permaculture

Workshop Module 2: Natural Patterns and Permaculture Design 75

EXERCISE

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Creative thinking : Uses for community land

Method : Participatory map making and brainstorming

Tools : Dirt for the map, map models, paper, marker

References : PC Book MOD 2 - Natural Patterns and Permaculture Design

Objective    :  Participants    understand  to  potential   benefits    of  community   land

Community land is an important shared asset in every village. If utilized properly, it
can provide many different functions for the community, including providing food,
animal fodder, medicines, timber, bamboo, seeds, etc. It can also provide employment,
infrastructure, and other opportunities.

Preparation

If available, a scaled map can be used for this exercise. Alternatively, a simple map of
the community can be drawn in the dirt. Once you have a map of the area, conduct a
participatory brainstorm to create a list of uses for the community land which will benefit
the village. Small models can be created on paper and/or the participants can create
3-dimensional models of various elements to be included on the map, such as:

• Gardens. • Parks.


• Community food gardens. • Demonstration sites.


• Community medicinal gardens. • Community animal enclosures.


• Community buildings • Community aquaculture.


• Water storage facilities. • Waste treatment facilities.


• Water treatment facilities. • Community industries.


• Shade trees. • Fruit trees.


• Windbreak trees. • Farms and rice paddies.


• Marketplaces. • Schools.


• Community centers. • Power supply.

Note: The following exercise is not a proper design exercise like the end of course
design exercise. It is primarily a mapping exercise to show participants where different
elements can be placed in different zones and how these elements can be integrated.
It is an introduction to the design process.

Running the exercise

Have the participants can take turns placing elements in different ways on the map, while
discussing the benefits and reasoning for their choice of placement. The facilitator can offer
input and ideas about how the various components interconnect and can be placed to fulfill
the maximum amount of Permaculture principles. Document the results of the mapping
exercise either using images or by drawing the conclusions onto large sheets of paper,
which can be posted in the classroom for ongoing reference throughout the course. This
documentation will be useful for brainstorms and use in future trainings. If the participants
wish to do so, they can work together during or outside of the course to create action plans
and cost estimates of what would be needed to implement their ideas.