JANUARY 2015 Project name: Kenya Institute of Organic Farming (KIOF) Code: KVDA/STV/01B Dates: 10TH TO 31ST January 2015 Orientation: 10th January 2015 Location: Juja, Central Kenya Theme: Organic Agriculture Project overview Background information 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 programme. .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 Programme 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 programme was launched in 2004 and the Certificate Stream gradually phased out. The Diploma Programme 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 AGE: Volunteers have to be at least 18 years old to participate in the work camp. There is no upper age limit. 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. TYPE OF WORK CAMP: AGRI Volunteers will work for six hours daily from Monday to Friday with focus on the following: Manual work and Intercultural activities: • 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. • Visit to neighbouring farms • Interaction with organic farming students PROJECT PARTICIPANTS: Maximum 20 volunteers from Kenya and the international community 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. THEME: ORGANIC AGRICULTURE Orientation: Will be done on 10th January 2015 at KVDA Residence in Nairobi and the team will leave for the project on the morning of 11th January 2015 Airport pick-up services: This will be done subject to provision of full flight details. The port of entry to Kenya is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Volunteers will stay at KVDA Residence in Nairobi at a fee Participation FEES: The project participation fees that is all-inclusive for the three weeks work camp is Euro 300 INSURANCE: KVDA does not provide insurance and volunteers should obtain travel insurance cover. It is a good idea to get medicine you are used to from your home country and seek advice from your personal doctor. WHAT DOES THE PARTICIPATION FEES COVER? Project preparation cycle, return transfers from the airport and the project, KVDA administration, orientation, certificate of participation, project coordination, facilitation, evaluation and monitoring WHAT IS NOT COVERED? Excursion activities, local travel while in the community, personal effects, needs and wants. EDUCATIONAL TOURS KVDA offers educational tours to spectacular sites including the renowned Maasai Mara Game Reserve at separate fees. Please contact us for specific tour information. ACCOMMODATION Volunteers will be accommodated in dormitories at the institution shared with the students’ community. KVDA will provide foodstuffs and volunteers will cook their own meals in turns. Water is available from springs and it is recommended that drinking water should be boiled or medicated. Mineral water available at supermarkets is also recommended. There is electricity connection at the institution. LANGUAGE: English is the language of the work camp. There will be a possibility of learning Kiswahili and other international and local languages as cultural diversity is a major component in international service EMERGENCY CONTACTS: Below are the emergency contacts for Kenya Voluntary Development Association: Executive Director: 0721 650 357 Regional Coordinator: 0722 710 663 PROJECT DETAILED INFO SHEET: Will be sent to the volunteer sending organization as soon as the application is accepted by KVDA CONFIRMATION DEADLINE: Should be done via e-mail at least one month before the start of the project. FEBRUARY 2015 Project Name: TICH KOUMA COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATION Code: KVDA/STV/02A Dates: 7TH to 28th FEBRRUARY 2015 Orientation: 7TH FEBRUARY 2015 Location: KISUMU COUNTY, LAKE VICTORIA REGION Theme: Conservation: Eco-tourism and Agro-forestry Project overview Tich Kouma Community Based organization was registered on 5th July 2011 as a self-help group under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Development. The project is situated in the heart of Kisumu city that is the third largest city in Kenya after Nairobi and Mombasa respectively. The site is situated behind Tom Mboya Labour College off Ring Road. The group members are residents of Nanga, Dunga, Kapuothe, Katuoro, Got Owak, Sigalagala, Kogello, Milimani that are villages within Winam Division of Kisumu East district, Nyanza province. OBJECTIVES OF THE GROUP • To build a social and economic force taking advantage of the environment and best use of natural resources for sustainability • Provide funds for conservation to preserve the biomas flora and fauna, culture and history, to set sustainable use of limits of the wetland and to protect natural attractions alongside the preservation of existing endemic species • To empower members through income generating activities as adaptive to natural resources available at the project site • To engage appropriate technology innovatively by wise use practices like conservation farming • To build human capital through empowerment of the community by utilization of intellectual property rights-like making of conservation furniture through weaving of papyrus reed in the making process • To engage in activities aimed at alleviating poverty, creating employment and engagement with equity • Advocate for environmental restoration, conservation by showcasing the way forward through activities like tree planting, nursery, husbandry, farm management and related activities that can create micro climate for Kisumu city AGE: Volunteers have to be at least 18 years old to participate in the work camp. There is no upper age limit PROJECT ACTIVITIES Agro forestry, eco-tourism and conservation activities as outlined in the objectives of the group TYPE OF WORK CAMP: ENVI Volunteers will work for maximum of six hours daily from Monday to Friday and the schedule is flexible to suit into the capability of individual volunteers. The focus will be on the following: Manual work and Intercultural activities: • Agro forestry • Eco-tourism • Conservation activities as outlined in the objectives of the group • Home visits • Cultural days for various nationalities • Topical discussion with the local people PROJECT PARTICIPANTS: Maximum 15 volunteers from Kenya and the international community 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. THEME: CONSERVATION: ECO-TOURISM AND AGRO-FORESTRY This project is a masterpiece in Kisumu city and it is situated in a serene environment on wetland that the group has effectively exploited to promote the objectives of the project. The project site is beholding with magnificent traditional structures, fish ponds, tree nursery and the agro forestry program and all these are powerful indicators of the grand march by the team members to spur socio-economic development. The conservation activities undertaken by the group serve the useful lesson to inspire society on the need for sustainable utilization of the endowments by nature to make a difference in the lives of humanity. The project provides the unique opportunity for volunteers who have the passion for conservation activities and especially on eco-tourism and agro forestry Orientation: Will be done on 7th February 2015 at KVDA Residence in Nairobi and the team will leave for the project on the morning of 8th February 2015 Airport pick-up services: This will be done subject to provision of full flight details. The port of entry to Kenya is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Volunteers will stay at KVDA Residence in Nairobi at a fee Participation FEES The project participation fees that is all-inclusive for the three weeks work camp is Euro 300 INSURANCE: KVDA does not provide insurance and volunteers should obtain travel insurance cover. It is a good idea to get medicine you are used to from your home country and seek advice from your personal doctor. WHAT DOES THE PARTICIPATION FEES COVER? Project preparation cycle, return transfers from the airport and the project, KVDA administration, orientation, certificate of participation, project coordination, facilitation, evaluation and monitoring WHAT IS NOT COVERED? Excursion activities, local travel while in the community, personal effects, needs and wants. EDUCATIONAL TOURS KVDA offers educational tours to spectacular sites including the renowned Maasai Mara Game Reserve at separate fees. Please contact us for specific tour information. ACCOMMODATION Volunteers will stay at KVDA Residence where there is dormitory accommodation with electricity available. Volunteers should bring sleeping bags and mats and have an obligation to climb down the level of the people with the aim of exposure to development challenges. KVDA will provide foodstuffs and volunteers will cook their own meals in turns. LANGUAGE: English is the language of the work camp. There will be a possibility of learning Kiswahili and other international and local languages as cultural diversity is a major component in international service EMERGENCY CONTACTS: Below are the emergency contacts for Kenya Voluntary Development Association: Executive Director: 0721 650 357 Regional Coordinator: 0722 710 663 PROJECT DETAILED INFO SHEET: Will be sent to the volunteer sending organization as soon as the application is accepted by KVDA CONFIRMATION DEADLINE: Should be done via e-mail at least one month before the start of the project.
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