For Environment, Democracy and Livelihoods
ForestAction Nepal organized and facilitated a six-day training session on agroecology and permaculture design and practice in Vyas, Tanahu, from April 6th to 11th, 2024. The training had a total of 20 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 works and hands-on field exercises. The training was divided into two modules, with the focus on essential topics in the first module. These topics included the introduction and significance of regenerative agroecology, the value of traditional practices and bio-cultural knowledge, fundamental principles of soil and water conservation, and water harvesting systems. The training also covered Bhaskar Save’s natural/organic farming approach. Participants were introduced to permaculture principles, ethics, and design methods like functional analysis, sector analysis, and zone analysis.
Practical techniques on seed saving, re-afforesting watersheds, integrated pest management techniques, and urban food gardening strategies were discussed during the training sessions. The training also emphasized community-centric approaches to increase socio-ecological awareness and promote collective action.
Additionally, engaging activities were incorporated into the practical sessions to provide hands-on learning experiences for the participants. These activities included landscape reading (a foundational component of permaculture design, where participants learn to observe and analyze the natural features and patterns of a landscape), contour line mapping (by understanding the contour lines, participants can design water harvesting systems, terraces, and swales that help slow down water runoff, prevent erosion, and promote efficient water distribution across the landscape) and composting demonstrations. These engaging activities not only provided valuable hands-on experience for the participants but also reinforced the theoretical concepts discussed during the training sessions.
On the final day, a detailed review and reflection session was conducted to assess the overall training experience. The participants shared their insights, learnings, challenges, and positive takeaways from the training. Participants were also assigned tasks to be completed before the next module of the training, which is scheduled for mid-September 2024.
Overall, the participants left the training with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and commitment to applying agroecology and permaculture principles in their own practices. They were eager to continue their learning journey and contribute to building more sustainable and resilient food systems in their regions.
