Kwesi Joseph is an Urban Garden Specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension's Harvest New York program. He brings together an interdisciplinary background in geology, urban agriculture, and business management to advance sustainable environmental practices across New York City.
His work includes developing and coordinating initiatives focused on improving urban soil health and exploring climate resilience through the use of compost, rock dust, and biochar. He has helped advance community garden soil testing and conducted an exploratory field trial examining the use of basalt rock dust in urban soils.
One of his most significant undertakings is Biochar in the Bronx, a multiyear initiative developed in collaboration with New Roots Community Farm, Big Reuse, Cornell's College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, and Cornell faculty. The project brings together academic and community partners to explore the production and application of biochar in urban environments.
Kwesi collaborates with academic institutions, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community groups to translate scientific knowledge into practical environmental solutions. His collaborations have included Cornell's Action Research Collaborative, the NYC Mayor's Office of Urban Agriculture, NYC Parks GreenThumb, and The Salvation Army. These partnerships span urban agriculture, environmental education, land use, public space, and community-based planning initiatives.
Kwesi's work has been featured on NY1, The Weather Channel, and WNYC Radio, with additional coverage in Gothamist and the Queens Ledger.
Kwesi holds a BS in Geology from York College of the City University of New York and an Executive MBA from Cornell University's SC Johnson College of Business. Looking ahead, he is interested in applying business principles to nutrient upcycling, circular economy initiatives, and environmental sustainability.
