Today we focus on the projects of Permaculture Specialist Rico Zook. His more than two decades of experience spans permaculture designs to promote enhanced living conditions through the fruitful collaboration of people and nature. He works with communities, large and small, including NGOs to find solutions to restoring and preserving natural ecosystems for better food productions and land restoration.  With these partnerships, they implement community building and development through permaculture workshops, and apply permaculture principles in demonstration sites. Click here for his complete bio.

Harmony Farm – Beng Melea, Cambodia

In 2009, Mr. Zook taught a permaculture design class sponsored at Singing Tree Café in Siem Rep in which a local farm/orphanage in Beng Mealea called Harmony Farm participated. After the workshop, the farm implemented many of the permaculture concepts to help improve operations at the farm – through better planting and infrastructure designs.

Permaculture in Cambodia with Rico Zook from AstralJester on Vimeo.

Harmony Farm is a local Khmer run NGO  in Beng Mealea that provides housing, care and education for 18 orphans and participates in local community building. The farm is composed of:

- a children’s centre (orphanage)

- learning centre (where classes/ recreational activities are held for local rural and village kids)

- general garden/farm area for organic food production and permaculture designed infrastructure.

The NGO is funded through donations, grants and fees charged for program participation.

Mission

The farm aims for sustainable living not only for itself but for the local community, through nurturing disadvantaged children’s development and using permaculture as a tool for self sufficiency.

Accomplishments

Little by little, Harmony farm has achieved its goals with partnerships and volunteers, as well as the cooperation of everybody on the farm. Completed projects include:

- Compost Toilet Construction

- Village House and Classroom Construction

- Village Office Construction

- Fence

- Pond and Road Construction

- Land Purchase

In-Progress

- Solar Facility for Village Location

- Daily Breakfast Program for Local Village Children

-  Chicken Yard with Chicks

Future Plans

- House for Children and Staff at Harmony Farm (Budget: $21,900)

- School for Children at Harmony Farm

- Environment and Conservation Program

- Biodigester and Pig Yard

Harmony Farm Needs You

The farm is always open to volunteers, donations and grants.

Contact Info

Email: harmonyfarmcambodia@gmail.com, ccrdo_org@yahoo.com

Farm Director: Vannak: (855) 11 805 665

More info:
http://www.campsinternational.com/projectblog/?p=1438

http://oneworldfamily.net/?p=107

(Source: Permaculture Research Institute of Australia)

The new Permaculture Research Institute of Jordan, under management of the Permaculture Research Institute of Australia, launched the Jordan Valley Permaculture Project in March of 2008 to redevelop and revitalize arid lands in the Dead Sea Valley to establish a sustainable living environment that can fill the basic necessities of the underprivileged local community. The project demonstrates energy saving, sustainable living models that include:

- Waste water treatment done naturally with biological processes

- Diverse plant, tree and animal systems to sustain food production

- Composting (dry)

- Cooling systems (natural)

- A nursery for plants

- Rain water collection with earthwork

- Solar powered models for heating water and providing electricity.

Also known as “Greening the Desert“, the project features a main educational center for permaculture design classes. The first class was conducted in October, 2009.

(Source: Permaculture Research Institute of Australia)

To date, the project has successfully completed some of its milestones for the March 2011 target deadline:

Phase I (Sept., 2008) – all initial infrastructure was built, including the main house, fencing, garden set-up, compost toilet (dry), water tanks, reed bed (gravel), nursery, animal area and plant nursery.

Phase II (March, 2009) – solar infrastructure installation, plant and animal systems set-up and completion of the main house (furnishing, interiors, kitchen, bedrooms, office).

Phase III (March, 2010) – Completion of training programs for local trainers with mentorship from the main Permaculture research institute for management of the project (education, administration and infrastructure).

Future Plans

The Permaculture Research Institute of Jordan aims to establish completely local operations with minimal visits from the mentoring staff. The institute also looks forward to extending the project to other Jordanian areas which might take an interest in establishing a similar system.

Project Needs

This project needs permaculture course enrollees to take part in Permaculture Design Course (PDC)s to help establish a fund for maintaining operations. Click here for more information.

Contact Info:

Permaculture Research Institute of Jordan

Email : geoff (at) permaculturejordan.org

Tel: +61 (0)2 6688 6578

Cell: +61 (0) 427862902

(Source: Nepal Permaculture Group (NPG) )

Nepal Permaculture Group (NPG) is a national non-government organization (NGO) composed of different members of sustainable agriculture, development and permaculture groups in Nepal.  They are also affiliated with the Social Welfare Council (SWC). Founded in 1992, they aim to spread permaculture principles in the country. The organization’s mission is to develop a self-sustaining society through sustainable development practices.

