BETTER SOIL, BETTER CROPS

AGRICULTURE

IDEAS’ agricultural programs provide training in regionally appropriate soil rejuvenation methods to lift small-holder farmers above bare-minimum subsistence levels and help them thrive. As we discover techniques to improve yields and provide greater sustainability together, we equip farmers to teach others in a dynamic process with long-term, wide-ranging impact.  

Providing sustainable food starts from the ground up

Better soil, better information.

Over the past 25 years, IDEAS has engaged agricultural opportunities to increase productivity, conserve and maximize limited resources, and develop sustainable systems for marginalized farmers and communities. Programs in Kazakhstan, Jordan, and North Africa address restoring fruit tree orchards, agricultural education, arid climate horticulture, and hydroponics.

Programs Spotlight

Central Asia Harvest Project

Helping farmers in Kazakhstan build sustainable orchards.

Central Asia Harvest Project works to increase orchard quality and yields, offering life-giving hope and improving the quality of life for farmers and their families. This is accomplished through an interactive agricultural training program that has evolved into an extensive network of fruit farmers and trained local consultants.

Decentralizing knowledge + best practices

IDEAS brings expertise + training directly to the farmer’s orchard.

Rather than centralize training at a farm facility, IDEAS brings our qualified professionals directly to the farmers themselves. This approach fosters local networks of farmers and consultants who can help extend the investment we are making in Kazakhstan towards more sustainable food supplies and family farms.

In one year

200

fruit farmers trained in orchard management, including pruning and pest management

Local farmers coordinating efforts for better crops

Neighbors helping each other improve yields.

Through our work alongside Kazakh farmers, we’re seeing neighbors working together to implement good farming practices, especially when it comes to pest and disease control. If your neighbor knows how to control pests and diseases, that will help protect your orchard and improve crop quality.

We are compassionate professionals bringing needed expertise

Community development + agriculture

IDEAS community development serves as the foundation for all our work. We start by listening. Our associates partner with local people to identify needs and provide expertise that benefits the whole community. In Agriculture, we work alongside local farmers to maximize resources and increase yields — creating more sustainable food supplies for the local community.

  • "I was able to transform a former trash dump site into a productive stone fruit orchard of about 120 trees. My neighbors didn't think it was possible!"

    Turgan, Fruit Farmer

  • "Our village has been greatly impacted. Over 100 farmers have learned how to prune because we have taught them what we learned through the program. Now we are making good income all winter pruning regional orchards."

    Umut, Trainer

  • "It's hard for me keep up with all of the farmers that ask me for advice on how to plant new orchards and/or improve their current trees. My goal is to train new workers every year to keep up with the growing demand for orchard crews."

    Raidin, Trainer

Support IDEAS Agriculture Programs

Help farmers like Ahmad produce reliable food sources.

IDEAS agriculture programs in Jordan work to increase quality and yields, offering life-giving hope and improving the quality of life for farmers and their families. Your ongoing support is vital to help farmers like Ahmad.

Explore the culture and local communities of this Central Asian land

Learn more about IDEAS work in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is the world's ninth-largest country by land area and the largest landlocked country in the world. It has a population of 19 million people and one of the lowest population densities in the world.

It is bounded on the north by Russia, on the east by China, on the south by Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, the Aral Sea, and Turkmenistan, and on the southwest by the Caspian Sea.

  • IDEAS works in multisector programs alongside local communities. Explore Jordan!

  • IDEAS works in multisector programs alongside local communities. Explore North Africa!

  • IDEAS works near Almaty in multisector programs alongside local communities. Explore Kazakhstan!

  • IDEAS works in multisector programs alongside local communities. Explore Guatemala!

  • IDEAS works near Córdoba in multisector programs alongside local communities. Explore Argentina!

Where we work

As of 2019, the surface of the Dead Sea is 430.5 metres below sea level, making its shores the lowest land-based elevation on Earth.

Helping individuals & communities flourish

Our Impact

21,780

Adults + children in Asia with no access to healthcare were treated in local clinics

1000+

Wheelchairs provided in Africa + Latin America, providing mobility for people & their families

1500+

Farmers & their communities in Central Asia received agricultural training

Celebrating removing barriers to dignity

Stories of Transformation

Alma was born in Guatemala with a disability called spina bifida. Unable to walk, she spent the first 14 years of her life isolated, locked in a room, confined to a bed or the floor. Her mother said she was a mistake. Her father said she was not his daughter. Alma wanted to go to school and have friends, but her disability made that impossible.