I work closely with village communities along the boundary of Mikumi National Park in the South Central portion of Tanzania. These communities are highly challenged by low crop productivity  as a result of unsustainable farming which later drive them to expand their farms to wildlife areas.

This in turn  results to conflicts between people and wild animals in particular elephants, as a result of elephants eating their crops when moving from Mikumi to other national parks.

I help these farmers to practice sustainable farming by using using organic pesticide, minimal tillage and enhancing market for organic produce.(https://www.ecowice.org/sustainable-food/). I have currently supported more than 200 farmers who have increased crop productivity as  a result of applying sustainable farming practices.

Despite successes, I have also faced some challenges and lessons which are based in both outreach and research.

I have learned that in order for me to help my farmers effectively I need approaches that are well informed by data, skills and experience.

Therefore, I would love to participate on ECHO East Africa Biennial Symposium that I hope will give me an opportunity to share my work and learn more from other organizations and projects. Also I hope to increase network that could help me to find potential partners to work with in the future.

I am calling anyone to support me on attending this conference as I need only $360 that covers transport, accommodation and meal.

Thank you so much!

Felician Ezekiel