ECHO and their Effort in Ending Hunger

ECHO is the Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization.  It is dedicated most of all to finding alternative energy sources to make food and water for countries that may be lacking heavy industry and satisfactory living conditions.  At ECHO, we toured the farm and came across many different plants, grow techniques, and machinery.   The machinery at ECHO was the most impressive of the three.    

Rower Pump

Rower Pump in Use

The machinery is made sometimes from recycled materials, but above all the machinery requires no electricity.  Some of them are powered by the solar energy panels, but most of them are powered by individual human energy.  One machine we saw was the Rower Pump (see photos.)  The Rower Pump is a simple model of a common piston pump.  The design uses a rowing motion to move the piston and draw water from the source.  Vic, our tour guide, said that even children could work these machines.  The developing world needs accessible machinery in order to produce water and food. This machinery is appropriate for developing countries because they are easy to use, require low maintenance, and can be operated by almost anyone, the machines ECHO has showcased are appropriate for hunger prevention.  ECHO focuses most of its land on food.  

Various Plants at ECHO

Eatable plants, fruits, and leaves are all growing in ECHO. 
We were allowed to sample many different types of plants in order to get an idea of what is easy to grow in often unsuitable conditions.  ECHO's mission is outstanding.  Although I have already elected to do my service learning at the Food Forest, I would be interested in visiting ECHO again.  It was very interesting to see what mechanical and eatable options are available.