ECHO, Inc. is a Christian nonprofit organization equipping the hungry with sustainable agricultural solutions that honor God and transform lives. Founded over 40 years ago, ECHO works globally through five Regional Impact Centers (RICs)—in North America, East Africa, West Africa, Asia, and the Central America/Caribbean region—and its robust online platform, ECHOcommunity.org. Each year, ECHO supports thousands of smallholder farmers, development practitioners, and missionaries, many of whom serve in food-insecure, under-resourced communities.
ECHO addresses the root causes of hunger by strengthening capacity in sustainable agriculture, agroecology, seed banking, and holistic community development. Operating in over 190 countries, ECHO’s network of nearly 20,000 members shares contextually relevant, validated agricultural strategies through technical resources, training events, seed distribution, and personalized consultation.
Vision, Mission, and Motivation
• Vision: A transformed world honoring God
• Mission: Strengthening the capacity of a diverse global network to defeat hunger and improve lives through sustainable food and agroecosystem strategies
• Motivation: As Jesus first loved us, as agents of restoration we seek to glorify God and love our neighbors
These guiding statements shape every aspect of ECHO’s work—from hands-on agricultural training to applied research and global collaboration.
Core Strategies
ECHO implements a four-part strategy across all regions to ensure relevant, community-driven impact:
1. Identification – Listening to farmers and stakeholders to understand real-world challenges
2. Validation – Testing context-appropriate agricultural solutions through research and partnerships
3. Dissemination – Sharing knowledge and resources via seed banks, digital tools, events, and technical assistance
4. Evaluation – Measuring outcomes to refine and improve strategy
This model is grounded in partnership, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to long-term transformation.
Strategic Priorities
ECHO’s current global strategy focuses on five interconnected goals:
1. Strengthen and grow the ECHO network
2. Increase the capacity of network members
3. Advance global seed banking for food sovereignty and resilience
4. Champion agroecology and sustainable food systems
5. Partner in Biblical holistic mission with the global Church
These priorities reflect ECHO’s integrated approach—addressing hunger through innovation, discipleship, and stewardship of God’s creation.
Organizational Strengths
• Regional Impact Centers adapt knowledge to specific ecological and cultural contexts
• Seed Banks support biodiversity, climate adaptation, and farmer independence
• ECHOcommunity.org delivers global access to technical documents, research, and expert Q&A
• Educational Programs include internships, virtual/in-person training, practitioner consultations, and an annual international conference
• Biblical Holism integrates faith with agricultural practice for complete community transformation
Conclusion
ECHO stands at the intersection of sustainable agriculture, Christian mission, and grassroots development. With decades of experience, strong regional presence, and an adaptable global network, ECHO is a trusted leader in tackling hunger’s root causes. Support for ECHO advances long-term, Christ-centered transformation—physically, spiritually, and environmentally—for vulnerable farming communities around the world.
