Delegates from developing nations across the globe are in Southwest Florida this week for the Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization or EHCO Global Farm’s International Development Conference. 

ECHO Global Farm in North Fort Myers works with NGOs, non-profits, community leaders and farmers from 180 developing countries throughout the world. 

“ECHO’s different from many relief or development organizations around the world,” says spokeswoman Danielle Flood.  “ECHO doesn’t come in with ideas and say ‘This will work for you.’  We work through partners that already know the language, already know the culture, and are intimately involved with the problem and say ‘Here are some options.  What do you think will work with your people in your community?’”

Delegates at the conference are discussing agricultural challenges and sharing solutions they’re experiencing in their own countries. READ MORE

Robert Sanou is the conference delegate from Burkina Faso in West Africa where he coordinates efforts by a Christian Aid organization called The Christian Alliance for Economic Cooperation and Social Development.

“Last year we had floods that destroyed many harvest crops; completely destroyed, said Sanou.  “And this year it’s not flood but dryness.  So our agriculture is so challenged and that’s why also the government is more and more focusing on what kind of seeds can fit with our reality.”

Conference workshops and presentations will continue through Thursday.