About the project
The project is set in an inner city farm that is using sustainable ways to run their farm to create greater harmony with the natural ecosystem. The farm also produces dairy organic products and organic food processing to sustain and keep the farm running. The owner is a second generation farmer whose father is well known and respected in the local community and passed on his legacy to his son. The owner is certified in food processing and has been continuously driving great ways to run an urban city farm in the local community.
Our interns are invited to join the farm to get a glimpse into how the local culture has influenced modern farming techniques, nutrition and how learning about sustainability works directly in hand with the local cultural techniques that have been used for decades.
What they do:
The farm has a small plot growing herbs, fruit and vegetables indigenous to the local land
They keep cows and free range chickens which provide organic milk and eggs
The cows are well looked after with regular veterinary checks and consultations
The milk is used to produce incredible dairy products processed right no the farm and sold locally, creating single source food products
The farm has it’s own grey water filtration system and natural water provision
The owner is constantly looking for ways to harness natural resources and teach sustainable farming methods to his community
Criteria:
Educational background for student interns:
Agriculture, Nutrition, Food Technology, Environmental Studies, Ecology, Sustainability, Permaculture, Geography, International Development and other related fields.
For experienced interns: 6 months + experience for professional candidates from related professional backgrounds
Background: Agriculture, farming and related fields.
Skilled Trade workers willing to teach: Farming, agriculture, ecology, permaculture, sustainable agriculture methodology and methods.
The project owner is open to welcoming none vocational volunteers without the above educaiton.
Minimum duration: 4 weeks
Times of the year it would be unavailable :
Soft skills:
Self direction when situations appear unclear/unambiguous
Entering environments where local customs, safety awareness and local regulations should respected
Acceptance and understanding of strong cultural differences
Situations or scenarios that can feel overwhelming or unmanageable
Lack of basic resources; funding, equipment and additional staffing
Working in rural settings with no modern conveniences
Long distance travel (risk assessed as: safe)
The Problem
Most developing countries have rapid growth within main cities (urbanisation) which creates crowded, densely populated neighbourhoods and informal settlements with little infrastructure. This is true of Arusha Tanzania also. Urbanisation is mostly driven by people wanting to find better opportunities for work in the city and escape poverty. This creates a heavy reliance on manufactured, unhealthy and heavily processed foods and/or food not naturally available or normally eaten as a cultural staple. There has been increased prevalence in non communicable diseases directly related to these lifestyle factors such as diabetes mellitus II, high cholesterol, obesity, gastroenteritis and more.
Tanzania has a huge agricultural population, approximately 60% of the population living in rural areas reliant on agriculture and natural resources for their livelihoods. The famous nomadic Maasai tribe, who are mostly pastoral farmers, are known to be the indigenous natural custodians of many of the farmlands. Farming itself is facing many hardships with a series of droughts, land encroachment and widespread disputes over land ownership. Increased urbanisation is also leading to loss of generations of cultural practices that created a harmonious balance between rural settlements and the ecosystem.
The Farm
The farm is set in the heart of a low income community in the inner city of Arusha. Both father and son owners of the farm are well known and loved member of the community who are known for their love and dedication to farming and dairy produce. The farm holds several cows and chickens, both of which produce organic milk and eggs and uses ecological systems of natural origins and resources for sustainability, including it’s groundwater system.
The farm also has a fit for purpose kitchen where the owner processes his cheeses, yoghurts and other organic dairy products.
The Program
Join the daily farm activities maintaining the environment and upkeep of the grounds.
Learn to process delicious and nutritious organic food products
Help to maintain the health and safety of the beloved cows and chickens; feeding, watering and maintaining a comfortable environment for the animals.
Help with the fruit and vegetable planting and maintenance
Help maintain the grey water filtration and groundwater system used on the farm
Exchange knowledge and ideas on sustainable ecological practices, nutrition and farming.
Training and supporting the staff:
How will you get around?
Please note this project is only 7 mins walk from Siret Hostel, however some travel may be required if you are based at Siret Sakina Hostel. It is a community safe to travel by foot, however there should be caution and reasoning used for night time travel, theft of small items and situational awareness at all times. You will also receive orientation before you begin.
You will also need to budget for your own lunch or make a small contribution to join the lunch prepared on site.
Important VISA & Permit Information
You will be required to pay for a VISA work assignment. Please note this is a legal requirement and your responsibility. Please enquire for more details.
