While U.S. agricultural employers can legally hire workers from any country under the H-2A visa program, the vast majority of H-2A workers come from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean due to proximity, established recruitment networks, and bilateral agreements. However, hiring workers from Africa is rare for several reasons:

Why African Workers Are Rarely Hired via H-2A

1. Logistical Challenges

• Distance and Costs: Transporting workers from Africa is far more expensive than from nearby countries like Mexico. Employers must cover travel costs (to/from the U.S.), making African recruitment less economical.
• Visa Processing: U.S. embassies/consulates in many African nations have limited capacity or long wait times for visa interviews.

1. Recruitment Networks

• Most U.S. farms rely on labor contractors with existing ties to Latin America. Few contractors have partnerships with African recruitment agencies.

1. Language and Cultural Barriers

• Spanish is prioritized in U.S. agriculture, whereas African workers may speak French, Arabic, or local languages, complicating training and communication.

1. Geopolitical Factors

• The U.S. Department of State often prioritizes H-2A applicants from countries with strong ties to U.S. agriculture (e.g., Mexico, Guatemala).

Exceptions: When African Workers Are Hired

While rare, some African workers have been hired for specialized roles or through unique partnerships:

• Dairy Farms in New York/Vermont: A small number of East African (e.g., Ugandan, Kenyan) workers have been recruited for year-round dairy farming.
• *H-2A Pilot Programs: Some labor contractors experiment with recruiting from countries like *South Africa or Morocco for specific crops (e.g., vineyards in California).
• *Non-Profit Initiatives: Organizations like *CIERTO Global occasionally partner with African vocational schools to train workers for U.S. farms.

How African Workers Can Apply

If you’re from Africa and seeking H-2A work:

1. Find a U.S. Employer Willing to Petition

• Search the U.S. DOL’s Seasonal Jobs Portal for H-2A job listings.
• Contact U.S.-based labor contractors (e.g., *AgWorks, *Mountain Valley Agri) and express interest.

1. Work with Recruitment Agencies

• Some agencies specialize in connecting African workers to U.S. jobs:
  • Global Labor Solutions (focuses on East Africa).
  • AgriRecruit (South Africa-based).

1. Apply for Alternative Visas

• J-1 Visa: Agricultural exchange programs (e.g., internships, training) are more accessible for Africans.
• H-2B Visa: For non-agricultural seasonal work (e.g., landscaping, resorts).

Success Stories

• Ethiopian Workers in Michigan: A pilot program brought Ethiopian workers to apple orchards in 2019 (funded by a nonprofit).
• South African Winemakers: Some South Africans secure J-1 visas for seasonal work in California vineyards.

Challenges for African Applicants

• High Competition: Latin American workers dominate the H-2A program.
• Scams: Fraudulent “recruiters” may charge fees for fake H-2A promises (legitimate employers cover all costs).
• Limited Advocacy: Few African-focused organizations assist with H-2A processes compared to Latin American groups.

Key Resources

• U.S. Embassy in Your Country: Check visa wait times and requirements.
• CIERTO Global: www.ciertoglobal.org (training and placement support).
• Farmworker Justice: www.farmworkerjustice.org (legal rights information).