Methodologies:

- Holds workshops, press conferences, rallies and publications to further its vision

- Expand members’ knowledge through training and exposure

- Organize seminars and training on Sustainable Agriculture and Permaculture

- Produce English and Nepali Permaculture literature

- Establish a database of Permaculture resources

- Document and interface traditional social systems with Permaculture knowledge

- Research and develop activities on Permaculture and sustainable development

Accomplishments:

At present these are the successful projects already completed:

- Promoting Sustainable Agriculture in Nepal (PSAN)

In cooperation with Inter-Church Action (Canada), and the United Mission to Nepal (UMN), the NGO spearheaded farmer training and trainer training in various localities around the country. They built 30 learning centers, conducted conferences and workshops on sustainable farming. These centers are now used as model farms.

- Permaculture Promotion in Kaski

Together with the World Vision International Nepal Kaski (WVIN-Kaski), NPG conducted livelihood educational projects in different farming communities, including permaculture design courses and design training.

- Seed for Survival (SFS)

This project aimed to promote genetic diversity in four ethnic communities to improve food production. Educational emphasis was placed on farm agrobiodiversity and conservation through the sharing of skills, local practices and knowledge. As an extension of the program, livelihood training was also added to help the local economy generate employment and micro-enterprise opportunities.

- Food Security, Organic Agriculture (OA) and Local Market Devt. Workshop

An Organic Agriculture workshop promoting technical knowledge for food production and marketing organic products was launched with funding from EED (Germany) and UCN (Netherlands).

- Promoting Organic Agriculture for Food Security in Nepal (POAF)

POAF is still underway in the central region to address food security issues in local food production. Its objective is to promote organic technologies and production methods along with a strong marketing system.

MAIN Program Details

1. Network/Policy Advocacies

NPG is active in policy making related to permaculture and sustainable development.

2. National Permaculture Forums/ General Assemblies

The organizational network is dedicated to establishing a national forum to address food security and climate change on a national level.

3. Training

The National Permaculture Group offers sustainable agriculture/ permaculture courses nationwide to develop environmental and social consciousness. These include: Basic and Advanced Permaculture design, Training for trainers, Sustainable Agriculture and Organic Agriculture courses.

4. Promotion

The organization also works with different certification and inspection bodies to advance its vision. They partner with Organic Certification Nepal (OCN) and the Nepal Organic Inspector’s Association (NORIA) to implement permaculture model projects, farm design and community development work.

NPG Needs You

They offer volunteer opportunities to anyone interested in their causes. Click here for more information.

Contact Info

Nepal Permaculture Group (NPG)

Central Secretariat

GPO Box: 8132, Kathmandu, Nepal

Tel: +977-1-4252597,

Fax: +977-1-4419284 (Attn.)

E-mail: npg@earthcare.wlink.com.np

(Source: Produce Green Foundation)

The Produce Green Foundation is a non-profit charity entity promoting organic farming and sustainable living. Founded in 1988, the organization’s mission is to provide education on healthier, safer food based or more natural food production and environmental preservation concepts. The non-profit is a member of: the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, the Hong Kong Organic Farming Association and the International  Federation of Organic Agricultural Movement.

Accomplishments

To date Produce Green has successfully implemented many projects:

- An organic farm near Hok Tau Village

- Publication of the Hong Kong Organic Directory and “Scarecrow“, a quarterly magazine

- and the establishment of an organic certification system (local).

Program Details

1. Organic Farming Projects

The organization supports the Hong Kong Organic Farming Association’s Organic Resource Center and its organic certification system. They hope to make organically grown produce more mainstream in the future.

2. Community Gardening Promotion

Produce Green’s HK organic School and Community Network (HKONE), along with other gardening seminars and freely distributed organization sponsored publications targets schools to promote organic community gardens. Farming courses for campus tutors are also offered.

3. Educational Initiatives

The non-profit shares it vision through eco-tours and environmental educational activities at its central site. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, a “green” eating workshop, sustainable living lessons and other special activities.

Produce Green Needs You

To further its organic farming vision and sustainable living principles, the organization needs your donations to continue with its educational initiatives and courses, as well as acquire more property for organic farming. You can also become a member to avail of special benefits and privileges. Click here for more information.

Contact Info

Produce Green Foundation

18 Hok Tau Village,

Fanling , N.T., Hong Kong

E-mail: info@producegreen.org.hk

Tel  2674 1190

Fax  2674 8077

(Source: www.cabiokid.org)

Cabiokid, located 90km from Manila, in Nueva Ecija (Luzon island), is a 5.5 hectare integrated farm implementing permaculture methods and principles as well as eco-tourism. It also functions as a development project site for the latest in permaculture technologies (engineering, education and local economics). The foundation’s name is pronounced “Ka-bee-o-kid”, a play around the words “bukid” (“field” in Filipino) and the word “bio”. They also offer training and educational courses in nature-based technologies and permaculture.

