Agroecology

A community's ability to support itself depends on its ability to preserve and protect its land, water and other natural resources. That's why we teach the people we serve farming methods that have a positive impact on the environment through a process called agroecology.

Agroecology is socially, economically and ecologically sustainable agriculture production achieved through the management of natural resources to provide food and other products to restore and regenerate environmental functions and ecosystem integrity that protect the earth. All of our projects include an environmental focus that helps families raise their animals in harmony with nature and take steps to maintain a balanced ecology.

As a result of our training, families learn how to:

1. keep their small plots of land healthy and renew the soil for future generations by planting trees and using natural fertilizer
2. practice zero- or managed-grazing techniques, which means keeping livestock in an enclosed or shaded area and carrying fodder and water to them, instead of letting them wander in the open where they are more likely to catch diseases or damage the environment
3. contour planting and terracing- techniques that resist erosion (contour planting, or farming, is the practice of plowing and/or planting across a slope following its elevation lines)
4. use biogas units or improved stoves for cooking and heating their homes
5. encourage their communities to support policies that promote agroecology practices