The first …

.. Women in Merangding are trained in detail and receive the material for cultivation at home. All of them are totally eager and excited about this new opportunity. The plan was to have 25 members for the new cooperative, but the number of interested women is increasing daily and so we are already at 35.

The work is progressing rapidly, in 2 days the basic training could be carried out as “field training”. It is nice that many women were already able to participate themselves. For this training, the women also brought their equipment from home, which will be supplemented if necessary. So they learned composting, mulching, creating raised beds and gardening. In addition, they will make microorganisms for soil improvement and liquid fertilizers for crops. Soon they will be able to implement what they have learned in their own fields. The women are very excited about the model farm and greenhouse, which will serve as a community center for everyone in Merangding. There, information about permaculture and organic farming will be made available to all, a seed database will be created, and trainings will be held.

Many thanks to Fair Styria, who made this project possible with their support.