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ECHO International Agriculture Conference Presentations

2020

Virtual Conference

2020 ECHO International Agriculture Conference

The 2020 International Agriculture Conference continued the tradition of featuring leading voices in various aspects of agricultural development—practitioners, scientists, and community leaders. Content was presented in plenary and concurrent breakout sessions, with ample opportunities to network with each other, as past participants have come to know and expect.

The differences: No visa required, no travel, no hotel! Lower cost, more people, more perspectives! Attendees can also host or attend viewing parties with other delegates with similar interests or working in common regions or locations.

Conference 2020 took place in a single day, in a seven-hour period, instead of being spread out over the course of three days.

    • World-class keynote speakers
    • Interactive breakout sessions
    • Networking and interaction with speakers and other delegates

Lightning talks are 2-5 minute subject-specific videos that illustrate how practitioners around the world are implementing techniques and principles based on our four themes.

Breakout Sessions are recordings of the live discussions with the Plenary speakers and with network members representing related topic areas.  Some of these created Lightning Talks, as well.

Why Farmers Don’t Do What We Tell Them (and Why That’s a Good Thing)

Why Farmers Don’t Do What We Tell Them (and Why That’s a Good Thing)
Summary : The myth of farmer conservatism blinds many development practitioners from recognizing that the greatest asset they have in technology development and promotion is the very farmers whose behavior they hope to change. Examples will be shared of farmer-generated technologies that make...

Lightning Talk - Conservation Ag Planter

Lightning Talk - Conservation Ag Planter
Lightning Talk, ECHO International Agriculture Conference, November 19, 2020 Elliott Toevs and ECHO Staff  

Lightning Talk - Bioliquid Fertilizer

Lightning Talk - Bioliquid Fertilizer
Lightning Talk, ECHO International Agriculture Conference, November 19, 2020 Hawken Sawyer and  Lyle Carlson

Breakout Session - Meet the Speaker - Neil Rowe Miller

Breakout Session - Meet the Speaker - Neil Rowe Miller
Summary : In this session, Neil Rowe Miller, will be available to discuss questions and share more information and experience about his Plenary Talk, Why Farmers Don’t Do What We Tell Them (and Why That’s a Good Thing) The myth of farmer conservatism blinds many development practitioners from...

Breakout Session - Introduction to Conservation Agriculture

Breakout Session - Introduction to Conservation Agriculture
Summary : Pugeni will be addressing questions about Conservation Agriculture, if you are interested in Conservation Agriculture and would like to learn more, this session will provide an introduction. Presenter : Vurayayi Pugeni

Breakout Session - Green Manure Cover Crops

Breakout Session - Green Manure Cover Crops
Summary : In this session, Stacy Swartz will be answering introductory questions regarding Green Manure Cover Crops and will share about an ECHO developed tool for GMCC selection. Presenter : Stacy Swartz

Extension and advisory services roles during crises

Extension and advisory services roles during crises
Summary : At the start of 2020, COVID-19 broke out with huge consequences for resilience of smallholder farmers and other vulnerable groups dependent on agriculture. Extension and advisory services can help strengthen resilience of their clientele by increasing their access to both tangible...

Lightning Talk - Resilience Programming at CRS

Lightning Talk - Resilience Programming at CRS
Lightning Talk, ECHO International Agriculture Conference, November 19, 2020 Austin Moore

Lightning Talk - Sowers of Hope

Lightning Talk - Sowers of Hope
Lightning Talk, ECHO International Agriculture Conference, November 19, 2020 Matthew Von Hurbulus

Lightning Talk - SAWBO

Lightning Talk - SAWBO
Lightning Talk, ECHO International Agriculture Conference, November 19, 2020 Barry Pittendrigh, SAWBO, Michigan State University Dr. Barry Pittendrigh has worked in the area of international development, specifically in West Africa, over the past decade. He is also co-founder of Scientific...

Breakout Session - Meet the Speaker - Dr Kristen Davis

Breakout Session - Meet the Speaker - Dr Kristen Davis
Summary :  At the start of 2020, COVID-19 broke out with huge consequences for resilience of smallholder farmers and other vulnerable groups dependent on agriculture. Extension and advisory services can help strengthen resilience of their clientele by increasing their access to both tangible...

Breakout Session - Integrating Faith into Interventions

Breakout Session - Integrating Faith into Interventions
Summary : In this session, Matthew Von Herbulis will be discussing his experience integrating faith into agricultural training interventions. Presenter : Matthew VonHerbulis

Breakout Session - Principles of Adult Learning

Breakout Session - Principles of Adult Learning
Summary : In this session, questions will be addressed regarding the unique challenges and opportunities that adult learners present. Presenter : Austen Moore, Franso Facciterne  

Breakout Session - Utilizing Videos in Extension

Breakout Session - Utilizing Videos in Extension
Summary : In this session, Barry Pittendrigh will be discussing SAWBO's model of video training. Presenter : Barry Pittendrigh, SAWBO, Michigan State University Dr. Barry Pittendrigh has worked in the area of international development, specifically in West Africa, over the past decade. He...

One Health and Planetary Health

One Health and Planetary Health
Summary : As we are called to action to help improve the health or wellness or resilience of communities, and their resources, we assess needs, identify assets, foster collaborations, and unite to act to improve the status quo. But what if we’re not using the right lens to see all the factors...

Lightning Talk - Maya Health Alliance

Lightning Talk - Maya Health Alliance
Lightning Talk, ECHO International Agriculture Conference, November 19, 2020 Andrea Guzman

Lightning Talk - Banana Stalk Silage

Lightning Talk - Banana Stalk Silage
Lightning Talk, ECHO International Agriculture Conference, November 19, 2020 Annie Deutsch and Noah Coleman  

Lightning Talk - Perennial Vegetables

Lightning Talk - Perennial Vegetables
Lightning Talk, ECHO International Agriculture Conference, November 19, 2020 Eric Toensmeier

Breakout Session - Meet the Speaker - Gen Meredith

Breakout Session - Meet the Speaker - Gen Meredith
Summary : In this session, Gen Meredith, will be available to discuss questions and share more information and experience about her Plenary Talk, One Health and Planetary Health As we are called to action to help improve the health or wellness or resilience of communities, and their resources,...

