Organic Farming volunteer programs


Developing an organic farming training center
Altanbulag, Töv Province, Mongolia       7 projects of 2 wks from May to August

Volunteer project: Since 2000, volunteers from all over the world have been participating in our summer programs which were designed around building sustainable vegetable farming facilities. Over the years, we have learned that developing eco-friendly and sustainable farming facilities does require a lot of research on improving our farming methods, learning the best practices from local farmers on improving the crop quality. It also requires perseverance despite the setbacks which are imminent in the harsh Mongolian continental climate with long, frigid winters and short, warm summers.

We are hoping to transform our eco-friendly vegetable farming facility into a sustainable organic farming training center which teaches the low income families how to grow healthy greens on their own. Organic fruits and vegetables are sparse and expensive in Mongolia which makes them unaffordable for many low income families. We are planning to donate any crops from our facilities to families in need in addition to providing them with the knowledge of how to grow their own crops.

Volunteers in the first project (May 25-June 7) will be planting vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, radishes, etc. They may also work on making fences to protect the farm.
In the next projects, volunteers will be helping at the eco-farm, and their main tasks will be removing weeds in the field, working in the greenhouse, making water canals, making compost, etc.

Study theme: Eco-farming methods and know-how from other countries.

Special requirements: Participants are expected to like farming/physical work and be flexible and adaptable.

Language: English

Leisure time: Cultural exchange program, excursions, etc.

Accommodation: Summer house or Ger (traditional Mongolian tent). Sleeping bag is necessary.

Location: Buhug, Altanbulag, Töv Province is located 45 km from Ulaanbaatar. The site is just unbelievably beautiful, typical Mongolian plain.

Terminal: Ulaanbaatar, Chinggis Khaan International airport or International train station of Ulaanbaatar

Age range: 18 and over

Extra fee: 250 USD
Pick up and drop off service is available upon request from/to the airport or the train station in Ulaanbaatar. Transportation to and from the project site on the first and last day is also provided.
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival.

All available dates for this project:
May 25 - June 7, 2023
June 14 - June 27, 2023
June 27 - July 10, 2023
July 10 - July 23, 2023
July 23 - August 5, 2023
August 5 - August 18, 2023
August 18 - August 31, 2023

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Ecovillage living on Rusinga Island
Homa Bay, Kenya       2 projects of 3 wks from July to December

Volunteer project: The Eco Village on Rusinga Island aims to bring change to the lives of local people who face challenges such as food insecurity, HIV/AIDS and lack of education, among other pressing issues. It also seeks to inspire change in the general paradigms of the local population towards a more holistic and responsible way of living. The Eco Village promotes permaculture farm design techniques and ethics: earth care, people care and sharing the surplus. It is a model farm, or epicenter, for both sustainable agriculture and holistic community development. The Eco Village successfully hosted a Permaculture Development Course and aims to become an International Permaculture Center. There is also a primary school within the project that was established with an overall objective of providing education to the children around the community.
This volunteer project aims to promote permaculture and environmental conservation.

The volunteer tasks include:
• Permaculture farm activities like weeding, slashing and clearing of bushes;
• Soil conservation and tree planting in the school compound;
• Teaching English, mathematics and creative arts in the school;
• Home visits to old and sick community members in the afternoon and assisting with general cleaning;
• Beach cleanup to improve sanitation and hygiene around the community.

Leisure activities: Sites of interest that volunteers can visit on the weekends are Rusinga hills, Mafangano Islands, and Tom Mboya Mausoleum. There will be also evening nature walks, home visits, cultural meetings, and games in the free time.

Language: English

Orientation: There will be a one-day orientation for all participants the day before the project starts.

Accommodation: Accommodation will be in shared houses, and it is important that you have your own sleeping bag and mat.

Location: Rusinga Island, Mbita, Homa Bay County

Terminal: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi or Kisumu Airport

Age range: 18 and over

Extra fee: 300 Euros
The fee includes airport pick up and drop off, up to 3 nights’ accommodation before or after the project and introduction to Kenyan life through a Nairobi City Center tour before the project.
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival.

All available dates for this project:
July 8 - July 27, 2023
November 26 - December 15, 2023

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Sustainable agriculture and natural resource management program
Karanganyar, Central Java, Indonesia        2 projects of 2 wks from August to January

Volunteer project: Karanganyar is a regency at the foot of Mount Lawu, Central Java province. Most of the land in the Karanganyar Regency is agricultural with good potential for developing agro-industrial plants to encourage the development of integrated farming to support the government's efforts to create food barns. Karanganyar has a calm, relaxed atmosphere and has many customs and traditions that are pretty interesting and entertaining.
In this project, volunteers will be directly involved in agricultural practices, conservation, and natural resource management. The volunteers will collaborate with local farmers, Vocational High School students at the training center, and the surrounding community.

Volunteers will help to protect nature – get direct experience in social, agriculture, conservation, fruit- and vegetable farming, and forestry. Amid a quiet and natural environment, they will help and provide input regarding the formation of a tourist village. Other duties include vegetable and fruit cultivation, composting, garden maintenance, and nursery management. Volunteers will interact and help local farmers and local agricultural Vocational High School students, will share knowledge and apply skills and experiences in sustainable farming activities. The group will also interact with the students and the community by conducting non-formal activities such as playing games and fun competitions.

Study theme: The volunteers will be introduced to farming techniques and learn about the value of farming and culture. This project will connect the volunteers with farming communities, build a community that understands sustainable agriculture and promote social, cultural, and educational activities. The volunteers will also be introduced to the Indonesian culture and customs in general, with a special focus on the Javanese particularities. Some cultural visits are also foreseen.

Leisure time: Visiting the nearby local attraction sites in Karanganyar and Solo city.

Language: English

Accommodation: Volunteers will be accommodated in a dormitory (basic conditions, sleeping bag and mat needed).

Location: Doplang village, Karangpandan, Karanganyar, Central Java Province

Terminal: Adisumarmo International Airport (SOC) Surakarta

Age range: 18 and over

Extra fee: 260 Euro
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival.

All available dates for this project:
August 28 - September 8, 2023
January 15 - January 26, 2024

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