The foundation site is a former rice farm that used non-sustainable methods and chemicals but was restored in 2001 to its rich soil state with organic farming. It now hosts over a thousand plant species, some livestock, with ponds and waterways in the background. Rice is still the main focus of harvest on the farm.

Foundation activities:

- At present the foundation is working to promote sustainable development ideas by doing demos on doable eco-friendly solutions targeting the surrounding local communities, the youth and the marginalized sector.

- Regular 3-7 day permaculture courses are offered with actual examples on the site. Tailor made courses can also be requested on similar topics, including alternative building, waste management and human resource management.

- The Wildlife preservation project is underway in cooperation with local government agencies.

- The “BEMBU” program aims to develop bamboo as an alternative building resource.

- The Cabiokid store and library offers educational resources as well as farm products for sale. They can also contact the farm to rent facilities for tours and seminars.

Current Projects

1. STEP

The Sustainable Technologies and Entrepreneurial Permaculture Program (STEP) initiative, in cooperation with the Isabela provincial government, Antwerp (Belguim), and SALIS aims to teach sustainable livelihood to local communities as well as provide ecological awareness about global warming. Cabiokid targets to build information centers (organic highways and learning resource centers) to do this.

2. Pintig

Cabiokid, in cooperation with Happy Earth, plans expansion through development of an additional 4 hectare land nearby. Development plans include plowing and planting, along with fencing the area.

3. Green School

The Basic Ecology Project aims to provide environmental lessons to elementary school children, with modules from a partner school in Belguim. This culminates in planting activities, lectures and an educational tour on the Cabiokid farm.

CaBIOkid Needs You

Volunteers and working students are welcome on the farm. They can contact Angelito Agustin, Area manager, at cabiokid@yahoo.com for more information.

Contact Info

Cabiokid Foundation

Guapito st.,
Brgy Sta. Rita,
Cabiao, Nueva Ecija,
Philippines

Email:cabiokid@yahoo.com

Tel:
farm based: 0928 551 3935
other: 0920 9114290

(Source: Permaculture Activist)

The Jajarkot Permaculture Programme (JPP) is a small center based in Jajarkot, Nepal, aimed at revitalizing traditional farming techniques with enhanced sustainable methods for better results. This small organization is supported by ActionAid Nepal. The program works with the local community to increase food supply and improve production.

Program description

JPP has demonstration sites for presenting sustainable farm design with the incorporation of social programs. The first permaculture design course was conducted in 1995 by experienced farmers and permaculture experts. They taught fellow farmers how to increase yield with proper land use and efficient utilization of available resources to enrich fields without needing additional farm lands. The Center also provides training for income generating livelihoods: beekeeping, weaving, vegetable production and potable water systems.

Current agricultural initiatives are:

• Agro-forestry

• Composting

• Farm system diversification

• intercropping

• Regenerative agriculture methods (green manures)

JPP extends its services by supporting human rights for minority groups and the poor. Their social development program includes support for small enterprises, adult education, along with access to better credit/saving systems and health facilities.

Contact Info:

Jajarkot Permaculture Programme (JPP)

P.O. Box 10908

Kathmandu,

Nepal

Tel: Kathmandu 270466 (off.), 272167 (farm)

Fax: +977(1)259833

Nepalganj (081) 22389

Surkhet (083) 29313

Email: jpp@mos.com.np

(Source: Solitude Farm Facebook Page)

Solitude Farm is a farm community using permaculture methods for growing crops on a six-acre property in Auroville, India. Farm owners base their planting methods on Masanou Fukuoka’s philosophy of natural farming. The farm grows different vegetables, lentils, fruits, oil seeds, millets and rice. As part of their sustainable agricultural activities, the farm members also practice green building techniques and alternative energy methods.

Projects in Progress

According to the farm’s blog , they are now in the sowing season for red rice. The farm used green manure and composting on 300 sq meters of field to enrich the soil. The whole process took 6 months. When weeds grew they were pulled and used as mulch.

The farm is experimenting with this technique based from Msanobu Fukuoka’s theories. Solitude Farm hopes to replicate this model with other crops if planting is successful.

Project Needs

As the farm hosts different volunteers, more work is needed on agricultural endeavors.

Contact Info

Solitude Farm

Email: latiruese[at]yahoo[dot]com

Tel: +91 0413 2622068.

(Source: kicsforum.net)

The Centre for Education & Documentation (CED) is a non-government organization (NGO) (with offices in Mumbai and Bangalore) that works to disseminate development information about the marginalized sector to other NGO’s and other pertinent organizations. CED also functions to support and promote advocacies related to pressing issues in the marginalized sector.

Program Description

The NGO operates two info centers in Bangalore and Bombay where teachers, students, journalists and professionals, and others can get access to development information.  CED produces documentaries, films, publications, digests and posters about their mission subjects.

