How We Work
Bringing the soil back to health in a natural, low-cost way, accessible to everyone – from trained agronomists to subsistence farmersOur multi-tiered approach
We fund the initial training in sustainable agricultural practices, based on microbial science and the best-practice findings of agricultural research bodies working in the region. We work with established organisations in each country interested in rolling out this sustainable change through their projects.
Participants learn how to make three main inputs for soil enhancement: organic compost that is ready in 18 days using the Berkeley method of hot composting, serums of lactobacillus and fish hydrolysate. The products are made from low-cost, readily available materials, such as grasses, animal dung, rice and fish.
After the training, each group sets up demonstration plots for proof of concept. From that, the farmers we train are supported to go back to their communities to train others.
Key benefits
- The soil is continuously brought back to optimum health
- The compost and microbial ‘serums’ are created locally at negligible cost
- Crop yield is significantly increased in quantity and quality
- Training and future production costs are kept low
- A business model is generated that strengthens, empowers and develops communities
Empower
We train local trainers in composting and preparation of microbial serums, establishing proof of concept trials, and a model for dissemination.
Embed
Community hubs and networks formed to support on-going training within co-ops and communities. Tailored advice and information to embed and sustain new agricultural practices.
Scale-up
Our partners, running or funding projects, will be using Farm Genie to gather data easily and respond more quickly to the needs of farmers, ensuring quality control and longevity.
Farm Genie
Farm Genie, our new advisory, monitoring and data-gathering tool is being developed for all levels of a project from farmers to project funders, via local hubs, agronomists etc.
It will offer farmers personalised best-practice advice, timely reminders of what to do, for their particular crops, with their soil condition, in their language and at their level of literacy.
It will give project co-ordinators and agronomists timely data, providing them with an immediate feedback loop and allowing them to be more responsive as problems arise.
Expectations after one season
Increased crop yield
Based on the results from our projects, farmers can expect a 50% to 150% increase in crop yield, and healthier, nutrient-dense plants.
Animal health
Farmers can expect significant improvement in animal health, reduction in mortality as well as reduced veterinary costs.
Strengthen community
The community will see improvements through greater opportunities for commerce, employment and income generation, and better health.
Increased income
With a minimum 50 per cent increase in seed germination, significant reduction in the cost of soil enhancement and higher quality produce commanding better market prices, farmers will see their incomes significantly improve.
Empowered communities
The Lifeworks Global solution brings together the best in environmental sustainability and humanitarian vision to meet the current challenges responsibly and effectively.
Our solution directly improves soil health while providing a business model that addresses a community’s basic needs, develops long-standing relationships of support, as well as building prosperity and partnerships.
Communities are being empowered to build sustainable futures, based on their own strength and resilience.