INDIA: Organic Farming and Environmental Education
Field of Studies: Environmental Sciences, Agriculture, Agro-Ecology, Climate Change Mitigation, Water Conservation
Language: English
Number of Participants: 2
Scheduled time of the internship: 3 months between August and October 2013
In the territory between the Palani and Sirumalai Hills in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, agriculture is the main occupation of the inhabitants. Over the past years, the area has seen environmental degradation which puts the livelihood of people at risk. As a result, migration to the cities has increased. The Sirumalai Evergreen Multipurpose Community Development Society (SIMCODESS) offers the people of the region environmental education to halt these developments. They put emphasis on organic farming and bio-fertilizers. Besides trainings on sustainable agriculture, SIMCODESS also gives out micro-credits and offers education in order to integrate marginalized groups into society.
The interns will support the organization’s daily work with special focus on training rural communities in setting up organic manure compost centres and developing samples of bio-fertilizers. Therefore, they will analyze the local agricultural practises and then organize workshops and support farmers to develop plans on the use of bio-fertilizers. The GLEN-participants will also be invited occasionally to teach environmental issues in local schools. The organization offers the interns a working space, internet access and accommodation.
Most importantly, participants should have knowledge of sustainable and organic farming techniques. Furthermore, they should have experience with bio-fertilizers, manure-preparation and compost centres. Teaching skills are also welcome. The interns should be outgoing and enjoy working with people.
The scheduled time for the internship is 3 months between August and October 2013. Training and seminars prior to the internship will be held in English.
The tandem will be formed by a French participant and a German/Swiss participant.
Proposed by: Visuvasam Gnana Fidelis (Secretary – SIMCODESS)
Number of the internship: 5000300615
