Participant Introduction – Geoffrey (Zambia)

‘My passion has always been in agricultural so that I can help develop our area in the technical aspects of farming machines.’ Geoffrey strives for economic reformation and development in the Chongwe district together with the Ecumenical Development Foundation.

In his community, many farmers also use nearby streams to supplement diets and income with fishing. However, conflicts arise between men and women, over who can take leadership roles. One of Geoffrey’s recent projects has been to train female ex-convicts in agricultural technology operations so that they may develop their own incomes. He teaches agricultural techniques and equipment maintenance to ensure his neighbors can operate their own farms more effectively.

In addition, Geoffrey has written grant requests to support the local farm industry through land restorative measurements. His efforts provide much-needed aid to farmers during drought and help sustain the community’s primary source of income. Geoffrey hopes to create a brighter future for the community and promote sustainable farming practices that will mitigate the effects of climate change.

At ARI, Geoffrey hopes to learn techniques to maximize efficiency and self-sufficiency, especially for livestock raising. After returning to Zambia, he looks forward to improving his community’s livelihood by training farmers in aquaculture and improved self-sufficiency. 

Sending Organization          

Ecumenical Development Foundation has a variety of target groups that are trained and rehabilitated into society. Ex-Convicts of female penitentiaries around Lusaka are trained in design and tailoring. Female children living on the streets of Lusaka city center are recruited and taught about poultry, piggery, agriculture, and designing and tailoring. After his ARI training, Geoffrey will deepen EDF’s training courses and improve the lives of women in Lusaka.

Men's Dormitory & Guest House

Participants and volunteers live in separate dormitories for men and women. The dormitory includes shared lounges, kitchens, showers, and laundry facilities. Wi-Fi is not available.

Poultry House

The poultry facilities include free-range chicken coops and a brooding house. More than 400 chickens are raised, producing over 80,000 eggs and approximately one ton of chicken meat each year.

Pig Pen

Participants learn a variety of pig farming techniques through hands-on practice. Both deep-litter and concrete-floor systems are used, and manure is recycled into biogas and fertilizer.

Goat House

Goat milk (over 200 liters annually) and meat are used for food, while manure is used as fertilizer. During the day, the goats roam freely in the pasture.

Forest

The forests surrounding the campus are managed through selective thinning for firewood and charcoal production. Leaves and other organic materials are collected for use in agriculture.

Fields

On 2.5 hectares of farmland, approximately 100 varieties of vegetables and crops are grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. The entire community helps manage the fields as part of its commitment to learning and self-sufficiency.

Rice Paddies

Rice is cultivated in paddies both on and off campus. Various organic rice-growing methods are studied and practiced, including weed control and fertilization using ducks.

Workshop

The workshop is a space for repair and recycling activities. It contains machinery, welding equipment, woodworking tools, and a variety of materials.

Feed Mixing Room

Livestock feed is produced here using both manual and mechanical methods. Continuous efforts are made to improve feed quality and sustainability.

Administration Building

The first floor houses the reception area and administrative offices, while the second floor contains staff offices and the Director’s office. The Farm Shop (Agricultural Training Room) is located adjacent to the building.

ARI Shop

The shop offers ARI-grown produce, processed foods, books, and handicrafts from the home countries of ARI graduates.

Farm Shop (Agricultural Training Room)

The facility serves as the hub of agricultural activities at ARI. It includes classrooms, storage for tools and farming materials, and facilities for drying and storing crops.

Oikos Chapel

Originally a 100-year-old traditional farmhouse, the chapel has been renovated into a place of worship. Daily morning gatherings are held here, along with meditation, dialogue sessions, gospel choir practice, and other community activities. Oikos is a Greek word meaning “home.”

Manna House (Food Processing Room)

This facility is used for producing and storing processed foods such as cookies and jam. The ground floor also contains a poultry processing facility.

Fish Ponds

Fish are raised for both food and agricultural purposes.

クリスマス・ウィンターキャンペーン 2025
Christmas and Winter Donation Campaign