ECHO is by far one of the most interesting field trips I have been on in a really long time. It is fascinating to me the many ways you can grow crops out of resources I could have never imagined. Examples include, using plastic bags, car tires, soda cans, socks, you name it and it was most likely used, as a crop growing method. ECHO was created by founding member Martin Price, as a means to show third world countries sustainable methods for growing crops, finding a water source, and maintaining livestock, in all ways that correlate with each other. Recycled materials are used to house the seeds; recycled materials are used to work with the land to establish an irrigation system, as well as the animals are caged to collect the fertilizer which helps to maintain the seeds. ECHO is divided into different sections according to climate regions: tropical, sub-tropical, highland, monsoon, aired, and so on.
This picture is an example of one of the many methods for irrigating water at ECHO. This device is called a treadle pump. In order for it to work, a person has to push the two paddles with hid/her feet and apply their weight. The faster they "treadle," the faster the water will spill out into the crops. This method helps to control the amount of water being released and therefore allow the families who use it to have enough drinking water.
These examples that were showcased compare to my view to "American" agriculture, in the sense that they both produce crops that can be used to feed many people. Although the methods used, are ones that America used acquire, in order to waste less resources, and use minimal chemicals. The methods at ECHO are more environmentally "friendly" win comparison to typical American not so "friendly" methods. The work at ECHO is extremely relevant to the developing world because this is work that people from these regions, if educated about these methods, can actually do themselves.
The two biggest problems that the developing world is dealing with are poor nutrition and a difficulty in finding a reliable water source. One of the solutions that I learned at ECHO is the use of Maringa seed, most widely known as the “miracle seed.” It gets its name because this seed can grow in almost any severe climate. Its leaves provide 7 times the vitamins of an orange, and over 2 times the amount of calcium, and so on. This plant has many nutritious benefits and can feed a starving family. The seed is also perennial, which means that when planted and grown, the plant will live on for years to come. Another benefit to this “miracle seed” is that when placed water; it will cause any impurities to be moved to the bottom, thus clarifying the water, and killing 90% of bacteria in the process. ECHO has harvested several Maringa seeds and has shipped them overseas to these countries.
Appropriate technology is using whatever resources you have to produce what you need. This form of technology is great for the developing countries since they don’t have much. Appropriate technology teaches these people to be innovative and resourceful. An example would be using a car tire, with plastic lining to catch water. Inside the tire there are empty soda cans, use to provide stability, which are then stuffed inside socks, which are used to soak the water and for root attachment. From this crops can be grown.
Goliath Bunny! (Seriously, this thing was huge) =D
After visiting ECHO, if I had the chance to go back I would. This is such a great organization, and more people need to know about it.
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