Breakout Session - Animal Health

Breakout Session - Animal Health
Summary : In this session, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions regarding Animal Health. Presenter : Kelly Crowdis, Arie Havelaar  

Breakout Session - Human Nutrition

Breakout Session - Human Nutrition
Summary : In this session, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions regarding nutrition. Presenter : Andrea Paola Guzman, Neil Van Dine  

Breakout Session - Introduction to Community Development

Breakout Session - Introduction to Community Development
Summary : Tim Albright has broad experience in Community Development issues and outlooks. Presenter : Timothy Albright  

Fighting Global Hunger Through Reforestation: Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration for Rapid, Low Cost and Scalable Land Restoration

Fighting Global Hunger Through Reforestation: Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration for Rapid, Low Cost and Scalable Land Restoration
Summary : Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) is the systematic regeneration of this “underground forest.” In this plenary Tony will talk about the history and development of FMNR, explain what it is and how it has impacted people in Niger Republic and beyond. Considering global climate...

Lightning Talk - Reforestation and Resilience

Lightning Talk - Reforestation and Resilience
Lightning Talk, ECHO International Agriculture Conference, November 19, 2020 Andrew Kinzer

Lightning Talk - Plant with Purpose : Agroforestry

Lightning Talk - Plant with Purpose : Agroforestry
Lightning Talk, ECHO International Agriculture Conference, November 19, 2020  Milmer Martinez Vergara

Lightning Talk - Trees For The Future

Lightning Talk - Trees For The Future
Lightning Talk, ECHO International Agriculture Conference, November 19, 2020 John Leary

Breakout Session - Meet the Speaker - Tony Rinaudo

Breakout Session - Meet the Speaker - Tony Rinaudo
Summary : In this session, Tony Rinaudo, will be available to discuss questions and share more information and experience about his Plenary Talk,   Fighting Global Hunger Through Reforestation: Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration for Rapid, Low Cost and Scalable Land Restoration Farmer Managed...

Breakout Session - Monitoring and Evaluating Tree Plantings

Breakout Session - Monitoring and Evaluating Tree Plantings
Summary : In this session, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions regarding monitoring and evaluating tree plantings. Presenters : Milmer Martinez, Andrew Kinzer, John Leary  

Breakout Session - Perennial Vegetables

Breakout Session - Perennial Vegetables
Summary : In this session, Eric Toensmier will be discussing perennial vegetables, and their impact. Presenters : Eric Toensmeier

Breakout Session - Introduction to Agroforestry

Breakout Session - Introduction to Agroforestry
Summary : In this session, Tim Watkins will be available to answer introductory questions about Agroforestry. Presenter : Tim Watkins  

2020 ECHO International Agriculture Conference

This year ECHO held its 27th Annual Conference--but with a twist. Like many events, meetings, and occasions this year, the ECHO conference took place online. This meant the loss of the excellent face-to-face networking that has always been a hallmark of past conferences; however, a major...

2019

Presentation Slides

2019 Presentations - ECHO International Agriculture Conference

Return to the list of all past Conferences

An Introduction to Soldier Fly Production - JC Barrios

An Introduction to Soldier Fly Production
Session : Black soldier fly larvae are an insect species that can convert low-value waste products into high-value small livestock feed. These novel insects have great potential to increase the productivity of small animal production in resource limited conditions where feed resources are...

Reconciling conservation and development in a changing world - Ben Lowe

Reconciling conservation and development in a changing world
Session : Many of the most vulnerable human communities around the world are located in some of the most vulnerable or degraded ecosystems. As the impacts of climate and environmental change continue to grow, how can we flourish together on God’s earth without further harming each other or the...

Creating appropriate technologies for people in developing countries - Dr Greg Bixler

Creating appropriate technologies for people in developing countries
Session : With 90% of the world’s engineering focused on 10% of the population, a significant opportunity exists to serve the most vulnerable and marginalized people in developing countries. Many attempts have been made to develop so-called appropriate technology, with some success, and much...

The role of green manure/cover crops in smallholder agriculture - Roland Bunch

The role of green manure/cover crops in smallholder agriculture
Session : Green manure/cover crops are the only feasible way for smallholder farmers to significantly increase the organic matter content of their basic grain fields (that is, anything over 0.5 ha) at a reasonable cost. We can now say that we know of good species and systems that will work in...

CHE 25 years later… - Dr. Bibiana MacLeod

CHE 25 years later…
Session : Bibiana looks back and reflects on the changes that Community Health Evangelism (CHE) has brought to the lives of their friends and co-workers in Haiti. Bibiana will take us for a virtual visit to the communities of Mombin Crochu and Bois de Laurence, enter the home of Aniesse in...

Breadfruit products: Untapped commercial potential - Mary McLaughlin

Breadfruit products: Untapped commercial potential
Session : Fresh breadfruit is delicious but the real commercial potential lies with post-harvest products. In this session the array of retail breadfruit products being produced for local and export markets will be discussed. This includes flour, snack bars, pancake mixes, pizelles, tostones,...

Scaling horticulture technologies for smallscale farmers – From production to postharvest - Erin McGuire

Scaling horticulture technologies for smallscale farmers – From production to postharvest
Session : The Horticulture Innovation Lab has worked to scale appropriate technologies across the globe for over a decade. Fruits and vegetables, while producing healthy products and sound investments, can have unique challenges. This talk showcases technologies to mitigate these challenges,...

Peanuts and aflatoxin: The potential and challenges for the world’s most widely grown legume - Jamie Rhoads

Peanuts and aflatoxin: The potential and challenges for the world’s most widely grown legume
Session : Peanut is the most widely grown legume in the world and has numerous nutritional, environmental and economic benefits. However, there are several challenges to increase productivity and control the potential of contamination from aflatoxin, a highly carcinogenic byproduct of a common...

Unleashing the value of neglected and underutilized crop diversity: Linking climate adaptation, nutrition, markets, and agrobiodiversity value chains - Nadezda Amaya

Unleashing the value of neglected and underutilized crop diversity: Linking climate adaptation, nutrition, markets, and agrobiodiversity value chains
Session : This session shares lessons and experiences from an IFAD-supported project on Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) implemented by Bioversity International and its partners in Guatemala. The project deployed Rapid Market Appraisal (RMA) tools to conduct a value chain assessment and...

