2016-11-17 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 ‘...
2016-11-17 “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 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...
2016-11-15 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...
2016-11-17 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...
2016-12-14 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...
2017-01-19 Dr. Motispresented 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...
2016-11-17 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...
2016-11-16 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 served...
2016-11-16 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...
2016-11-16 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...
2016-11-15 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...
2016-11-15 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...
2016-11-15 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...
2016-11-15 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.
2016-11-15 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...
2016-11-15 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...