Sustainable Agriculture Projects

CED’s Urban Agriculture Program

In 2008, the NGO presented a program entitled “Climate Changes Cities – recycle waste, grow food, save water” to discuss Urban Agriculture topics. The main focus of the program was CED’s own documentary called “City Farming”, a film about sustainable organic farming in cities. The film discussed the many benefits of organic city farming. Other program events included a lecture from “Organic Agriculture in Cuba” author Bharat Mansata and a presentation about rain water harvesting.

Non Pesticidal Management DVD film (Currently Being Promoted)

The film is for interested individuals, activists, social workers, or other cause-oriented groups who can use the DVD as a resource material about farming without pesticides. CED also has related film-related paraphernalia (articles, documents, etc) available.

Contact Info:

http://www.doccentre.org

Centre for Education & Documentation (CED)

***

CED Mumbai

3 Suleman Chambers

4 Battery Street

Behind Regal Cinema

Mumbai – 400 001

Phone: (022) 22020019

email : cedbom@doccentre.net

CED Bangalore

No. 7, 8th Main , 3rd phase

Domlur 2nd Stage

Bangalore – 560071

Phone: (080) 25353397

email: cedban@doccentre.net

(Source: http://www.sewaecotourism.org)

The Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) is a non-government (NGO) entity and trade union based in Ahmedabad dedicated to empowering women who are in the unorganized employment sector. Founded in 1972, they cater to 94% of women workers in India who are self-employed or working in their own small enterprise without any benefits. The organization’s main aim is to give a better life and bargaining power to these women. SEWA is both an organization and a movement to boost women’s rights to lucrative work, decision making and protection.

Program Description

The NGO has different branches and services to fulfill their mission. They work in:

Training and Education

-The SEWA Academy along with their other training centers focus on practical knowledge and training for members. This includes encouraging members to develop their confidence, talent and leadership potential.

Child Care

-SEWA also runs child care centers in cooperation with local groups, the social Welfare Board and ICDS. They take in children of agricultural, tobacco and other rural workers.

Health Care

- The program objectives are health education, as well as coordination with national health services (government, public hospitals and others) to help members with proper nutrition, family planning, immunization, and TB control, among others.

Housing and Infrastructure

- Hoping to improve housing/infrastructure environments for poor women, SEWA offers access to home financing, legal services, technical and practical information about housing markets and housing-related income opportunities.

Legal Services

- The organization provides legal assistance through an advisory center and court support in member’s cases (complaints, harassment, work related and others).

Sewa Bank

- The Swashrayi Mahila Sewa Sahakari Bank (SEWA Bank) is a cooperative that provides financial services to members. It offers appropriate credit and asset building services to help poor, self-employed women better their financial situations.

Current Permaculture Project

SEWA Ecotourism (Ganeshpura) is initiated by SEWA’s Vanlaxmi Women Tree Grower’s Cooperative to achieve an eco-regenerative project in Gujarat. Aimed at creating sustainable self-employment, the women perform permaculture activities through multi-cropping and create tourism opportunities on the farm site.

Activities include:

- Horticulture

- drip irrigation

- composting

- Rainwater harvesting

- cropping method design

- Other low cost techniques for boosting agricultural productivity

Project Needs

SEWA ecotourism needs more technical assistance for making their farm more sustainable. Visitors can also help fundraising efforts. Grants are appreciated as well.

Contact Info

http://www.sewaecotourism.org

*SEWA ecotourism

Contact Person: Kudarti Mitra Pravasan Kendra

Shree Vanlaxmi Mahila SEWA Vruksh Sahkari Mandali

Village: Ganeshpura, Block: Kadi, District: Mehsana

Email: van_pani@sancharnet.in

Niruben : 9979558609

Jignashaben : 9428421225

Salmaben : 9924006803

***

http://www.sewa.org

Self Employed Women’s Association

SEWA Reception Centre,

Opp. Victoria Garden,

Bhadra, Ahmedabad – 380 001.

India.

Tel : 91-79-25506444 / 25506477 / 25506441

Fax : 91 – 79 – 25506446

Email :mail@sewa.org

(Source: http://permaculture.org.au)

The Dong Kam School Food Garden is a small green initiative to provide a sustainable food source for Dong Kam school students in Kalasin Province. It started as a model project to demonstrate skill building activities for students but became a community bonding experience for the local people as well.

To date, project members, consisting of teachers, students and locals have built many environmentally friendly mini-projects. Locals were trained to build mud houses to reduce costs. A small vegetable garden was also started. Then teachers installed a soil-cement brick making machine and a bio-gas processor to help locals do sustainable work on their own.

Contact Info

Contact Loong Yoot at bike_forkids@hotmail.com