Growing families that flourish in God’s kingdom - Deborah Dortzbach

Growing families that flourish in God’s kingdom
Session : As couples work to enrich their relationship as God designed, the entire family will flourish. This session will describe the opportunity churches and communities have to strengthen couple relationships within families, promote a sustainable earth, and help families promote family...

2019 Conference Program

2019 Conference Program

Moving Toward Sustainability- Harvesting 4 Haiti and Planting For Hope and Future - Gordon Clark

Moving Toward Sustainability- Harvesting 4 Haiti and Planting For Hope and Future
Session : Our goal is to help reduce poverty by assisting a Haitian agriculture initiative with financial and business resources until they have become self-sustaining. This talk will discuss the challenges and successes this program has had. They have been able to purchase additional farmland...

Coffee Pruning and Management - Rafael Flores

Coffee Pruning and Management
Session : The challenges for pruning coffee plants are related to lack of knowledge in how, when to do it, and the reduction in production that the farmer will have for one year. This practical workshop will discuss the reasons for pruning and the best practices of how. Presenter : Rafael...

Experiences in Solar Fruit Drying: Panel Discussion - Mike McLaughlin, Roger Gietzen, Erin McGuire, & Mary Benner

Experiences in Solar Fruit Drying: Panel Discussion
Session : This session will be a discussion with practitioners and researchers who have been promoting solar fruit drying in the global south. The panel will discuss the various solar dryers they have been using along with the successes and challenges they have faced with the promotion of fruit...

Understanding the Power of Convergence - Dale Bolton

Understanding the Power of Convergence
Session : The mission of Thrive is to create a scalable model that empowers trainers to transform communities by teaching sustainable, natural and organic agriculture, enabling them to fight disease and generate income. This presentation will look at how Thrive uses the power of a...

Mechanization of Conservation Agriculture - Will Austin

Mechanization of Conservation Agriculture
Session : This presentation will cover ways that Institute for Affordable Transportation (IAT) and its partners have been creating appropriate technology to integrate mechanization into Farming God’s Way (FGW). IAT’s farming history began with food plot implements and then transitioned to...

How Growing Fruits can Help People Get on a Path Out of Poverty: Lessons from Madagascar - Dan Turk

How Growing Fruits can Help People Get on a Path Out of Poverty: Lessons from Madagascar
Session : This talk will explore fruit tree programs; successes with tangerines (achieved) and mangos (in progress) will be presented as well as lessons learned from over 20 years of experience working with the Church of Jesus Christ in  Madagascar (FJKM). Dan will share pitfalls to avoid,...

Developing the Next Generation of Leaders in International Agriculture Development - Dr. Natalie Coers

Developing the Next Generation of Leaders in International Agriculture Development
Session : Who are the next leaders in international agricultural development work? The leadership gap continues to grow, especially in the non-profit sector. We will discuss a basic framework for leadership development, skills needed, and the role you can play through mentoring. Join this session...

Living Fences - Dan Janzen

Living Fences
Session : Living fences can offer an affordable and appropriate solution using existing local resources. A range of possibilities in establishing living fences and the many considerations to find the best match will be explored in his talk. Presenter : Dan Janzen is a Pioneers International...

Thoughts on Managing an Organization or Project - Dr Martin Price

Thoughts on Managing an Organization or Project
Session : It is surprising how many people end up being leaders and managers in the NGO world who have had no training and little time to develop a set of core values of practical management ideas. This is a rapid-fire discussion of many principles that continue to serve me well in leading or...

Update on Ongoing Moringa Research - Grace Ju Miller

Update on Ongoing Moringa Research
Session : Grace has been conducting Moringa research for 20 years with undergraduate students. This presentation will be a research update on moringa as an antibacterial plant and water purification option. Tissue culture and regeneration of moringa, as well as future use in biotechnology,...

 

Videos

2019 Videos - ECHO International Agriculture Conference

Return to the list of all past Conferences

Breadfruit products: Untapped commercial potential

Breadfruit products: Untapped commercial potential
Session : Fresh breadfruit is delicious but the real commercial potential lies with post-harvest products. In this session the array of retail breadfruit products being produced for local and export markets will be discussed. This includes flour, snack bars, pancake mixes, pizelles, tostones,...

Reconciling conservation and development in a changing world

Reconciling conservation and development in a changing world
Session : Many of the most vulnerable human communities around the world are located in some of the most vulnerable or degraded ecosystems. As the impacts of climate and environmental change continue to grow, how can we flourish together on God’s earth without further harming each other or the...

Creating appropriate technologies for people in developing countries

Creating appropriate technologies for people in developing countries
Session : With 90% of the world’s engineering focused on 10% of the population, a significant opportunity exists to serve the most vulnerable and marginalized people in developing countries. Many attempts have been made to develop so-called appropriate technology, with some success, and much...

The role of green manure/cover crops in smallholder agriculture

The role of green manure/cover crops in smallholder agriculture
Session : Green manure/cover crops are the only feasible way for smallholder farmers to significantly increase the organic matter content of their basic grain fields (that is, anything over 0.5 ha) at a reasonable cost. We can now say that we know of good species and systems that will work in...

CHE 25 years later…

CHE 25 years later…
Session : Bibiana looks back and reflects on the changes that Community Health Evangelism (CHE) has brought to the lives of their friends and co-workers in Haiti. Bibiana will take us for a virtual visit to the communities of Mombin Crochu and Bois de Laurence, enter the home of Aniesse in...

Scaling horticulture technologies for smallscale farmers – From production to postharvest

Scaling horticulture technologies for smallscale farmers – From production to postharvest
Session : The Horticulture Innovation Lab has worked to scale appropriate technologies across the globe for over a decade. Fruits and vegetables, while producing healthy products and sound investments, can have unique challenges. This talk showcases technologies to mitigate these challenges,...

Peanuts and aflatoxin: The potential and challenges for the world’s most widely grown legume

Peanuts and aflatoxin: The potential and challenges for the world’s most widely grown legume
Session : Peanut is the most widely grown legume in the world and has numerous nutritional, environmental and economic benefits. However, there are several challenges to increase productivity and control the potential of contamination from aflatoxin, a highly carcinogenic byproduct of a common...

