At the training centre, conferences and training sessions continue for CDPC members and their partners. In addition, students there grow traditional rice varieties, produce organic fertiliser and develop agro-ecological techniques to grow rice. The farm is diversified according to the agro-ecological principle with a rice field, fruit trees, vegetables and farm animals (rabbits and ducks). There will soon also be a fish pond.

The solar energy powers the farm and, like the water pump in Dilag, is a cheap and sustainable way to be self-sufficient. The electric rice mill also runs entirely on solar energy. CDPC reports that the learning and working environment of the agro-ecological farm in general has improved since the installation of the solar panels.

As a renewable energy source, solar energy plays an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and thus mitigating climate change. In addition, communities that store their own solar energy are no longer dependent on large dams for their electricity. The construction of those dams has required and still requires entire villages to move, resulting in many protests.

Our projects with CDPC are carried out in partnership with the Province of East Flanders