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
Juja, Kiambu County Kenya
Laundry and water:
Tap water is available at the institution 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
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.
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 volunteersProject 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
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 groupsthrough 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.
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
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.
Leisure time
Kenya is replete with a lot of interesting and natural spectacular sites of interest
that would capture the imagination of volunteers.
From the tour to the renowned Maasai Mara Game Reserve to visits to local
community beholding sights, the volunteers have the previledge to make choices
that would fundamentally make the difference.
The project also offers a perfect opportunity for people who enjoy being close to
nature and are interested in the spectacular setting that traditional way of living
in the heartland of the African culture would enrich your cultural heritage