Unleashing the value of neglected and underutilized crop diversity: Linking climate adaptation, nutrition, markets, and agrobiodiversity value chains

Unleashing the value of neglected and underutilized crop diversity: Linking climate adaptation, nutrition, markets, and agrobiodiversity value chains
Session : This session shares lessons and experiences from an IFAD-supported project on Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) implemented by Bioversity International and its partners in Guatemala. The project deployed Rapid Market Appraisal (RMA) tools to conduct a value chain assessment and...

Growing families that flourish in God’s kingdom

Growing families that flourish in God’s kingdom
Session : As couples work to enrich their relationship as God designed, the entire family will flourish. This session will describe the opportunity churches and communities have to strengthen couple relationships within families, promote a sustainable earth, and help families promote family...

2018

Presentation Slides

2018 Presentations - ECHO International Agriculture Conference

Return to the list of all past Conferences

EIAC 2018 Group Photo

EIAC 2018 Group Photo
For more photos, check out our album on Facebook.

Reflections on how once tiny ECHO experienced growth and global impact – And ideas that may apply to your organization! - Martin Price, PhD

Reflections on how once tiny ECHO experienced growth and global impact – And ideas that may apply to your organization!
In 1981 ECHO International started with two employees and some volunteers on 5 acres we didn’t own. Today our 55-acre campus in Florida (no debt) has expanded into a global network, including Regional Impact Centers serving Latin America & the Caribbean, West Africa, East Africa, and Asia....

The process of adoption of amaranth in the local context of Oaxaca, Mexico - Pete Noll

The process of adoption of amaranth in the local context of Oaxaca, Mexico
Based on ten years of experience, I will share how Puente a la Salud Comunitaria (Bridges to Community Health) has utilized a participatory approach to engage more than 30 communities in the adoption of amaranth and the promotion of food sovereignty. It is worth noting that the region suffers...

The Answer is in the Room - Dr. Karen Stoufer

The Answer is in the Room
One of our most important roles as we work in rural communities is to train others so that knowledge and skills can be effectively passed on and learning continue. Top down, university-style lectures seldom incite passion in the learner in the same way that learner-centered selfdiscovery can. We...

15 underutilized crops for improving the lives of smallholder farm families - Josh Jamison

15 underutilized crops for improving the lives of smallholder farm families
Despite the incredible diversity of useful plants that exist, a small handful of crops feed the majority of the world and millions of people still suffer from malnutrition and poverty. This talk will discuss some often overlooked crops that have the potential to alleviate suffering through...

Investing in African women and thriving food markets through post-harvest innovation - Alexandra Spieldoch

Investing in African women and thriving food markets through post-harvest innovation
While technologies have revolutionized agriculture and created growth in wealthier countries and regions, 90 percent of the produced food in Sub-Saharan Africa is harvested and processed by hand—resulting in low yields and poor quality products with limited market potential. Women farmers are...

Anthropology as a tool for facilitating agricultural development - Dr. Joel Matthews

Anthropology as a tool for facilitating agricultural development
Human perception of reality is mediated through assumptions, beliefs, and mental habits, most of which are products of our culture. Typically, this does not present a problem until we find ourselves trying to function in an unfamiliar environment. Thus, Northern facilitators trying to function in...

Low cost plant parasitic nematode management strategies - Dr. Ben Dube

Low cost plant parasitic nematode management strategies
This session aims at discussing simple and yet effective agronomic practices for most vegetable crops that discourage the buildup of plant - parasitic nematodes and other soil borne pathogens in the soil. These agronomic practices range from timely watering or irrigation of crops, use of...

Seed2Save – an ‘old school’ approach to vegetable seed development - Mike Mueller

Seed2Save – an ‘old school’ approach to vegetable seed development
To empower persons working among rural farmers and gardeners in developing nations. One limiting factor is the availability of affordable quality seed of varieties well suited to the climate and culture. Seed2Save is Mike’s approach to make selections of open-pollinated varieties within target...

When Helping Heals - Bev Abma

When Helping Heals
In a world that looks for instant results, how do development workers guide communities to enduring positive transformation? Values and interventions that have helped many, often in remote and challenging contexts, to contribute to long-term sustainable change will be shared. Bev Abma Bev...

Agricultural extension demonstration farm: A case study - Grace Baldwin & Alan Baldwin

Agricultural extension demonstration farm: A case study
This workshop will include utilizing results from project work conducted over the past year that will illustrate the importance of the Partnership Development Process, Comparison of a Traditional Needs Assessment model that was utilized years earlier from another agency’s work versus an Asset...

Creation care consultation: Equipping missionaries to care for the environment - Brittany Ederer

Creation care consultation: Equipping missionaries to care for the environment
The Cape Town Commitment says, "Creation care is a Gospel issue under the Lordship of Jesus Christ." Many missionaries experience firsthand the environmental degradation that makes Christian development work challenging, but don't have conservationists or scientists on staff to meaningfully...

Parasitic plants in African agriculture—A growing problem - Dr Lytton John Musselman

Parasitic plants in African agriculture—A growing problem
Mistletoes (parasitic shrubs from diverse families), dodders (species of Cuscuta); and witchweeds and their relatives, Striga, Alectra, and Rhamphicarpa species are major constraints on African crops especially in grain and legume production. They are highly specialized weeds so understanding...

Farming pastured poultry in a developing market - Nick Stolberg

Farming pastured poultry in a developing market
Sustainable and regenerative farming make sense, but how can it be applied in developing markets? Nick will be discussing the business approach he has brought to farming and how to make the farm successful in the long term. New Roots Haiti farms pastured poultry, pastured pork, and grass fed...

Grow a Micro-Forest Nutrition Garden - David Kennedy

Grow a Micro-Forest Nutrition Garden
Grow a small poly-culture garden that addresses both nutritional and ecological shortcomings of our food systems. Focusing on some of the most nutritious of the more than 1000 species of plants with edible leaves can maximize the value of the garden to improve your family’s health. Supporting a...

Water capture in soil through hydrology design in Honduras' dry corridor: A case study in El Salto farm in San Matias, El Paraiso - Erlin Escoto Valladares

Water capture in soil through hydrology design in Honduras' dry corridor: A case study in El Salto farm in San Matias, El Paraiso
Many farmers in Honduras' dry corridor have been leaving their farms and migrating to cities due to droughts. Hydrologic design allows improves biological, chemical, and physical conditions in the soil, and increases resilience in farms to climate variability. Erlin Escoto Valladares Erlin...

