Call to Nature Permaculture

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Call to Nature Permaculture: processing Moringa leaf powder nutritional supplement and seed oil

Aburi , GhanaTeshie Nungua, Ghana
Year Founded:
2015
Organization type: 
nonprofit/ngo/citizen sector
Project Stage:
Growth
Budget: 
$10,000 - $50,000
Website:
https://www.patreon.com/user
Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/calltonature/
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Project Summary
Elevator Pitch

Concise Summary: Help us pitch this solution! Provide an explanation within 3-4 short sentences.

WANTED: on-site facility (1-room building with solar dryer, leaf mill, oil press) to process and package Moringa crop; products to be sold to generate cash flow to sustain us so that we can continue NGO work of establishing school gardens and giving away organic produce to underserved populations.

WHAT IF - Inspiration: Write one sentence that describes a way that your project dares to ask, "WHAT IF?"

What if students came home from school with organic produce for their family that they grew themselves in their school garden?
About Project

Problem: What problem is this project trying to address?

Disconnect between educational needs and school curriculum. Disconnect between people and Earth, the source of their sustenance.

Solution: What is the proposed solution? Please be specific!

I have the necessary skills, resources, and community support to create a processing facility for the Moringa crop. Here is a sample of my DIY history: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncKkMqdUidM.

Awards

Pollination Project, August 2015; GiftAway Grant from Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, Madison, WI, 2015; Mission Grant, First United Methodist Church, Greeley, Colorado, 2015
Impact: How does it Work

Example: Walk us through a specific example(s) of how this solution makes a difference; include its primary activities.

In its first year, Call to Nature Permaculture planted more than 20,000 trees, created rainwater harvesting systems, built structures using repurposed and natural local materials, started three school gardens, and trained students in organic agricultural practices in metro Accra. Solomon Amuzu is a Contributor at Extinction Radio where he presents permaculture tips and practices: http://www.extinctionradio.org/.

Impact: What is the impact of the work to date? Also describe the projected future impact for the coming years.

School administrators and teachers want school gardens but lack funding to hire permaculture designers and mentors. With a subsistence income for CTNP staff, we could meet more of this clear and present need. The food that is provided to indigent, institutionalized, and at-risk populations is often insufficient and of poor quality. We can make a significant contribution to food security as well as provide meaningful skills and work opportunities for these populations on our model farm.

Spread Strategies: Moving forward, what are the main strategies for scaling impact?

We need financial support In order to commit fully to the cultivation of our Moringa crop and organic produce, the construction and equipping of the processing facility, the production and marketing of our products, and the all-important design and implementation of school gardens. We are looking ahead at 1)acquiring more land, and 2)expanding our internship program.
Sustainability

Financial Sustainability Plan: What is this solution’s plan to ensure financial sustainability?

The global north is clamoring for Moringa products, and Moringa doesn't grow so well in other bioregions. The nutritional supplement powder is especially popular, and we are already receiving inquiries about bulk seed oil.

Marketplace: Who else is addressing the problem outlined here? How does the proposed project differ from these approaches?

According to a Wednesday 5 August 2015 Ghana News Agency article, there are sadly few gardens in Ghana's schools where students can learn the social skills and responsibility that comes from working cooperatively to steward other lifeforms. A hands-on approach through gardening is an effective way to bring curriculum alive in math, science, language arts, and social studies.
Team

Founding Story

American Peace Corp volunteer Kate Schachter suggested I take a permaculture course with Gregg Knibbs, an Australian teacher in Ghana. With my new eyes, I saw how the poisonous chemicals used in modern agriculture are causing harm to the land and the people, and I aligned myself with permaculture's core ethical principles: Earth care, people care and fair share. I went to work in my community with 3 goals: grey water systems for improved water management for greater yields, school gardens for student engagement and food security, and planting trees to fight climate change. Again with Kate's support, I graduated from Kumasi Institute Of Tropical Agriculture in 2010 and returned to Accra.

Team

Solomon Amuzu, Founder and Managing Director; Rachael Yossif Ramatu, Secretary; Samuel Badu Adofey, Deputy Director; Susan Livingston, Administrative Assistant; Timo Ottolin, Intern
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