Project overview
The Kenya Institute of Organic Farming (KIOF) is an officially registered technical training institution NO. MOHEST/PC/1361 and Non-government 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 Programe, 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 Programe 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 programe was launched in 2004 and the Certificate Stream gradually phased out.
The Diploma Programe 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.
A RENEWED APPROACH TO AGRICULTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
AGE: Volunteers have to be at least 18 years old to participate in the work camp. There is no upper age limit`
PROJECT ACTIVITIES WHY ORGANIC AGRICULTURE?
A JOINT STUDENT EXCHANGE
KIOF, is a long term training institution partnering with Rural Community in Development (RUCID) which is Uganda specialized in formal training in organic agriculture, community mobilization, processing and marketing of organic products (both local and export markets.
Scope
The nature of KOIF/RUCID collaboration include:
III. Exchange of students to Kenya and Mityana, Uganda.
Practical Learning
Students who participate in this program experience “hands on” learning situations in:
III. Organic packaging and marketing both locally and internationally.
Exposure
¨ Students get a rare opportunity of doing their studies in both Uganda and Kenya
¨ Students Learn to travel across the Kenyan border s and gain cultured experience of other communities
Some of KIOF achievements.
TYPE OF WORK CAMP: AGRI
Volunteers will work for six hours daily from Monday to Friday. They will work together with the local community members on the following activities:
Manual work and Intercultural activities:
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