AgriFaith associations : A theological approach to agricultural development - Matthew Vonherbulis

AgriFaith associations : A theological approach to agricultural development
The Church is uniquely equipped to bring about real social transformation, but are we using development models that ignore that fact? Matthew Vonherbulis Matthew Vonherbulis lives in Rwanda with his wife and 2 children, where he has been developing Sowers of Hope AgriFaith Association among...

Helping Small-Scale Farmers Break the Poverty Cycle - Timothy Albright

Helping Small-Scale Farmers Break the Poverty Cycle
This talk will focus on some of the challenges that small-scale farmers face when trying to implement change and how we, as facilitators, can identify and invest in agents of transformation while we accompany them on their journey from poverty towards resilience. Timothy Albright, ECHO...

Grinding peanuts and millet processing equipment - Richard Fulmer

Grinding peanuts and millet processing equipment
CTI very brief history and video presentation of equipment for small farmer post-harvest processing by grinding dry solids to flour, harvest and processing groundnuts and recovery of clean seed from harvested dry millet. Richard Fulmer Background in chemistry, biochemistry and food...

Getting the word out about agroforestry: A case study on knowledge transfer in western Kenya - Claire Morgan

Getting the word out about agroforestry: A case study on knowledge transfer in western Kenya
How do we move from knowledge to practice? Theories from sociology point to the importance of strong relational ties for transferring information. This presentation provides a case study on the relationship between the World Agroforestry Center and Vi Agroforestry in western Kenya. Based on...

Raising third culture kids - Ellen Hargrave

Raising third culture kids
This workshop will be a time to think through and talk about educating and raising the most important resource that God has given us, our children, in a culture other than the one that their parents have come from.  What are some of the challenges? What is best for each child? Although each...

The biochar-urine connection - Sanitation, nutrient recovery, and carbon sink - Dr. Barry Gutwein

The biochar-urine connection - Sanitation, nutrient recovery, and carbon sink
The presentation will provide an overview of biochar production and urine diversion technologies. Particular attention will be given to recent developments and related issues. Following the overview the discussion will focus on the potential urine-related uses of biochar. Dr. Barry...

Homemade microbial products for plant and soil health: FFA and IMO - Stacy Swartz and Dani Hurlbutt

Homemade microbial products for plant and soil health: FFA and IMO
This hands-on workshop will include making and applying two natural farming products. First, we will make a small batch of indigenous microorganism (IMO) parent culture and show what it looks like to step it up to a liquid. Then we will apply IMO liquid to treat the deep litter pig system....

Developing an agroforestry plan for Kilimo Timilifu on Tanzania's southern coast - Tim Watkins & Joel Wildasin

Developing an agroforestry plan for Kilimo Timilifu on Tanzania's southern coast
In August 2017, Tim Watkins traveled to Mchinga, Tanzania to assist Kilimo Timilifu (KT) in the process of  developing a plan for integrating agroforestry practices into KT's farm plans. He worked closely with Joel Wildasin, who was serving as the KT farm manager at the time. Tim will begin by...

ECHO International Agriculture Conference 2018

ECHO International Agriculture Conference 2018
Conference Program Book Conference 2018 References

 

Videos

2018 Videos - ECHO International Agriculture Conference

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Reflections on how once tiny ECHO experienced growth and global impact – And ideas that may apply to your organization!

Reflections on how once tiny ECHO experienced growth and global impact – And ideas that may apply to your organization!
In 1981 ECHO International started with two employees and some volunteers on 5 acres we didn’t own. Today our 55-acre campus in Florida (no debt) has expanded into a global network, including Regional Impact Centers serving Latin America & the Caribbean, West Africa, East Africa, and Asia....

The process of adoption of amaranth in the local context of Oaxaca, Mexico

The process of adoption of amaranth in the local context of Oaxaca, Mexico
Based on ten years of experience, I will share how Puente a la Salud Comunitaria (Bridges to Community Health) has utilized a participatory approach to engage more than 30 communities in the adoption of amaranth and the promotion of food sovereignty. It is worth noting that the region suffers...

The Answer is in the Room

The Answer is in the Room
One of our most important roles as we work in rural communities is to train others so that knowledge and skills can be effectively passed on and learning continue. Top down, university-style lectures seldom incite passion in the learner in the same way that learner-centered selfdiscovery can. We...

15 underutilized crops for improving the lives of smallholder farm families

15 underutilized crops for improving the lives of smallholder farm families
Despite the incredible diversity of useful plants that exist, a small handful of crops feed the majority of the world and millions of people still suffer from malnutrition and poverty. This talk will discuss some often overlooked crops that have the potential to alleviate suffering through...

Investing in African women and thriving food markets through post-harvest innovation

Investing in African women and thriving food markets through post-harvest innovation
While technologies have revolutionized agriculture and created growth in wealthier countries and regions, 90 percent of the produced food in Sub-Saharan Africa is harvested and processed by hand—resulting in low yields and poor quality products with limited market potential. Women farmers are...

Anthropology as a tool for facilitating agricultural development

Anthropology as a tool for facilitating agricultural development
Human perception of reality is mediated through assumptions, beliefs, and mental habits, most of which are products of our culture. Typically, this does not present a problem until we find ourselves trying to function in an unfamiliar environment. Thus, Northern facilitators trying to function in...

Low cost plant parasitic nematode management strategies

Low cost plant parasitic nematode management strategies
This session aims at discussing simple and yet effective agronomic practices for most vegetable crops that discourage the buildup of plant - parasitic nematodes and other soil borne pathogens in the soil. These agronomic practices range from timely watering or irrigation of crops, use of...

Seed2Save – an ‘old school’ approach to vegetable seed development

Seed2Save – an ‘old school’ approach to vegetable seed development
To empower persons working among rural farmers and gardeners in developing nations. One limiting factor is the availability of affordable quality seed of varieties well suited to the climate and culture. Seed2Save is Mike’s approach to make selections of open-pollinated varieties within target...

When Helping Heals

When Helping Heals
In a world that looks for instant results, how do development workers guide communities to enduring positive transformation? Values and interventions that have helped many, often in remote and challenging contexts, to contribute to long-term sustainable change will be shared. Bev Abma Bev...

