Project Name : Kenya Institute of Organic Farming
Hosting Organisation : Kenya Voluntary Development Association
Volunteer Type : SCI Long-term Volunteering
Project Theme : Climate and sustainable lifestyle
Hosting Country: Kenya
Start date: Open
End date: Open
Duration : 2-12 month
Deadline Date : May 30, 2024
Project Languages : English
Location : Juja, Kiambu County
Country Languages : English
Number of Volunteers : 5
Project Description:

Project background

The Kenya Institute of Organic Farming (KIOF) is an officially registered technical training institution NO. MOHEST/PC/1361 and Non-Governmental organization (NGO). It is situated in Juja off – Thika highway, near Ndarugo Motel. KIOF launched its first activities in 1987 – The Farmers Training and Extension Programme, which aimed at bringing the awareness of the challenges associated with conventional chemical farming (fertilizers and pesticides)
The advantages of environmentally – sound-farming methods, appropriate to small-scale farmers led to widespread public interest in the program. Numerous requests were received from development organizations in Eastern Africa for training in organic farming.
After the initial strong growth, KIOF found that there was necessity to verifying some of the organic methods adopted by farmers. KIOF therefore started looking into opportunities for on-farm trials and research so as to supply relevant back up data.
A Program to incorporate youth training in organic agriculture was launched in 1995. This led to an Organic Agriculture Certificate course with the aim of assisting the youth to develop careers in Organic farming. A diploma program was launched in 2004 and the Certificate Stream gradually phased out.
The Diploma Program takes 2 years of theoretical and practical learning. Due to the growing interest in this field and high demand for profession knowledge in organic agriculture, KIOF launched a 2-year Distance Learning Diploma program in 2006
Project activities

A RENEWED APPROACH TO AGRICULTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT 

·       Organic farms and gardens have been operating years in many countries and climates. By reviving and developing sound husbandry practices they have shown that it is possible to combine good yields with high quality produce, lasting soil fertility and improved overall environment. 

·       The Kenya Institute of Organic Farming (KIOF) aims at making this experience available to all farmers and other stakeholders. 

·       KIOF connects itself especially with the small – scale farmers who make up the majority of the farming community in Kenya. It is the small – scale farmers who are, in effect, the care takers of the natural environment. KIOF wants to stimulate better management of the environment by starting with sound agricultural principles on the farm. 

·       KIOF organizes training sessions for groups of farmers: women groups, youth and other CBOs in the rural areas. KIOF comes into contact with these groups through various organizations, churches, government institutions and individuals.

WHY ORGANIC AGRICULTURE?

·       A problem in today’s agriculture is the need for cash. This need moves the nation as a whole and especially the farmer into cash crop farming.

·       Most of which are non – food crops.

·       The family food production is often neglected. This leads to poorer diets and poorer health of the farming community. The remedy for this situation is organic farming. 

ORGANIC PRINCIPLES

·       Organic farming is based on mixed farming principles. Experiences show that mixed farming practices lead to better food and income stability. It does not exclude the cash crop but it puts it in the right place. The cash crop can become part of the farm’s crop rotation which puts emphasis on diversity of crops thereby raising the ecological balance of the farm. It provides a more complete diet for the family. Diversity in production means less risk, and better food and health within the farm. 

·       Production is based on maximum recycling of organic wastes and careful handling of manures and composts, careful soil cultivation and use of natural rock minerals, if necessary. 

·       Weed control is based on crop rotation and physical methods. Pests and disease control is sustained by understanding and maintaining physical, biological and ecological balances. These include traditional methods which are now being scientifically proven. 

·       The use of trees for shade, mulching, soil improvement, fruit, fodder and fuel production is of great importance, and correct understanding of their place on the farm is part of organic practice. Besides, trees protect the land from strong winds and improve the climate of the area. 

·       A fresh look is taken at the question of marketing. This is done with a view to improved understanding of the needs of the grower and the requirements of the consumer. 

·       Thinking in terms of organic agriculture means reviving and developing sound husbandry practices which include the human and the social surroundings of the farm. The farm is able to function as an organism in which all parts support each other.

