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.
ViengPhet’s useful lessons in 3 months study in Myanmar
26/01/2014
In spite of the initial difficulties from new environment, new culture and new relationships, ViengPhet has overcome. These difficultiesbecame opportunities for him to achieve good lessons
Source: Vieng Phet (Lao`s student - Trainee in Myanmar)
Designing and sharing eco-farming knowledge in the work office
Throughhis own indigenous knowledge, combined with knowledge and skillshe has learnt from FFS–HEPA, this foundation give him confidence to design and build up vegetable gardens following eco-farming principles. He shared his motivation and experience on eco-farmingwith Myanmar friends who are living, learning and working with him. ViengPhet has explained and helped his friends understandthe importance of eco-farming and how it isdifferent from chemical agriculture.
Learnt from the challenges of the local people
ViengPhethas learnt a lot of things by noticing the challenges that local villagersthereare facing. Although his village condition is hard, this mountainous village is more difficult, more insecure. No transportation; townsare veryfar from the village; villagers have to walkkilometers to bring their products to markets. Drinking water isin serious shortage because there are no rivers, streams or lakes surrounding the village. Villagers have to store rain water to serve domestic use.
In addition, the weather condition here is not favorable. It is very hard for cultivation activities, families no being able to harvest enough foods for living and they don’t have enough money to send their children to school. Living on the mountains means always being confronted with the threats from erosion and landslide. Some locations in this village have also been undermined by landslides in floods.
Lessons from the Workshop on Favourite Organic Farming Participants
Through the workshop onFavourite Organic Farming Participants organized by the TOA program on 18th to 22nd November 2013,ViengPhet also has learnt many useful lessons, such as: what and how to become a member of this network; the way to build and develop an eco-farm at householdand community levels; or how a green market is operated.
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Sustainable Ecological Livelihood and Food Sovereignty 
