The mission of workgroup Natural Farming is to spread knowledge about and to implement projects regarding the Ecological Contract (see Eternal Spring) with its two action points:
- restore and improve soil fertility
- restore and increase biodiversity
Therefore the working group organises sensitisation campaigns, participates at agriculture fairs and expositions, advises neighbourhood associations, professional growers and farmers, and co-operates with the national government and international organisations, as well as with community based organisations.
At the Training Centre La Rencontre, the working group provides guided tours, various courses and training programs in organic agriculture and natural farming.
Series of Pictures:
{slider= West-Suriname (Apoera, Washabo)}
Requested by the Indigenous communities, this project aims to provide guidance during the transition from nomadic farming with “slash & burn”, towards sustainable methods for residential agriculture. Traditional Indigenous knowledge is included and adapted to the new, contemporary lifestyle. Main issues are time and energy saving methods which provide in high yields and a varied diet in the immediate environment of the dwellings. Look closely to the soils?
[widgetkit id=””8″” name=””Voedselzekerheid voor Inheemse gemeenschappen in West-Suriname (Apoera, Washabo) / Food security for indigenous communities in West-Suriname (Apoera, Washabo)””]
{/slider}
{slider= Cabendadorp. Savannah area}
About half of the Indigenous population of Suriname resides and lives in the lean savannah girdle. Poverty and malnutrition / under nourishment are requiring problems. The working group supports the local population to convert the lean savannah soil into fertile kitchen gardens.
[widgetkit id=””9″” name=””Van savanne tot moestuin (Cabendadorp – Savannegebied) / From savanna to kitchen garden (Cabendadorp -Savanna area)””]
{/slider}
{slider= Maize crop at Lelydorp}
Late ?90 the farmer decided to convert his farm to organic agriculture. Production clearly increased ? sometimes with 50 % ? while external inputs and investments decreased drastically. More fertile soils are a lasting result.
[widgetkit id=””10″” name=””Productieteelt Lelydorp / Cultivation yield””]
{/slider}
{slider= Agricultural Fair Kwatta March 2004}
Ecosystem 2000 is stealing the show with an exhibition of organic products. Jef Crab had the honour to be the keynote speaker during the opening of this national event. Jef spoke in favour of organic agriculture, social justice and fair market systems for farmers.
[widgetkit id=””11″” name=””Landbouwtentoonstelling Kwatta maart 2004 / Agricultural Fair Kwatta March 2004″”]
{/slider}
{slider= Healthy food for disabled children}
Ecosystem 2000 supports layout and maintenance of organic gardens which supply antroposophic center Matoekoe daily with fresh vegetables. More than fifty physical and / or psychic children obtain their healthy and healing meal.
[widgetkit id=””12″” name=””Gezonde voeding voor gehandicapte kinderen / Healthy food for disabled children””]
{/slider}
West- Suriname
Requested by the Indigenous communities, this project aims to guide the transition from nomadic farming with “slash & burn”, towards sustainable methods for residential agriculture. Traditional Indigenous knowledge is included and adapted to the new, contemporary lifestyle. Main issues are time and energy saving methods which provide in high yields and a varied diet in the immediate environment of the dwellings. Look closely at the soils?
Cabendadorp
About half of the Indigenous population of Suriname resides and lives in the lean savannah girdle. Poverty and malnutrition/undernutrition are requiring problems. The working group supports the local population in converting lean savannah soil into fertile kitchen gardens.
Maize crop at Lelydorp
Late ‘90, the farmer decided to convert his farm to organic agriculture. Production clearly increased? sometimes with 50% ? while external inputs and investments decreased drastically. More fertile soils are a lasting result.
Agricultural Fair Kwatta March 2004
Ecosystem 2000 is stealing the show with an exhibition of organic products. Jef Crab had the honour of delivering the keynote address at the opening of this national event. Jef spoke in favour of organic agriculture, social justice and fair market systems for farmers.
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Healthy food for disabled children
Ecosystem 2000 supports the layout and maintenance of organic gardens which supply antroposophic center Matoekoe daily with fresh vegetables. More than fifty physical and/or psychic children obtain their healthy and healing meal.
