Facilitators-Handbook-For-Permaculture

Workshop Module 12: Appropriate Technology 335

Field activity : Observe examples of natural energy

Method : Field visit

Tools : See preparations below

References : PC Book MOD 12 - Appropriate Technology

Objective : Participants assess working natural energy generation systems

Visit as many different examples as possible to show a range of systems. A field visit to
see examples of natural energy generation is very important because it will help explain
how these appropriate technologies work:

• Technical detail is much easier to understand when seeing models in action.


• Participants will be able to witness the benefits of using natural energy
  generation.


• Participants will be able to see the connections between natural energy
  generation, the environment and farming systems, especially with biogas
  systems and micro-hydro systems.

Preparation

• Identify sites that provides examples of natural energy generation.


• Identify people involved in the development, management, or ownership of
  the site. These people could be land owners, site workers, community leaders,
  project managers, etc.


• Speak to these people about the hope to conduct a field visit to their area/
  project and explain the objectives of the field visit. Ask them if they would
  be willing to share their knowledge and participate in the workshop by being
  available to explain the agriculture systems and answer participants’ questions.


• Make an agreement about the date and time for the site visit, ideally just
  following the presentations and practical exercises on this topic.


• Organise vehicles for transport and water, snacks, or meals for the participants if
  the field visit is longer than 2 hours.


• Organise clipboard, paper, and pens for the participants so that they can write
  notes, draw sketches, maps, etc during the field visit.

Running this exercise

• At the arranged time, go to the site and let the guides walk the participants
  around the site, explaining the plans and techniques used.


• Encourage the participants to write notes, draw sketches, maps, etc, and to ask
  as many as questions as possible. Encourage them to critically analyze the site
  as well (every site and project can be improved).


• After (or during) the field visit, the facilitator can conduct a group discussion
  where the participants can share what they learned and the facilitator can
  answer any further questions and add ideas if needed.

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