Permaculture training for farmers ends

Accra, May 5, GNA - Permaculture Network, a non-governmental organization that promotes sustainable agriculture systems and ecological principles, on Saturday ended a training programme for farmers and farmer-based organizations, which started on April 23 at Techiman The training programme had about 38 participants which included organizations like Heifer International Ghana groups, Care International - Abrono Organic Farming Project (ABOFAP), Kumasi Institute of Tropical Agriculture (KITA), Peace Corps Volunteers associated with Community Based Organizations, Kranka Habitat for Humanity Livestock Association . Kranka Islamic JSS

Other participants were Organic Agriculture for Public Health and Wealth and Techiman Business Advising Centre A statement issued in Accra by Ms Brie Frey, Co-organizer of Permaculture training programme, said the organization collaborated with Mr Greg Knibbs, Director of New Earth Enterprise in Australia to put together the educative and exciting package for the farmers.

"Permaculture is a functional sustainable design system based on the natural systems of forest and we do it for humans, plants, and animals. We cannot design the systems unless we care for the earth, care of people, and share our resources." It is an agricultural system that uses natural practices to keep soil fertile, crops and livestock healthy; while protecting the environment and encouraging genetic diversity. The statement said "practicing permaculture in Ghana was important because much of the land is deforested and exhausted from farming. Permaculture comes to help the farmers of Ghana to rehabilitate the eroded and deforested land. It also encourages people to do agricultural things in their homes". Mr. Greg also noted, "course participants will be able to design any landscape from a small urban/rural land from 1,000 sq meters to 10,000 sq meters plus".

Permaculture Network's mission is to encourage, educate, and promote the use of permaculture by farmers and people in Ghana, which will contribute to the environmental soundness, and stability of the country's future.