Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Agricul

Challenges facing the agriculture industry of Tanzania include climate change, an increase in population, and the resulting droughts, floods, agriculture temperature shocks, as well as a lack of agricultural technology. These pose severe challenges to the living standards of most people involved in the agriculture industry in Tanzania and create huge increases in unemployment, hunger, malnutrition, starvation, and disease rates.

The project was initiated in 1997 by Dr. Everest Maguo and his wife, Evelyn Maguo, who have experience in agriculture, environmental services, and veterinary services.It was established with the aim of empowering farmers with new skills, technologies, and advice on animal care, environmental issues, and agricultural matters. 

The project

The volunteer activities start from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., from Monday to Friday. Sometimes you will be invited to work on Saturday for your own choice.

Naturally, 80 percent of project activities are mobile, such as visiting farmers and schools for education and advice. Other activities will be stationed at Sekei main office, where you will be working in the small garden, which has vegetables and fruit trees. You will become a full member of the team, enriching their knowledge with yours and exchanging a lot of ideas.

Lunch is not provided.

IMPORTANT

You do not need any previous knowledge, but a strong belief of the importance of agriculture, environmental conservation and a love to communicate with people about that topic should be a given part of you. Please note: in order to implement the project and buy trees, agriculture equipments and transport an one-time donation of 100 USD is required.

Your work - a typical day

The Volunteer's House is located in the Sakina neighbourhood of Arusha. From there, you will start your daily travels by taking public transportation and walking to Sekei. Some days the director will pick you up on the street near the volunteer house. At the site, you will meet with your director at the program's head office to discuss the day and what you will do. Your role within the project will be discussed on your first day and depends on your previous experience and interests.

Maybe you will visit schools and educate the pupils about environmental issues and agriculture. Maybe you will plant various kinds of trees (like vegetable and fruit trees, herbal trees, and shadow trees). Maybe you will participate in farmer visits and training. Maybe you will participate in the making of vegetable gardens and tree nurseries. Or perhaps you will participate in environment cleaning by collecting of bottles and bags for planting vegetables or treating crops.

We offer a wide range of activities at affordable volunteer rates like: 

1. Hiking/Walking tours to waterfalls, through forests and around a lake. 

2. Swimming in paradise like hot springs with a glimpse of  Mt.Kilimanjaro. 

3. Cultural tours to Maasai markets and the possibility to visit different ethnic groups. 

4. Coffee plantation tour to learn about the process from the bean to the finished product. 

5. Safaris to the national parks of the Northern Circuit (Arusha NP, Lake Manyara NP, Tarangire NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Conservation Area). 

6. Climbing Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. 

7. FREE town tour for all our volunteers!

8. Swahili class