Tropical Agricultural Development I: The Basics
Presented By: ECHO
Register Before:
January 10, 2017 08:06
Event Contact:
Renee Gill (study@echonet.org)
Phone: 239-567-3328
Course Description: Those interested in preparing for short/long-term involvement in agricultural development internationally are encouraged to participate in this one-week course held four times a year. Course participants will gain an introduction to aspects of poverty and community development and an orientation to ECHO. They will also receive instruction on proven agricultural principles/practices and practical techniques, systems and technologies to meet agricultural and nutritional needs of small-scale, impoverished farmers. There will also be time for hands-on work on the farm, visits with staff, and study in the library. Course content is presented from a biblical perspective.
Who the course is for:
This course will especially benefit those who are considering short- or long-term involvement in international agricultural development work. It can also be of benefit to those who have been on the field doing development work for a few years but who would like to take a step back and re-evaluate their approach. Those who could benefit from this course include short-term or career missionaries, international project volunteers (e.g. Peace Corps), leaders of relief-oriented organizations, or missions committee leaders of churches involved in agricultural projects overseas. All classes are conducted in ENGLISH ONLY.
What is offered:
This course covers a broad range of topics relevant to those starting out in agricultural development in a tropical environment. The purpose of this class is to expose you to several different ideas and concepts. Although a significant amount of time will be spent looking at examples on the ECHO Farm, given the breadth of topics covered, extensive hands-on farm work should not be an expectation of taking this course.
Event Details
Location
ECHO Campus
17391 Durrance Road North Fort Myers, FLorida 33917 United States
Language
The course is taught in English
Cost
Registration Fee: $645.00
Registration fees include:
- Week-long course
- Meals (Sunday evening through Saturday morning).
- Housing
Registration does not include:
- Transportation to or from the Airport
You can arrive on January 17th and stay on campus through January 21st.
Lodging
Registration fees include housing for Sunday night - Saturday morning. Housing will be dormitory type. We have limited facilities for couples to share their own room, which are made available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Food
Registration fees include all meals for Sunday night - Saturday morning.
At this time we are not always able to accommodate those with special dietary needs or food allergies. (Those with special dietary needs will need to plan accordingly, please indicate your allergies on your registration form.)
Additional Opportunities
Florida resident? - please contact rgill@echonet.org for discounted rates
Attended a previous ECHO Florida Training? - please contact rgill@echonet.org for your discount
Groups of 3 or more will recieve 20% discount.
Additional Information
Suggested Reading:
Roland Bunch wrote a book called "Two Ears of Corn", which gives a great overview of concepts to consider in undertaking any development project. (This book is currently out of print.)
"Agriculture Options for the Small Scale Farmer" published by ECHO. It is a compilation of information available in the first 100 issues of ECHO Development Notes.
Amaranth to Zai Holes can be accessed online; it summarizes information from the first 51 issues of our quarterly publication, ECHO Development Notes---the link is:
Amaranth to Zai Holes
Cancellation Policy - ECHO Classes
Payment for ECHO classes is required at the time of registration. Due to the nature of the class, we require at least 2-weeks notice of cancellation to receive a full refund of your fees. If less than 2-weeks notice is given a refund will not be issued.
These courses are interest-driven, therefore we reserve the right to cancel an course due to lack of interest. Should a cancellation be necessary, we will do so two weeks before the first day of class.
Suggested items to pack:
It is always a good idea to bring a jacket or sweater. More than likely, though, highs will be in the 80's and 90's for both the May and Aug dates. As there will be time built in for being on the farm and possibly working with our interns, bring a set of clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. A hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle and insect repellent would be good to include in your luggage. It may also be helpful to bring a flashlight to use in walking around campus after dark.