Upcoming events

It's nearly time for ECHO's International Agriculture Conference! 

Join ECHO in Fort Myers, Florida for our annual three-day conference that will discuss challenges facing small scale farmers and development workers in the tropics.

You can learn more about the 2019 ECHO International Agriculture Conference by visiting our event website conference.echocommunity.org.

Interested in presenting a workshop or evening breakout session? Remember to register for the event first, then apply at  https://conference.echocommunity.org/present.html#become-a-speaker

You can watch videos of the Plenary Speakers from last year's conference here

SIFAT

CENTRO PARA EL DESARROLLO COMUNITARIO,

CENTRO RURAL METODISTA

Ciudad Quesada, San Carlos, Costa Rica

20-22 de noviembre, 2019

*Salud y nutrición infantil

*Demostraciones culinarias

*Nuestra herencia alimenticia

*Fortificación con polvo de hojas verdes

*Cultivo de plantas subutilizadas

 *Presentaciones de Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, EE.UU y Costa Rica

Best practices improving nutrition and sustainable agriculture in highland areas.

This ECHO Symposium will provide a network and training opportunity for those involved in alleviating hunger and poverty in highlands of East Africa. Three mornings of plenary sessions featuring knowledgeable and experienced speakers would be followed by afternoon workshops and discussion groups led by regional agricultural development workers and experts.

Symposium Dates - 26th-28th November, 2019
25th November Check-in and Fellowship 
26th - 28th November Meeting Days
29th November Check-out and Optional Post Symposium Tours 

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. 

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. 

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.