ECHO - Courses at ECHO :: Tropical Agricultural Development I: The Basics

Those interested in preparing for short/long-term involvement in agricultural development internationally are encouraged to participate in this one-week course held three times a 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. There will also be time for hands-on work on the farm, visits with staff, and study in the library. Course content is presented from a biblical perspective.

As a Christian non-profit organization based in Southwest Florida (Fort Myers), ECHO exists to maximize the effectiveness of those working with the poor internationally. We do this by providing agriculture-related technical support services to missionaries, development workers and national church leaders in as many as 180 countries. As the majority of the world’s poor live in warm climates, ECHO’s resources apply primarily to the tropics or subtropics.

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.

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. All classes are conducted in ENGLISH ONLY.

A few of the workshop sessions include: Concepts of Poverty Mentality; Principles of Community Development; Introduction to Soils and Land Care; Basic Gardening and Perennial Vegetables; Water Purification and Fuel-Efficient Cookstoves; Extending the Growing Season; and Dryland Farming Techniques

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For further inquiries, contact Karyn Traum, ECHO Study Coordinator at ktraum@echonet.org.

Course Description

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