Do you have a passion for agriculture and farm work? Do you often dream of volunteering in Malawi on a small organic farm? If you are, then experience Malawi in a whole new way as you explore the culture first hand by working alongside local farmers on our Malawi Agriculture Volunteer project.
In most communities in Malawi, owning a back yard garden and small farm is vital for having a cheap source of starch, vegetables and fruits. If you are interested in sustainable agriculture volunteer projects and curious about the agricultural procedures of small farming and how they play a role in the people’s lives, this project could be ideal for you.
PROJECTS HIGHLIGHTS
- Fork the soil to break up large areas for planting
- Help in the maintenance of the crops with weeding
- Clear land of stones and other items to create areas for planting
- Help plant crops like cucumbers, tomatoes, carrot, cabbage and more
- Demonstrate green house farming management and help increase output
- Learn organic methods used by Malawian small farmers to ensure healthy and safe foods
Malawi agriculture volunteer project participants need no experience to participate in sustainable farming. What you need is the willingness to take instructions, a spirit of humility, energy and a strong work ethics. If you love working with the soil and getting your hands dirty, the farmers in the community will welcome your advice and be grateful for your help. Never underestimate the power of a positive outlook and an enthusiastic attitude in building fast friendships and relationships.
PROJECT LOCATION
Blantyre City, is the largest commercial and industrial capital of Malawi, is in the Shire Highlands and geographical center of the Southern Region of the country and lies 35° east of Greenwich Meridian and 15° 42″ south of the Equator. It is a transport communications node with road, rail and air links to all parts of the country and neighboring countries of Mozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia and Tanzania. It covers an area of 228 km2.
Lilongwe is the capital city of Malawi, on the Lilongwe River. At its heart, woodland trails weave through the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre. This sanctuary shelters rescued and injured animals, including lions, monkeys and crocodiles. Shops, bars and restaurants dot the Old Town district. The Capital City district, also called City Centre, is home to the 21st-century, Chinese-built Parliament building.
ARRIVAL & AIRPORT PICKUP
After you have booked and confirmed your placement, please book your flights to arrive at either Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe or Chileka International Airport in Blantyre (So make sure you know the exact location of your project before booking flights). A member of staff from our local partner organization in Malawi will meet you on arrival at the airport and take you to the volunteer guest house or host family which will be your base for volunteering. Both airports services numerous international carriers including the national airline Malawi Airlines. Malawi has good connections to destinations throughout Europe, the Asia- Pacific region, USA and Africa.
ORIENTATION
Orientation and Placement will be done the next day. Generally, your volunteer orientation is an overview of the project’s mission, expectations and introduction to the local community and project site. Following your arrival in Malawi you will be given a presentation by the co-coordinating project team to prepare you for the work you will be doing.
PROJECT DETAILS
Go Volunteer Africa’s Malawi farming volunteer project creates awareness about conservation practices and improved farming methods. Students studying agricultural management, agriculture and farming, disease control, organic farming, irrigation and other farming techniques could make a big difference by supporting members of the small farming communities.
By volunteering on our Malawi agriculture volunteer project, you will not only build skills, but you’ll learn about a new culture and lifestyle while in Malawi. If you have been looking for an opportunity in getting hands-on, international experience, this is it.
When you participate in farming volunteer project in Malawi you’ll work with small farmers in the community. Your impact on the projects will depend on the time of year and the stage the programs have reached. Because there is so much to do, work is available for skilled and unskilled volunteers and is a great fit for students, professionals and families.
Farm volunteer work will be available Monday – Fridays from as early as 7:00 am to approximately 4:30.pm. If you would like a shorter day we can organize this. We want you to be totally immersed in the Malawian culture so on weekends our organization offers day excursions and cultural immersion experiences. We continually look for eye-opening cultural activities for you to do in your free time, so on your arrival in Malawi we could suggest current events like festivals and sports.
You can volunteer for a minimum of one week or a maximum of three months. If you require a longer duration special arrangements would be needed so contact us and you can combine the Malawi agriculture volunteer project with teaching English in schools or working women or youth in technology.
GROUP VOLUNTEER TRIPS
Get some friends together or organize a group from your school and embark on this incredible adventure! Discounts are offered on any group of 5+ participants on Malawi volunteering program.
LONGTERM VOLUNTEER WORK
Please contact us for more information about our long-term volunteering program in Malawi. We will guide you on the best times of the year, what to pack, and what extra health precautions to keep in mind and all logistics.