Work Description:

Volunteer tasks

Organic farming, weeding, tilling the gardens, harvesting produce and livestock farming,
Attend to field visits and trainings organized for farmers engaged in organic farming
The application of appropriate technology on organic farms
Interaction with organic farming students
Submit Project Report to KVDA

Requirements:

What to carry: This is outlined in the detailed info sheet and includes, sleeping bag and mat, toiletries, torch, flashlight, sandals, mosquito net, national flag from your country, among others

Accommodation and Food:

Volunteers will be accommodated at the institution together with the students in dormitory set up but will share other amenities and meals with the students’ community.
It is convenient for the volunteer to carry sleeping bag, mat and personal effects.
 KVDA has a memorandum of understanding with the host project regarding the project costs with appropriate procedures, checks and balances.

Pocket Money:

KVDA does not provide pocket money on its projects but the volunteers have an obligation to have their own budget based on their planned activities during their stay in the country.

The currency used is Kenya shillings.

Volunteers are discouraged from carrying large sums of cash as this exposes them to criminal elements in society.

Visa and MasterCard are the most convenient as you can draw cash at the ATM machines across the country.

Visa Info:

ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION (eTA)

駐日ケニア共和国大使館https://www.kenyarep-jp.com › eta
 
 
 
Search for: How do I apply for eTA in Kenya?
 
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eTA Processing Time:

The processing time for a tourist eTA application can range from a few days to a few weeks. It usually takes between 24 and 72 hours to process a Kenyan eTA online application.

 

Insurance:

Medical:

·       Volunteers are expected to have their own medical insurance and other personal expenses and it is important to carry your own medical and travel insurances.

Fees:

Financial contribution

The project participation fee is Euro 250 per month paid upfront on arrival to the cover costs stipulated for the entire duration of the project.
Monthly payment of participation fees is not allowed for conventional purposes.

Fees Used for:

What is included in the participation fee?

Return transfers from the airport
Full board at the project (Accommodation and meals provided at the project)
Orientation, evaluation and monitoring
Volunteer mentorship

Application Info:

KVDA should receive the Volunteer Exchange Form (VEF) from SCI sending organizations through email.

Kindly attach the motivation letter together with the scanned passport copy to enable us to issue the invitation letter for visa application process.

Time being of greatest essence, this should be done with one week after the volunteer has been accepted on the project.

KVDA will give feedback to the applications sent within 3 days.

Additional Information:

Laundry and water:

·       Water is available at the hosting house from springs and it is important to preserve water at all times due to its scarcity and cooperation with the hosts will be highly appreciated

·       There are no washing machines in the institution and the volunteer will be guided on how to wash clothes

MENTORING:

Mentor for the volunteer from the hosting organisation: KVDA will designate its staff to play the role of mentoring and this is the vital link between the volunteer and the organization. The Mentor has the responsibility to enable the volunteer to efficiently execute their tasks with diligence.
Function of mentor: advise, educate, be a role model to the volunteers; providing problem solving, collaborative support, positive and non-evaluative feedback and emotional support for volunteers; to provide comfort, exposure, visibility and challenging assignments which directly support the volunteer’s personal and professional development; to provide counselling and friendship to support the volunteer’s self-image and competence and thus to listen, guide, advice, teach and offer professional support to the volunteers
The mentor will be available for the volunteer as a constant supporting person. However, he/she should not be directly involved in the daily work of the volunteer.
Mentor’s Experience with international volunteers: More than 3 years’ experience with international volunteers
Project participants: Maximum 20 volunteers from different nationalities recruited through KVDA partner organizations

What to carry: This is outlined in the detailed info sheet and includes, sleeping bag and mat, toiletries, torch, flashlight, sandals, mosquito net, national flag from your country, among others

DONATION AND GIFTS: These are usually symbolic gestures to enhance the solidarity of volunteers and the hosting community. Kindly contact KVDA for details in case you are willing to support a worthy cause in the community either by offering a donation or long-term intervention on the project.

APPLICATIONS: Should be done at least one month in advance through KVDA partner organization in respective countries. KVDA does not accept direct applications by volunteers

 

How to Apply?
  1. Find a project that interests you in our Open Projects
  2.  Find your local organisation in your country of residence using our branch locator
  3. Get in touch with them with details about the project(s) you want to apply to. They will become your sending organisation.
  4. Any issues? Contact us!