Benefits of organic farming
Benefits of organic farming training and follow-up for groups includes:
• It is a less expensive learning method.
• It attracts markets – locally and for export.
• It is environmental friendly.
• It is a suitable production method.
• It points to the future of the industry.
• It encourages organisation. During training and subsequent follow up, for instance, the group is encouraged to elect a chairman and a committee.
• The group is also encouraged to legally register with government authorities and to open a bank account.
• The group becomes properly structured and qualifies for possible assistance from other NGOs. Most of all, the entire group is encouraged to meet regularly and to have a group project involving all the members. Such a project may be a marketable product that the group grows, processes value addition and markets together. The meeting place is often the group’s demonstration garden within their communities, where they show and learn various organic farming techniques.
• It is environmental friendly.
• It is a suitable production method.
• It points to the future of the industry.
• It encourages organisation. During training and subsequent follow up, for instance, the group is encouraged to elect a chairman and a committee.
• The group is also encouraged to legally register with government authorities and to open a bank account.
• The group becomes properly structured and qualifies for possible assistance from other NGOs. Most of all, the entire group is encouraged to meet regularly and to have a group project involving all the members. Such a project may be a marketable product that the group grows, processes value addition and markets together. The meeting place is often the group’s demonstration garden within their communities, where they show and learn various organic farming techniques.
At KIOF, we maintain contact with various groups through regular magazines, for instance What’s About, and through inviting the groups to attend Farmers day in November/December of every year. The institute is also promoting the marketing of organic produce and certification process.
How to apply for the farmers training course
Farmers or persons interested in organic farming courses should form a group of at least 20 farmers within their community. They should look for convenient places within their village for a venue. They should then collect training fees and inform KIOF. During the week of the training, the group should organise their own meals and training materials.