HEPA (Human Ecology Practical Area) Farmer Field School (FFS) is a pioneering training dedicated to strengthen indigenous youth. HEPA FFS lies at the heart of the 6 inter-thematic networks action of Mekong Community Network Action for Ecological Trading (MECO-ECOTRA).
Overuse of resources and the lack of a caring attitude towards Human-Nature relationships in many sensitive watershed ecosystems have been the major causes leading to land desertification problems, gradual erosion of social traditions, and the losses of ecological biodiversity.
Challenges and overcoming the challenges is not easy
13/03/2014
Phonh, who is a Khmu ethnic student, came from Laos. He has been appointed to undertake an internship in Thailand. In spite of the challenges from the difference of language and culture he has tried his best to overcome. After two months, Phonh was able to write a four-pages report in English and was confident to communicate with international friends in workshops.
Source: Phonh
Workshop about empowerment
Workshop organic farm
INEB conference
Over two months studying in Thailand, Phonh would like to share some good lessons:
In Eco – farming, we should protect beneficial insects because they are important links in nature. In fact, there are more than 90% the number of insects are beneficial and only less than 10% are harmful.
When planting trees and vegetables, we need to know soil characteristics, climate and water environment in that region.
When weeding for the garden, we shouldn`t make the ground too clean, because the soil top layer under weeds is the habitat of worms and its eggs. We should protect them because they are known as playing an important role in improving the porosity and the fertility of the soil
Absolutely do not burn crop residues, otherwise the soil loses macro and micro nutrients; beneficial microorganism will be killed due to the increasing of temperature (Proper temperature of microorganisms are 23 to 28oC)
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Sustainable Ecological Livelihood and Food Sovereignty 
