Course Description

Those interested in preparing for short/long-term involvement in agricultural development internationally are encouraged to participate in this one-week course held at various times throughout the year. Course participants will gain an introduction to aspects of poverty and community development and an orientation to ECHO. They will also receive instruction on proven agricultural principles/practices and practical techniques, systems and technologies to meet agricultural and nutritional needs of small-scale, impoverished farmers. 

Rationale

We have found there are several agricultural development-related questions and issues that are dealt with by nearly everyone who studies at our campus. What are some principles I should be aware of in doing community development? What should I know about poverty mentality that would help me better understand the people I am trying to help? What are some key concepts regarding soils and gardening that would help me teach others to grow food plants in the tropics? What are some proven techniques or crops that I could introduce in my project area that could really make a difference in the lives of the poor?

In too many cases, these issues are not addressed until a development practitioner has already made mistakes and encountered setbacks in their projects. Often, these mistakes could have been avoided. For instance, a basic understanding of how conditions close to the equator differ from those in more northern latitudes can help North American gardeners avoid the mistake of assuming that the plants they are familiar with "back home" will succeed in the tropics. This course is designed to equip participants with a foundational understanding of tropical agriculture and community development, as well as with some specific agricultural technologies that have significantly improved the lives of smallholder farmers in many parts of the world.

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.

Location:

ECHO Florida Campus
17391 Durrance Road
North Fort Myers, Florida 33917
United States

The closest airport to ECHO is RSW, located in Fort Myers, Florida.

Cost:

Registration Fee $750.00

Early Bird Rate: $695.00

Spouse Rate: $575.00

Local Attendee (No Housing): $490

Registration Information:

Registration fees include:

• The week-long course,
• Meals (starting on Sunday night through Friday dinner)
• Housing for Sunday night - Saturday morning

Housing will be dormitory type. We have very limited facilities for couples to share their own room.  We are not able to assure accommodation for those with special dietary needs or food allergies, please plan accordingly.

Cancellation Policy - ECHO Classes 

Payment for ECHO classes is required at the time of registration. Due to the nature of the class, we require at least 2-weeks notice of cancellation to receive a full refund of your fees. If less than 2-weeks notice is given we will be unable to issue any refunds.

These courses are interest-driven, therefore we reserve the right to cancel an course due to lack of interest. Should a cancellation be necessary, we will do so at least two weeks prior to the first day of class.

Suggested items to pack:

It is always a good idea to bring a jacket or sweater. As there will be time built in for being on the farm and possibly working with our interns, bring a set of clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. A hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle and insect repellent would be good to include in your luggage. It may also be helpful to bring a flashlight to use in walking around campus after dark.

Suggested Reading list:

http://edn.link/tad1

General schedule for each day

7:00-8:15 AM Breakfast (Provided in the housing) 

8:30-10:30 AM Teaching session

10:00-10:30 AM Break/networking time

10:30-12:00 PM Teaching session

12:00-1:30 PM Lunch (cooked and served on site) 

1:30-3:00 PM Teaching session

3:00-3:30 PM Break/networking time

3:30-5:00 PM Teaching session

6:00-7:00 PM Dinner
 

Main Topics for the Week:

(Note: This schedule may vary slightly from class to class.)

• Foundations of Tropical Agriculture
• Agricultural Soil and Water
• Plant selection for the tropics
• Farming Practices and Systems
• Tools for Development

If you have questions, please email agtraining@echonet.org.