Upcoming events

COVID-19 recovery that builds back better needs to take into account equipping families and communities to be self-sufficient, meeting their daily needs as much as possible from their immediate environment, no matter what the economic circumstances their country is going through. Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) is a sustainable land managed technique developed and popularized by the Land 4 Life Award winner Tony Rinaudo. Adoption of FMNR and the changed behaviors that accompany it, is a low-cost, rapid and scalable way to better ensure that happens.

Journey with a global group of peers and expert facilitators to learn how to promote and support FMNR adoption in your local community. The eWorkshop will include: 

• Planning for FMNR roll-out in a community 
• Sensitisation meetings and creating spaces for the community to discuss the impact the environment has on their well-being 
• Understanding the physical FMNR practice and tips for teaching it 
• Identifying and selecting FMNR champions 
• Building relationships and ensuring FMNR is inclusive 
• Troubleshooting when FMNR isn’t going well 
• Where to find more FMNR information

Those interested in preparing for short to long-term involvement in international agriculture development are encouraged to participate in this five-day course.  Topics and discussions will be centered on improved food security and agricultural livelihoods for small-scale farmers in developing countries.  Participants will be introduced to the complexities related to poverty and community development.  They will also be introduced to principles and practices that contribute toward maintaining healthy and productive soil as well as improved water management and crop production (e.g., annuals and perennials). The vital role of livestock and appropriate technology is also incorporated into the course. During the week, activities will include presentations, farm-based practicums, consultations with ECHO staff and opportunities for research in the ECHO Resource Library. 

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.

ECHO Florida is excited to announce that our 2020 Annual International Conference will be fully online and will take place on November 19th, 2020.

Stay tuned for more information