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....
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...
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...
Key ResourceDespite 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 Abma is...