2017

Presentation Slides

2017 Presentations - ECHO International Agriculture Conference

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An ex-post evaluation of 10 years of Conservation Agriculture (CA) promotion in Zimbabwe: Lessons for food security interventions - Putso Nyathi

An ex-post evaluation of 10 years of Conservation Agriculture (CA) promotion in Zimbabwe: Lessons for food security interventions
The presentation will be based on findings of an ex-post evaluation of 10 years of Christian Care’s Conservation Agriculture (CA) programming which started in 2006 and ended in 2014 in five districts of Zimbabwe with funding from the United Church of Canada and the Canadian Foodgrains Bank...

Tropical and subtropical fruit crops for small to moderate farm holdings - Dr. Jonathan Crane

Tropical and subtropical fruit crops for small to moderate farm holdings
Topics to be presented include, matching the tropical and subtropical fruit crops to local environmental conditions as well as plant space and size management and low-input cultural practices for small holdings (nutrient, water, and pruning). Simple tactics for potential off-season cropping will...

Post-conflict agriculture - Dr. Joshua Ringer

Post-conflict agriculture
As development practitioners, researchers, and changemakers we are confronted by situations in which armed conflict has torn apart the physical and social structures of societies. Smallholder farmers are deeply impacted and often take part in these conflicts. Rebuilding small holder agriculture...

Cold chain 101: You can’t always get what you want - Dan Gudahl

Cold chain 101: You can’t always get what you want
Growing, harvesting, preserving and marketing food that benefits from chilling or freezing is no easy process. Middlemen, lack of education, poor technology transfer, difficult or non-existent agriculture credit, unclear market linkages, tradition, volume and production inconsistencies, lack of...

A new approach in aquaculture development in developing countries: The Haiti model - Dr. Valentin Abe

A new approach in aquaculture development in developing countries: The Haiti model
This plenary presentation will discuss how developing countries (especially Haiti) can be competitive in aquaculture production and protect their environment. Even though world food fish aquaculture rose to over 70 million tons in 2015, developing countries contributed less than 8% in volume and...

Integrating practical nutrition education into community agricultural programs - Kathy Corson Bryson

Integrating practical nutrition education into community agricultural programs
For too long agriculture and nutrition have been separate sectors of development. Producing more food does not insure less child malnutrition in farm families. What are some practical high-impact actions that every family can do to have children who can survive and thrive? How can a development...

Farmer-led research on agroecology and nutrition in Malawi and Tanzania - Rachel Bezner Kerr, Ph.D

Farmer-led research on agroecology and nutrition in Malawi and Tanzania
Agroecology is a holistic approach to farming which takes into account social, environmental, and health concerns of food production. A long-term participatory research project with smallholder farmers in Malawi and Tanzania using agroecology will be discussed. In this research project, farmers...

Moringa-coated sand filters as a sustainable solution for clean water - Dr. Stephanie Butler Velegol

Moringa-coated sand filters as a sustainable solution for clean water
Traditional water treatment using moringa seeds only removes 90 – 99% of pathogens while allowing fouling of the water over time.  Over the past seven years Dr. Velegol’s research group has created an innovative and sustainable process that solves these two problems.  When crushed seeds are added...

Dialogue education and farmers - Dr. Tom Post

Dialogue education and farmers
In this session we will explore how seven steps of learning design, “4 A’s” for designing learning activities, and taking account of cognitive domains and learning styles can energize the farmer-teacher interaction.  The ideas we will use in this session are based on the teachings of Jane Vella...

Access to electricity as the path to empowering individuals and uplifing rural communitities in the developing world - Richard Hallas

Access to electricity as the path to empowering individuals and uplifing rural communitities in the developing world
Access to power and building local knowledge in rural Africa is enhancing education, agriculture, and economic growth. Examining the most efficient and affordable use of electricity and best practices through the lens of three case studies: 1) Implementing solar at a small village school project...

Environmental restoration and peace building - Birori Dieudonne

Environmental restoration and peace building
We will describe how a Biblical basis for work and care of creation integrates people in society and reconciles communities.

The Chaya Project in Zimbabwe - Margaret Tagwira

The Chaya Project in Zimbabwe
Margaret Tagwira will share about the successful promotion of chaya in Zimbabwe

Urban homegardens: A case study in Fort Myers, FL - Marcie Dallmann

Urban homegardens: A case study in Fort Myers, FL
This session is based on the speaker's research into homegardens in two low-income areas of Fort Myers, FL. A summary of relevant scientific literature will be presented, followed by the research results. These results include a list of plant species, and descriptions of homegarden structure,...

Sustainable intensification of smallholder systems in northwest Cambodia - Dr. Tom Gill

Sustainable intensification of smallholder systems in northwest Cambodia
Sustainable intensification of Cambodian rice systems through the integration of horticulture and livestock production shows promise by increasing the opportunity for smallholders to access new markets, increase incomes, and improve dietary diversity.  

Building agricultural extension capacity in post-conflict settings - Dr. Austen Moore

Building agricultural extension capacity in post-conflict settings
Agricultural extension plays a fundamental role in advancing agricultural development in post-conflict countries. Dr. Moore will elaborate the impacts of different extension policy approaches and practices in post-conflict settings and identify the key elements needed to rebuild agricultural...

Servant leadership in organic farming - Acivo Rhakho

Servant leadership in organic farming
The Asian Rural Institute teaches servant leadership on an organic farm. Hear from a graduate how that impacted her work in Cambodia and Northeast India.  Learn how you could get involved as a volunteer, intern or participant at ARI.

Africa University small farm resource center - Fanuel Tagwira

Africa University small farm resource center

Options for sustainable production after deforestation of tropical rainforests - Dwight Carter

Options for sustainable production after deforestation of tropical rainforests

A brief history of rambutan in Central America - Dwight Carter

A brief history of rambutan in Central America

Context: Its impact on implementation of agriculture and servant leadership - Bev Abma

Context: Its impact on implementation of agriculture and servant leadership

Climate change and food security. What are the risks and how can we prepare? - Dr. Janet Lewis

Climate change and food security. What are the risks and how can we prepare?

