For Environment, Democracy and Livelihoods
ForestAction Nepal organized and facilitated the second module of a training session on “Agroecology and permaculture design and practice” in Kauche, Sindhuli, from September 13th to 18th, 2024. The training had 17 participants and was led by primary instructors Bharat Mansata, a renowned writer, natural activist, and founder of Vanvadi, a collective forest regenerative initiative, and Malvika Solanki, an experienced permaculture designer and practitioner from India.
The training methodology integrated various learning approaches, such as presentations, interactive discussions, group work, and hands-on field exercises. The second module covered topics like flows and edges, patterns, energy storage and resources, mapping, biodynamic farming, community-scale design, siting and orientation of buildings, urban permaculture, and designing for catastrophes. This module was focused on hands-on experience in permaculture design. The participants were divided into four groups and were assigned projects.
Land-based project: site analysis and assessment, water management, soil improvement, sector analysis, functional analysis, zone mapping, base map, infrastructure development and placement, waste management, disaster preparedness
Market-based project: market survey/assessment, product selection and diversification, branding and storytelling, marketing channels, packaging and distribution, pricing strategy, feedback
Cooperative project: sector analysis, zone mapping, SWOT analysis, strategies, working approach
Urban design project: site assessment, mapping, zoning, maximizing space efficiency, water harvesting, waste reduction and recycling, culture, traditional food
On the final day, participants presented their project design. A detailed review and a reflection session were conducted to assess the overall training experience. The participants shared their insights, learnings, challenges, and positive takeaways from the training.