VOLUNTEER ACCOMMODATION
Volunteers are provided accommodation in a volunteer house or in a homestay accommodation managed by the local coordinating team. Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) are provided to the participants from Monday – Sunday. The accommodations are neat and clean. Accommodation is shared amongst volunteers on the ‘same gender sharing’ basis rooms. Wifi internet, warm water is not guaranteed.
The homes are close to useful amenities like banks, ATM’s, currency exchanges, restaurants, cafes and shopping places. All placements are around 10 – 30 minutes from the accommodation. At some point volunteers might be on the move and hence we suggest also bringing a sleeping mat and sleeping bag/pillow for travel and weekends away on adventures. Bathrooms are usually shared. There is a lounge area for relaxing, reading, or watching movies.
AGE REQUIREMENT
Our program is for anyone sixteen years and above who loves service above self and social experiences with people from all over the world. We also accept volunteers of 15+ years of age if they are in a group with a guardian or supervisor above 18years. Volunteers under 15 years old are only considered when accompanied by a parent/guardian. There isn’t a maximum age limit, though a reasonable fitness level is necessary. Families are encouraged to apply and are welcome!
VISAS
Visitors to Malawi must obtain a visa from one of the Malawian diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries or countries eligible for visa on arrival. All visitors must hold passports valid for a minimum of 6 months from the arrival date. Depending on the purpose of visit, a traveler who has a valid visa is granted a Visitors Permit (VP) or Business Visit (BV) at the port of entry valid for 30 days and can be extended up to a maximum period of 90 days. According to a document published by the Department of Immigration, nationals of all countries that are not visa exempt may obtain a visa on arrival. Malawi launched an eVisa application system on 1 November 2019
WEEKENDS AND FREE-TIME
Over the weekends or evenings, participants are free to eat out and explore the different delights that Malawi has to offer. We arrange city day tours and long-weekend safaris. No matter what your interests, there is always something for everyone to enjoy!
PROJECT FACTS
| Availability: | Project open all year round |
| Duration: | Minimum one week commitment |
| Age Limits: | Minimum 18yrs or older for solo travelers. |
| Minimum Age: | Families are welcome |
| Start Dates: | Flexible start and end dates |
| Arrival dates: | One day before the start date |
| Airport Arrival: | Airport pickup, meet and greet by GVA partner representative |
| Working Days: | Monday – Friday – 5 days a week, 3-5 hours in a day |
| Weekends: | Travel / Sightseeing NOT included in program cost |
| Accommodation: | Host Family or volunteer house |
| Meals: | Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily |
| Support: | Pre-departure guide, In-country staff available 24/7 |
| Location: | Blantyre, Lilongwe, Thyolo & Mzuzu |
| Language: | English |
IN A NUTSHELL
Volunteering in Malawi with Go Volunteer Africa is affordable, low cost and budget friendly. The volunteer opportunities in Malawi are meaningful and life changing both to the volunteer and the host community.
Go Volunteer Africa was ranked as the best volunteer organization in Malawi. All volunteer programs in Malawi are community driven and managed by the local coordinating teams and this will give you a chance to get to know local people and really help those in need.
Go Volunteer Africa is among the top NGOs looking for volunteers in Malawi. Most volunteer projects in Malawi are located Blantyre, Lilongwe, Thyolo, Mzuzu and in more rural areas.
Volunteer in Malawi with Africa’s leading and largest volunteer travel organization. Volunteer Jobs in Malawi are available throughout the year. Do volunteer charity work in Malawi, empower communities and vulnerable individuals, change both your lives and the recipients’ of your generosity.
PROGRAM FEE: (USD$)
Program Fee Excludes:
- Flights
- Visas
- Insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Airport Drop off (Can be arranged upon request)
APPLICATION & PLACEMENT BOOKING FEE
Please Note: An application and placement booking fee of $180 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment to secure your placement.
The fee covers: Administration Costs, Placement Booking & Confirmation, Pre-departure support & documentation, 24-hour international HQ back-up.
HOW TO APPLY
To start the process fill Volunteer application form and submit it for consideration and book your placement. For more information on how to get enrolled for the volunteering experience of a lifetime contact us. Or Give us a call | WhatsApp | Telegram | Viber | Imo at +254-796-786292 to talk to a Program Specialist.
