Natural Farming Program
The Need
In the face of ongoing conflict and challenging terrain in Southeast Asia, Karen communities struggle with food insecurity and nutritional deficiencies. Limited access to diverse, reliable food sources leaves rural families vulnerable, especially for the next generation of Karen youth who need practical solutions to break this cycle.
Our Approach
The Natural Farming Program trains Karen youth in organic farming, soil restoration, and crop diversification tailored to jungle environments. Taught from a Christian worldview with Karen heritage in mind, students learn to steward God’s creation with patience, faith, and natural methods that multiply what He has already provided.
The Result
Graduates return to their villages equipped to better manage resources and grow a greater variety of crops, improving local food security and nutrition. They strengthen community resilience, share knowledge with local farmers, and cultivate long-term abundance and hope for the Karen people.
Year 1:
Certificate in Natural Farming Fundamentals
Students build foundations in the Biblical mandate of natural farming, research methodology and ethics, Karen farming heritage, natural farming systems, soil biology, water management, pest management, and produce marketing.
Future Track:
3-Year Associate Degree
After earning their Year 1 certificate, students can elect for a 2-year food production specialization in plant cultivation, livestock farming, or herbs and traditional medicine.
Future Track:
4-Year Bachelor’s Degree
After specialized food production studies, students can capstone in Natural Farming Education Management, where they learn agriculture teaching, curriculum design, measurement and evaluation, and entrepreneurship.
“Local people have survived for generations on subsistence farming. The farmers have many challenges growing rice and vegetables in the steep mountains. To address the need for food at Rain Tree Clinic and in the local community, Earth Mission has started a Natural Farming School. The NFS teaches local people the best practices of farming in the mountains gathered from different areas of Southeast Asia. Dr Chi has joined with Earth Mission and has many years of experience in training people in farming. We aim to increase yields of rice as well as varieties of plants to reduce food insecurity and hunger problems.”
—Dan Ryan, Executive Director
$6,000/year funds tools, supplies, training, and living expenses for one student.