Practical lessons about managing a non-profit organization - Dr. Martin Price

Practical lessons about managing a non-profit organization

Conservation Agriculture - Putso Nyathi, Pugeni Vurayayi, and ECHO Staff

Conservation Agriculture

An agricultural extension demonstration farm template & community development project - Grace Baldwin and Alan Baldwin

An agricultural extension demonstration farm template & community development project

Videos

2017 Videos - ECHO International Agriculture Conference

Return to the list of all past Conferences

An ex-post evaluation of 10 years of Conservation Agriculture (CA) promotion in Zimbabwe: Lessons for food security interventions

An ex-post evaluation of 10 years of Conservation Agriculture (CA) promotion in Zimbabwe: Lessons for food security interventions
The presentation will be based on findings of an ex-post evaluation of 10 years of Christian Care’s Conservation Agriculture (CA) programming which started in 2006 and ended in 2014 in five districts of Zimbabwe with funding from the United Church of Canada and the Canadian Foodgrains Bank...

Tropical and subtropical fruit crops for small to moderate farm holdings

Tropical and subtropical fruit crops for small to moderate farm holdings
Topics to be presented include, matching the tropical and subtropical fruit crops to local environmental conditions as well as plant space and size management and low-input cultural practices for small holdings (nutrient, water, and pruning). Simple tactics for potential off-season cropping will...

Post-conflict agriculture

Post-conflict agriculture
As development practitioners, researchers, and changemakers we are confronted by situations in which armed conflict has torn apart the physical and social structures of societies. Smallholder farmers are deeply impacted and often take part in these conflicts. Rebuilding small holder agriculture...

Cold chain 101: You can’t always get what you want

Cold chain 101: You can’t always get what you want
Growing, harvesting, preserving and marketing food that benefits from chilling or freezing is no easy process. Middlemen, lack of education, poor technology transfer, difficult or non-existent agriculture credit, unclear market linkages, tradition, volume and production inconsistencies, lack of...

A new approach in aquaculture development in developing countries: The Haiti model

A new approach in aquaculture development in developing countries: The Haiti model
This plenary presentation will discuss how developing countries (especially Haiti) can be competitive in aquaculture production and protect their environment. Even though world food fish aquaculture rose to over 70 million tons in 2015, developing countries contributed less than 8% in volume and...

Integrating practical nutrition education into community agricultural programs

Integrating practical nutrition education into community agricultural programs
For too long agriculture and nutrition have been separate sectors of development. Producing more food does not insure less child malnutrition in farm families. What are some practical high-impact actions that every family can do to have children who can survive and thrive? How can a development...

Farmer-led research on agroecology and nutrition in Malawi and Tanzania

Farmer-led research on agroecology and nutrition in Malawi and Tanzania
Agroecology is a holistic approach to farming which takes into account social, environmental, and health concerns of food production. A long-term participatory research project with smallholder farmers in Malawi and Tanzania using agroecology will be discussed. In this research project, farmers...

Moringa-coated sand filters as a sustainable solution for clean water

Moringa-coated sand filters as a sustainable solution for clean water
Traditional water treatment using moringa seeds only removes 90 – 99% of pathogens while allowing fouling of the water over time.  Over the past seven years Dr. Velegol’s research group has created an innovative and sustainable process that solves these two problems.  When crushed seeds are added...

Dialogue education and farmers

Dialogue education and farmers
In this session we will explore how seven steps of learning design, “4 A’s” for designing learning activities, and taking account of cognitive domains and learning styles can energize the farmer-teacher interaction.  The ideas we will use in this session are based on the teachings of Jane Vella...

2016

Presentation Slides

2016 Presentations - ECHO International Agriculture Conference

Return to the list of all past Conferences

Modernizing Extension and Advisory Services

Modernizing Extension and Advisory Services
The objective for MEAS is to define and disseminate good practice strategies and approaches to establishing efficient, effective and financially sustainable rural extension and advisory service systems in selected countries. Our goal is to help transform and modernize these extension systems, so...

Biochar for soil restoration and environmental management: An integrated food-energy systems approach - Dr. Roy Beckford

Biochar for soil restoration and environmental management: An integrated food-energy systems approach
Dr. Roy Beckford presented findings from a research project that investigated an intervention strategy. The first goal was to determine the practicability of rebuilding soil horizons on eroded parent soils using blends of biochar and compost to create anthroposols, through a process called...

Culturing beneficial microbiology for farming - Stacy Reader

Culturing beneficial microbiology for farming
The goals of this presentation are to exhibit how microorganisms and microbiology benefit ecosystem health and explore in what ways farmers can use microorganisms and microbiology to increase the long-term health of soil, crops, or animals.  The use of microbiology for soil restoration by...

The basics of biogas for smallholder farmers - Dr. Ann Wilkie

The basics of biogas for smallholder farmers
Anaerobic digestion, or biodigestion, involves the microbial degradation of organic materials in an oxygen-free environment. Feedstocks for anaerobic digestion include livestock manures, crop residues, culled fruit and vegetables, food waste, and other organic by-products. The process produces...

Financial literacy for development workers - Tina Ugland

Financial literacy for development workers
This is an introduction to basic bookkeeping and accounting concepts. It will be presented in an easily understandable way that is meant to demystify accounting terms and concepts. The objective is to provide a level of understanding that will create a foundation for the accounting work that you...

Green manure/cover crops - Dr. Tim Motis

Green manure/cover crops
Dr. Motis presented an overview of the use of tropical legumes as green manure/cover crops. Drawing on findings from ECHO research, this talk will cover 1) benefits of legumes, 2) basic characteristics and growth requirements of some commonly grown legumes, and 3) ways to integrate these into...

Pure water does grow on trees! - Rick Kemmer

Pure water does grow on trees!
Are you curious about how moringa seeds can remove 90-99% of the impurities from dirty water? Come and see it in action! While we are thrilled with what moringa seeds can do on their own, we are working to develop an even better process utilizing functionalized sand (a combination of crushed...

EIAC 2016 - Group Photo (Tall)

EIAC 2016 - Group Photo (Tall)

Water-harvesting principles & the story of an African rain farmer: Design guidelines for regenerative water and fertility management - Brad Lancaster

Water-harvesting principles & the story of an African rain farmer: Design guidelines for regenerative water and fertility management
“You must plant the rain before you plant a seed or tree!” proclaimed rain farmer Mr. Zephaniah Phiri Maseko of Zimbabwe. By doing just that, he and his family turned a wasteland into an oasis, raised groundwater and well levels even in dry years, reduced flooding in wet years, and enhanced the...

