NORTH FT MYERS, FL – “The world produces enough food to feed every person on the planet. World agriculture produces 17 percent more calories per person today than it did 30 years ago, despite a 70 percent population increase. This is enough to provide everyone in the world with at least 2,720 kilocalories (kcal) per person per day.” – World Hunger.orgIf that is true, then why are 815 million people in the world hungry, and why do 7,500 children under the age of five die every day as a result of malnutrition?World Hunger says that “The principal problem is that many people in the world do not have sufficient land to grow, or income to purchase, enough food.”A look back over previous Missions Box News articles about hunger seems to underscore World Hunger’s assessment.I have had the distinct privilege of visiting the campus/ farm of ECHO in North Ft. Myers, Florida. What I witnessed there was far more fascinating than any of the other attractions the Sunshine State offers.

Working with partner agencies around the world, ECHO helps farmers obtain more effective products to grow in their particular ecological conditions. They share more efficient methods of raising their current crops or suggest replacement crops that will provide better nutritional value for themselves and their families.

The faith-based organization was established 35 years ago to research, develop, test, and promote sustainable agriculture, especially for those who depend on subsistence farming.

ECHO is in the middle of its 2017-2021 Strategic Plan. The goals of that plan are

• To increase their “direct training impact” to more than a half-a-million people per year, and
• To multiply their efforts by expanding partner organizations to more than 17,500. This is a 75 percent increase over the 10,000 partners they had in 2015. ECHO provides direct training to those partners. The partners spread the impact into and throughout the regions where they serve.

ECHO is, in effect, an agricultural research and development lab for FBOs and NGOs who serve around the world.

Regardless of what some secular agencies may say, the Lord has provided mankind with all the food sources we need. The problem we have is our own mismanagement of the gifts He has given. (See Genesis 1:29-31)

ECHO is at the front end of the process of equipping others with the wisdom gained on the campus/ farm. They are carrying out the same mission that Paul explained to Timothy. “Teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.” (2 Timothy 2:2 NLT)

To read more news on World Hunger and Poverty on Missions Box, go here.