Workshop Module 7: Farming 207Step 1
Ask the participants to split up into 3 workgroups (see the appendix for ideas about using
a creative group creation techniques).
Step 2
- Each group chooses 2 cards at random, 1 animal card and 1 plant card.
- These cards represent the 2 productive systems that the groups will integrate
into their basic farm models. - The groups can integrate the 2 new systems any way they choose, but the
facilitator should list the following guidelines for the groups to refer to when they
are working on creating their designs:- Can the waste products from each system, like manure or plant materials,
be reused by other parts of the new farm system? - How many times can energy and resources, like water or fences, be reused
or shared in the farm design? - How many ways can the different systems work together for the benefit of
the whole system? E.g. trees providing shade for animals, animals providing
pest control for vegetables, aquaculture run-off providing nutrient rich
water for other crops, etc. - Other elements or techniques such as legume trees, nursery, drying and
storage facility, etc can be added if the groups decide it is necessary or
beneficial.
- Can the waste products from each system, like manure or plant materials,
Step 3
- Each group is asked to create a simple map to help explain their plan.
- If time provides, they can also include a list of ideas of all the things they want
to produce in their integrated systems. - Each group should be able to explain how the different systems work together.
Step 4
After each workgroup has completed their designs, they can present them to the entire
group for feedback and other suggestions.