Saving the World with Organic Agriculture: Grassroots Permaculture Education in Myanmar (Burma)

Abstract

Environmental degradation, food insecurity, lack of food sovereignty, and loss of livelihoods are resulting in the breakdown of traditional, long-established agrarian communities in Myanmar (Burma). This paper is based on a case study, conducted over a two-year period, into a unique pedagogical program that has been developed by Burmese nationals in Myanmar. The Network for Environment and Economic Development (NEED) - Myanmar, is attempting to address local environmental and food security issues by educating young adults from rural areas throughout the country in the practices of permaculture. NEED has established an eco-farm in the south of the country and sixty students have now completed their ten-month environmental education program. The challenge NEED has set itself is to assist individuals and communities by enhancing traditional, cultural and practical skills and knowledge with new, more environmentally or ecologically sustainable and community friendly agricultural techniques, practices, and processes. As such NEED is part of the growing, global eco-topian social movement.