan to expand Machokoto Family Farms worldwide – a dream that wouldn’t be possible without Machokoto’s time at Methodist University.
“Methodist University really helped me understand the power of small,” Machokoto said. “It helped me realize that if you want to change the world, you have to start with your community. Then, you can start a movement and make a difference.”
Top Photo: Rodney Machokoto, photo courtesy of Deanna Dent – ASU News