Food Security, Environmental Restoration and Conservation focuses on transforming existing production systems to achieve food security in harmony with environmental restoration and conservation. The Inclusive Agro-Ecological School on the Amún Shéa campus agricultural experimental areas trains local farmers in preparing organic fertilizers, new growing techniques and prepares Ag-extension agents. As farmers go through the training and apply the new methods, the agro-ecological courses increasingly take place on actual farms that have become successful. We have set up Community Markets for the direct sale of local produce to increase income for the grower. We also have provided limited financial assistance for improving infrastructure and for acquiring the equipment necessary for increased production.
A three-year (Oct 2021-Oct 2024) Inter-American Foundation grant for the amount of $302,150 supported the development of three components: educational support, agroecology certificate program, and community agroecology nodes.
In 2024, a $25,000 grant from the Gloria Kriete Foundation allowed us to create and launch the Inclusive Agro-Ecological School to improve the education and practice of sustainable ecologically-focused food production.
In 2025, an additional $100,000 grant from the Gloria Kriete Foundation was for the follow-up and expansion of the activities and practices of the Inclusive Agro-Ecological School.