EIAC 2016- Group Photo (Wide)

EIAC 2016- Group Photo (Wide)

EIAC 2016 - Group Photo (Square)

EIAC 2016 - Group Photo (Square)

Creation care through agricultural development - Scott Sabin

Creation care through agricultural development
Creation care is a unique way to better understand God and participate in his redemptive work in the world. Furthermore, while care of the environment may seem a secondary priority, those we seek to serve are particularly vulnerable to its degradation. Presenter: Since 1995, Scott Sabin has...

How linguistics can benefit agricultural development workers - Dr. David Ross

How linguistics can benefit agricultural development workers
This presentation explores the benefits of linguistic and cultural sensitivity to increase the effectiveness and acceptability of agricultural development projects. Two examples of well-intentioned development projects, which failed for lack of cultural understanding, are cited – one a...

Tropical legumes for sustained cropping on marginal soils - Dr. Tim Motis

Tropical legumes for sustained cropping on marginal soils
Through generous support from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, ECHO completed a five-year (2010-2015) research project in Limpopo Province of South Africa. The central question addressed was “How can smallscale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa continue to produce food with limited resources for...

The value of sustainable tourism as a complement to agriculture activities in rural community development - Colin Richard

The value of sustainable tourism as a complement to agriculture activities in rural community development
This presentation will examine the value of sustainable tourism as a complement to agriculture activities in rural community development settings. The United World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) identifies tourism as “one of the strongest drivers of world trade and prosperity,” and the majority of...

Silvopastoral systems in Brazil - Felipe Pinheiro

Silvopastoral systems in Brazil
This presentation will focus on the potential use of silvopastoral systems (SPS) in Brazil to fight the increasing of land degradation and will describe the specific characteristics of SPS in the different ecological regions of the country. We will also consider management aspects, ecosystems...

Upland maize production systems: Strategies for sustainability - Dr. Josh Ringer

Upland maize production systems: Strategies for sustainability
Market forces in Southeast Asia have encouraged the proliferation of Hybrid Maize (Corn) production systems among marginalized smallholder farmers throughout upland areas. This presentation will describe that system and how the system can become more efficient in order to increase financial...

Evaluation: How can we help farmers do better? - Bob Morikawa

Evaluation: How can we help farmers do better?
Knowing how farm communities are doing, and how a community development project is impacting farm families is critical to community and project success. This workshop will discuss evaluation strategies and share practical lessons learned on conducting effective evaluations.

Designing polyculture and companion plantings for tropics and drylands - Daniel Halsey

Designing polyculture and companion plantings for tropics and drylands
Understanding the dynamics of ecological design and agricultural practices connect at the point of design. Travel with us through our design process to create an ecologically balanced and appropriate diagram to implement, whether on small acreage or vast hectares of land. Learn the steps and...

Increasing smallholder resilience through agroforestry - Dr. P.K. Nair

Increasing smallholder resilience through agroforestry
Resilience refers to the capacity for ecological systems to persist and absorb changes. Climate-change resilience encompasses a dual function, to absorb shock as well as to self-renew to cope with new circumstances. Agroforestry offers both mitigation and adaptation strategies for enhancing...

Videos

2016 Videos - ECHO International Agriculture Conference

Water-Harvesting Principles & the Story of an African Rain Farmer - Design Guidelines for Regenerative Water and Fertility Management

Water-Harvesting Principles & the Story of an African Rain Farmer - Design Guidelines for Regenerative Water and Fertility Management
“You must plant the rain before you plant a seed or tree!” proclaimed rain farmer Mr. Zephaniah Phiri Maseko of Zimbabwe. By doing just that, he and his family turned a wasteland into an oasis, raised groundwater and well levels even in dry years, reduced flooding in wet years, and enhanced the...

The basics of biogas for smallholder farmers

The basics of biogas for smallholder farmers
Anaerobic digestion, or biodigestion, involves the microbial degradation of organic materials in an oxygen-free environment. Feedstocks for anaerobic digestion include livestock manures, crop residues, culled fruit and vegetables, food waste, and other organic by-products. The process produces...

Biochar for soil restoration and environmental management: An integrated food-energy systems approach

Biochar for soil restoration and environmental management: An integrated food-energy systems approach
Dr. Roy Beckford presented findings from a research project that investigated an intervention strategy. The first goal was to determine the practicability of rebuilding soil horizons on eroded parent soils using blends of biochar and compost to create anthroposols, through a process called...

Creation care through agricultural development

Creation care through agricultural development
Creation care is a unique way to better understand God and participate in his redemptive work in the world. Furthermore, while care of the environment may seem a secondary priority, those we seek to serve are particularly vulnerable to its degradation. Presenter: Since 1995, Scott Sabin has...

How linguistics can benefit agricultural development workers

How linguistics can benefit agricultural development workers
This presentation explores the benefits of linguistic and cultural sensitivity to increase the effectiveness and acceptability of agricultural development projects. Two examples of well-intentioned development projects, which failed for lack of cultural understanding, are cited – one a...

Increasing smallholder resilience through agroforestry

Increasing smallholder resilience through agroforestry
Resilience refers to the capacity for ecological systems to persist and absorb changes. Climate-change resilience encompasses a dual function, to absorb shock as well as to self-renew to cope with new circumstances. Agroforestry offers both mitigation and adaptation strategies for enhancing...

Tropical legumes for sustained cropping on marginal soils

Tropical legumes for sustained cropping on marginal soils
Through generous support from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, ECHO completed a five-year (2010-2015) research project in Limpopo Province of South Africa. The central question addressed was “How can smallscale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa continue to produce food with limited resources for...

Wild fruits in Central Asia: Local use by farmers and international interest in the application of natural diversity in addressing agricultural problems of disease and weather

Wild fruits in Central Asia: Local use by farmers and international interest in the application of natural diversity in addressing agricultural problems of disease and weather
The Tian Shan mountains that straddle Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan on the west and China’s Xinjiang Province on the east are home to the Earth’s greatest collection of wild fruits of the rose family. Apples, pears, plums, apricots, and others are found in wild groves and forests and...