This manual is a set of five booklets, which include four training modules and one activity guide. Module 1 tackles issues, trends, concepts, and principles of sustainable development and sustainable agriculture. Module 2 deals with sustainable agriculture technologies, strategies, and approaches for the uplands, while Module 3 discusses their application. Module 4 delves into sustainable agriculture project development and diffusion. The modules have a regional scope and distill learning experiences from various parts of Southeast Asia.
The activity guide, on the other hand, is a compilation of learning activities that are recommended to accompany the four training modules. These activities are intended to motivate the use of participatory methodologies in drawing out the experiences of the training participants. Therefore, the trainors are encouraged to use these activities as mere sample exercises. The trainors are encouraged to modify and create new activities suited to their respective settings.
Users of this manual are expected to be the facilitators of the process. Unlike any other manual, this is an open-ended book. Users may add to it or subtract from it. SEARCA encourages both as long as the users remain committed to attaining sustainable development, starting with the critical uplands of Southeast Asia.