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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 focus 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 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.

Language: This course is offered in English

Faith and Farming is a scripture engagement initiative, connecting the Bible with everyday farmers experiences. It has two goals, to help those working on the land to:

1) engage with all of the Bible in the language that they use as they work on their farms or with their animals, and
2) make a connection between their faith in God and their day to day work, so that their whole life is impacted and reflects God’s greatness in everything they do and say.

To do this, the Faith and Farming programme highlights and learns from the many farmers in the Bible, including God Himself, the very first "farmer" who planted the Garden of Eden.

The LEAD Community of Practice, in partnership with ECHO Asia, is excited to be hosting the first Faith and Farming training event in Asia. This training event has been contextualised for an Asia-Pacific context, but as with all training, much of the material covered will need to be sensitively considered and potentially adapted for implementation in your own unique work setting.

Note: This training event is open to people of differing faiths and no faith, and as a community of practice we recognise the benefits of diversity when dealing with complex topics. However, for this event in particular it is important to note the training will be based on stories and principles from the Christian Bible. Please consider carefully whether this is an event that you will be comfortable participating in fully.

Event Goal:

Participants return to their places of work with a better understanding of the connections between their faith, farming and agriculture more broadly, and are equipped and motivated to share their learning with others.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the event participants will have...

1. A basic theological understanding of the connections between Faith and Farming,

2. Reviewed and considered what the Bible has to say about farming and agriculture more broadly, and what the implications are for us as we work with the land in a sustainable way,

3. Considered what it means to be a follower of Jesus and a farmer and the implications for Scripture Engagement initiatives,

4. Seen firsthand a selection of sustainable farming techniques demonstrated at the ECHO Asia Global Farm,

5. Begun to plan what their next steps are for incorporating their learning into their own work and context.

And by six months after the event participants will have run one training event in their own location, with the support of others as needed.

This 1-week course is designed for development workers, missionaries, and volunteers looking to engage their communities with low-cost, high-impact agricultural ideas and techniques. Participants will be introduced to various agricultural practices and technologies through classroom time and hands-on activities on the farm, learning to 'use what you have to make what you need.'

This course is considered an 'introductory survey course' and will present a broad overview of many options suited to smallholder agricultural contexts in Asia. 

Greetings! .. You are cordially invited to join for our First ECHO East Africa and Tearfund Joint Symposium on " Best Practices in Sustainable Agriculture and Appropriate Technology" from the 20th through 22nd February, 2024 in Juba, South Sudan. We hope that you will gather with us in this important event as we will be sharing best practices promoted by different actors across the region. It will be an opportunity for networking for those working in East Africa to alleviate poverty, fight against hunger, improve food security and overall livelihood of the people we serve in East Africa.

Presentations

General themes: Agroecology, climate smart practices, conservation agriculture, garden techniques in drylands; Nutrition improvement; a Biblical basis to working in communities; reconciliation/peace-making; reducing post-harvest losses; gender, women and girls’ issues.

Livestock-base themes:  animal health services, establishing & improving livestock markets; rural poultry systems & Newcastle disease vaccination; East Coast Fever immunization; Ethno-veterinary medicine solutions

Land use, and range-based themes: Holistic management experiences; community natural resource management plans; conservation agriculture in drylands; farmer managed natural regeneration – FMNR; small kitchen gardens

Water-based themes: Water storage by sand dams; water filters; water purification with Moringa seeds; water

harvesting at household or community level

Seed and agro-input systems themes: inputs value chains, transitioning from input aid to market-oriented agro-input system, seed multiplication options, quality issues, last-mile agro-dealer and seed companies models

Access to finance themes: post-conflict opportunities and challenges, formal and informal institutions, current status,  (banks, cooperatives, SACCOs, MFIs, VSLA)

Food processing and value addition: current status (challenges, opportunities, cottage industry, appropriate technologies, food safety and quality,  

This 1-week course is designed for development workers, missionaries, and volunteers looking to engage their communities with low-cost, high-impact agricultural ideas and techniques. Participants will be introduced to various agricultural practices and technologies through classroom time and hands-on activities on the farm, learning to 'use what you have to make what you need.'

This course is considered an 'introductory survey course' and will present a broad overview of many options suited to smallholder agricultural contexts in Asia. 

This 1-week course is designed for development workers, missionaries, and volunteers looking to engage their communities with low-cost, high-impact agricultural ideas and techniques. Participants will be introduced to various agricultural practices and technologies through classroom time and hands-on activities on the farm, learning to 'use what you have to make what you need.'

This course is considered an 'introductory survey course' and will present a broad overview of many options suited to smallholder agricultural contexts in Asia.