ECHO

I personally think ECHO is a great idea to help poor countries help themselves by teaching them about growing and sustaining their own food sources. ECHO is basically a training center for those that do volunteer missionary, or relief work in other countries. The goal is to teach them how to show the people in these countries the basics of farming that are economical and sustainable in the specific environment in which they live. One thing that stood out to me was the area where they showed us different crops grown in all sorts of mediums including empty soda cans. It shows us that no matter where we live, we can grow our own food, even if it is in a densely populated urban area where space is an issue. We talked with interns that were training at the facility, including one who explained how they use urine to add nutrients to the soil. Many animals were also being raised on the demo farm such as rabbits, ducks, tilapia, goats, and many more. Often animals and plants are used in a symbiotic relationship. For example, the ducks were housed over the lake, they were fed from the plants and their feces would then feed the tilapia in the water below. We were shown a plant called “miracle fruit” which produced berries and leaves which you could eat. They actually alter your taste buds changing sour to sweet and vice-versa. The demo farm gets money from donations, guided tours, and the sale of plants, seeds, and many other items to help their efforts. It really was an interesting experience, and seeing the above ground gardens at the farm gave me the idea to set up a small garden in my own back yard for my final project in this class.