At ECOTOP, we believe that sustainable agricultural practices begin with a shift in perception—how we see the world and the relationship with nature, our role in it, and the legacy we want to leave for future generations and our planet.
By transforming our mindset, we can make meaningful changes in our behavior toward nature. Our capacity-building efforts are designed to inspire this transformation, using proven educational tools such as the Erosion Box and Successional Model, refined through decades of experience.
Our training programs build on theoretical understanding of the principles of DAF method balanced with practical applications to equip participants with the skills needed to implement Dynamic Agroforestry Systems. Key modules include:
Participants learn how ecosystems evolve toward greater fertility and biodiversity, gaining insights into the interplay of species, soil, and climate.
The first workshops focus on theoretical concepts and practical exercises such as plot design, relevance of species selection,their life cycle and role in the system, and planning of planting designs, adopted to site-specific conditions.
Following workshops delve into essential management techniques, including pruning, biomass management, and stratification, to ensure long-term system resilience and productivity.
Learning with ECOTOP goes beyond classical knowledge transferIt is . an essential part of our training programme to move from conceptional learning phase to implementation phase. The establishment of demonstration plots in close collaboration with ECOTOP staff. These plots serve as hands-on learning environments where participants:
Define planting designs, select appropriate species, , and incorporate preferences for crops and ecosystem restoration.
Familiarise with site preparation, species planting, and later first initial management techniques.
Plant health and mortality rates,as well as stratification. Track and interpret changes in the system.
The demonstration plots allow participants to see theory in action, fostering confidence and competence in applying Dynamic Agroforestry techniques to their own fields.
Through these training programs, ECOTOP empowers farmers and organizations to not only adopt sustainable practices but also become stewards of the land. Our holistic approach ensures participants gain both a conceptual, theoretical understanding and the practical skills to regenerate ecosystems, enhance livelihoods, and combat climate change.
In 2021, we introduced Dynamic Agroforestry to our cocoa farmers in Sierra Leone. ECOTOP’s passion and expertise helped us continuously maximize farmer income, yields, and climate resilience while expanding to new sourcing regions.
