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| more pictures on our facebook page |
I gained a greater appreciation for soil life and why conservation agriculture is so important for subsistence farmers. I learned about Moringa and Katuk and Chaya and many other underutilized plants and multipurpose trees that can make a huge difference for farmers (for lunch one day we handpicked leaves and fruits from over 40 species of plants on the farm -- amazing diversity!). And we got some good exposure to integrated animal production and numerous appropriate technologies. A lot of good ideas and information packed into a week!
As we look forward to Tanzania, I'm excited about trying as many of the agricultural crops, practices, and technologies in our own backyard as we can. We will see what will be most helpful to the farmers we work with in each village as we learn what their real needs and wants are. It might be conservation farming and composting to rebuild the soil and improve crop production. It could be planting some underutilized crops to improve nutrition. Or some form of agroforestry to reduce erosion and improve growing conditions. As we anticipate working in a number of villages to address the complex issues of poverty, I am thankful to be part of the ECHO Community of development workers around the world and to have access to the vast network of knowledge and expertise it represents.
Thanks to our supporters for making it possible for me to take this valuable course.
January newsletter
You can find our latest newsletter in our newsletters archive.
- some interesting facts on tropical agriculture
- Missions Fest Vancouver this weekend
- support update and prayer and praise items
