In Nepal, over 65% of the population is still involved in the Agriculture sector, with the World Bank reporting that agriculture is the main source of food, income and employment for the majority of Nepalese, accounting for 24.26% of the country’s GDP. However, only about 28% of the land is cultivable in Nepal, with the result that these lands are put under intense pressure and highlighting the importance of sustainable agricultural and land management practices.
Volunteering on Permaculture projects contributes to maximizing benefits for farmers and sustainable food production. Although new agricultural technologies and the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides have helped increase food productivity, the lack of training and support systems for farmers has contributed to the random use of these chemicals, resulting in degraded soil fertility and negative impacts on the health of the Nepalese people. Not having a well-organized support systems and programs for farmers, as well as problems in obtaining supplies, inhibited progress towards sustainable food production. There is also a lack of research and technical expertise in the agriculture sector.
Our goal for the Permaculture Project is to ensure sustainable food production by practicing sustainable farming. VIN runs a number of environmental projects to conserve, promote and protect the environment. This project focuses on harmonious, sustainable and productive farming approaches to improve the lifestyle of farmers as well as the health of consumers and, by encouraging healthy farming practices, enhancing the wellbeing of present and future generations. The project commenced at the end of 2018 with the goal of restoring the ecosystem in the years to come.
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers and interns who are fascinated by the idea of permaculture farming. The role of the Permaculture volunteer depends on the stage and month of farming. During the placement, the volunteer will be based in one of our working sites namely Kathmandu, Okhaldhunga and Nuwakot {Link to Where we work sections}. You will be accommodated with a Nepali host family allowing you to be a part of Nepali culture.
The permaculture volunteer/ intern will be a part of one or more of the following activities:
- Work with the farmers who are trained by VIN.
- Assist farmers in designing the farm based on the permaculture principles – cultivating crops, weeding, irrigating etc.
- Train more farmers on permaculture practices and help them practically to implement these.
- Educate people on sustainable food production and sustainable agriculture.
- Train farmers in making organic fertilizers like compost and involve yourself in the process.
- Conduct training sessions on vermicomposting.
- Observe, interact, learn and implement ideas and farming techniques along with the farmers.
- Conduct workshops on the topics such as overuse of insecticides and pesticides, rotational farming methods, polyculture/ co-cultivation techniques etc.
- Encourage farmers to use and value renewable resources and produce no waste.
Project Specific Skills
- Education or work experience on Permaculture.
- Proficient in conducting workshops and training.
- Passion in working with the farmers of rural communities.
- Any other hands on knowledge on farming methods.
Desirable/ Common Skills
- Excellent communicator with good interpersonal skills
- A team player with good workethics
- Time management and leadership qualities
- Adaptable, flexible and able to work under pressure
- Accepting of different ideas and culture
- Problem solving: always be part of solutions than part of a problem
- Creative
- Positive attitude
Requirements
- Gender: Female / Male
- Minimum Age: 18+ years (16-17 years old person can volunteer but need to present parents’/ guardian’s consent letter)
- Language:English (Intermediate)
- Educational:High School Graduate
Your Experience/ Setting
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), you will receive a warm welcome and be transported to your hotel or hostel. If you are already in Nepal before the start of your placement, we can make alternative arrangements for you. You will undergo a comprehensive two- to three-day induction program after arrival. This induction will provide valuable information about your project and general information about the Nepalese language, culture, health, safety, and security. It is also an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow volunteers and interns who can become your companions for sightseeing and a source of support throughout your volunteer placement.
During the induction period, you will be accommodated in a budget hotel or hostel arranged by VIN. However, most of the VIN experience involves living with a Nepalese host family. While this immersion is essential for a complete experience, we understand that it can be challenging as you adapt to a new culture and adjust to facilities that may be more basic than you are accustomed to. Don’t worry; all our host families have experience accommodating volunteers, although their English-speaking abilities may vary. Also, you will have 24-hour access to our staff members for support and assistance throughout your placement.
Volunteers will be assigned to one of VIN’s working areas, which include Tarakeshor Municipality in Kathmandu, Taluwa, Thulachhap, and Bhadaure in Okhaldhunga, and Okharpouwa and Kaule in the Nuwakot district. While at the working site, volunteers are requested to bring their lunch box, water bottle, safety gear, face mask, and any other essential belongings. We advise volunteers to dress comfortably and modestly, preferably with long sleeves. Please get in touch with us for guidance and support if you want to raise project funds or collect project-specific resources. This will help the community a lot.
Schedule and Commitment
You will work five to six days a week, up to six hours per day. You may propose your preferred time and hours; however, the working time period will be dependent on the institution you have been placed. A minimum of 2 weeks’ time commitment is expected of a volunteer. The longer you commit; the better impact you can make. You should be willing to commit a certain amount of your free time and energy, show a lot of commitment and be a good listener. You are expected to work constructively and co-operatively maintaining good reputation and standards at all times. Volunteer should abide by relevant security concerns and access procedures. Moreover, you should be receptive and positive to performance appraisal, advice and feedback. Throughout your placement, you will have the full support of VIN. Your safety is our highest priority.
Your typical day might look like this:
| 07:00-08:00 | Tea/Leisure Time |
| 08:00-09:00 | Breakfast/Brunch (Nepali meal – Daal-Bhaat) |
| 09:00-10:00 | Preparation for sessions |
| 10:00-13:00 | Deliver training sessions/Workshops |
| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch (Packed lunch) |
| 15:00-17:00 | Deliver sessions to people on cluster basis |
| 17:00-20:00 | Preparation for next day/Leisure time |
| 20:00-21:00 | Dinner (Nepali meal – Daal-Bhaat) |
You will receive a clear and concise on-the-job instructions, course of action, context of work and policies/strategies before your placement begins. You will be provided with ample of guidance and support throughout the placement with trainings / onboarding sessions incase necessary. You will be in a constant communication and regular check-in with the VIN volunteer coordinator. VIN aims to maintain a culture of continuous feedback between the volunteer supervisor at the placement to monitor the performance of the volunteer and ensure the project delivers desired outcomes.
In case of an emergency, you may contact one of our Volunteer Coordinators who will be available anytime for your assistance and support.
Click here to Learn more on how volunteering works
Mid and Long Term Volunteers:
2 weeks minimum stay- € 380
3 weeks – 480€
4 weeks – 580€ (after 4th week, for each additional week €95)
University Internships:
4 weeks minimum stay- € 680 (for each additional week – €105
Click here to Learn what’s included and excluded in our Fees Section
Click here to Learn recruitment process on how volunteering works
Our projects are open year-round, and our inductions begin on the first and third Mondays of each month. We would like to ask that volunteers arrive one day before the start of the induction. You can choose the duration of your participation based on your available time. However, so that you know, our volunteering placements are limited. We highly recommend booking your placement in advance to secure your placement. Click here to apply.
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