Michael_T_Cooley
Michael is the Director of Agriculture and Technical Director with Equipping Farmers International (www.efi-intl.org) and an “Agroforestry Expert” with the reNature Foundation (https://www.renature.co).
His interest in Agricultural Development came through an interest in perennial food production and a desire for nutrient-rich foods. He is particularly interested in the value of Agroforestry and Conservation Agriculture for Agricultural development, food security, improved livelihoods, and Global South Church sustainability. Michael has a Master’s Degree in Natural Resources/Agroforestry and a Graduate Certificate in Agroforestry from the University of Missouri. He obtained his PDC via Geoff Lawton, PRI, in 2013, and a certificate in Teaching the PDC. He has been a student of Sustainable Agriculture for over 30 years.
Michael’s prior career experiences as a licensed Financial Advisor and Executive Management, as well as various areas of emergency management, have given him unique perspectives on the economics of Agricultural Development and the management of inputs. Michael also has degrees in Political Science and Business Management, giving him important knowledge of policy formation and financial development.
He received a certificate in Permaculture Teacher Training in 2015 at Kinstone Academy of Applied Permaculture. He has taught the PDC, various workshops, and, given numerous lectures on Permaculture to a variety of groups. He has also consulted with numerous landholders for Permaculture Design Plans. He has attended the Tropical Agricultural Development Course at ECHO and has the Forest Garden Certification from Trees for the Future.
Michael is available as a Permaculture/Agroforestry Design consultant and lecturer.