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Sustainable Agriculture Volunteer Program in Tanzania - Arusha

Sustainable Agriculture Volunteer Program in Tanzania - Arusha

Interested in farming and want to be a Sustainable Agriculture volunteer in Tanzania? International Volunteer HQ’s Sustainable Agriculture project is a great way to learn about, experience and help improve farming techniques and practices in the local community in Arusha. Volunteers can also get involved with community outreach work, where they will be helping provide ‘home to home’ education that will educate families on how to make the most of small farming plots and also helping with cleaning community areas, establishing collection banks for rubbish and recycling.

Highlights:
  • Programs start on the 1st and 15th of every month
  • Affordable fees from AU$601 for 1 week
  • Includes accommodation, meals, airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 support
  • Help locals learn about sustainable farming practices

  • Experience Tanzania’s incredible landscapes and wildlife

  • Stay in a town near the spectacular Mt Kilimanjaro

Key information

Promote sustainable farming practices
Based on community & family farms
Volunteer house or homestay
Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Fully hosted experience from AU$601 for 1 week
Durations from 1 - 16 weeks
Add on a safari in the Serengeti
Up to 5 hours volunteering a day

This program is ideal for:

Active volunteers who like being outdoors, want to learn about sustainable farming practices and don't mind getting their hands dirty.
Who is this program suited to?

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

Volunteers will be working with local farmers and community leaders and will gain hands-on experience with local farming techniques, while also sharing their own experiences and valuable input from their own experiences.

The community outreach work will also support the schools our teaching volunteers work in, educating schools on how to plant and grow food to feed their students, and teaching both students and teachers about sustainable agriculture techniques that they can take home and share with their families. There will also be additional options of weekend residential excursions at an additional cost that will provide opportunity to reach and support further afar rural village Areas.

You can expect to provide support with:

  • Fertiliser application,
  • Raising seedlings,
  • Weeding,
  • Pest control,
  • Watering
  • and more

The work volunteers take part on will vary seasonally, and will depend on the work already underway at the time you join the program.

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

As job losses escalate as a result of Covid-19, it is estimated that nearly half of the global workforce is at risk of losing their livelihoods. We must improve access to jobs, decent work conditions and community services in order to achieve peace, sustainable economic growth and a better quality of life for all.

Why do Sustainable Agriculture volunteering in Arusha with IVHQ?

As a volunteer farmer in Tanzania you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

  • Improving farming practices for local communities
  • Helping with farm work outdoors
  • Developing your communication and practical skills
  • Gaining agriculture experience
  • Immersing yourself in Tanzanian culture
  • Discovering Africa’s incredible wildlife

Volunteer requirements

  • Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or friend who is over 18 to participate in this program
  • Volunteers aged 16-18 are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program independently, and may be asked to provide additional documentation to the local team
  • All volunteers are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure, or if aged under 18 need to provide two character reference letters instead
  • All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
  • All volunteers must speak fluent English.

Not sure which program to join?

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What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

AP
Andrea Power
19 Sep 2023

Everyone was so lovely and welcoming. Each and every member made my feel settled and secure. They were available to contact 24/7 if we ever required it. I always felt safe and that I could turn to any of the local team for anything. Their help was greatly appreciated. This has been an amazing experience. I have loved every minute of my time here. I have meet incredible people from the local area and volunteers. I loved my placement and learned so much as well as exchanged some of my own knowledge about the chosen project. I have an open mind and appreciate everything I have after volunteering. The accommodation was perfect. It was clean and secure. The mosquito net was provided which worked really well. Have nothing bad to say. The meals were lovely. There was plenty of options for everyone and different meals each day. They catered for every dietary requirement. I really liked tasting the local food.

I learned so much from this experience. I stepped completely out of my comfort zone. I am so glad I did this. I learned so much about the culture of where I am volunteering and so much more about myself. I am very grateful for this experience and appreciate everything I have. I will definitely volunteer with IVHQ again, can’t fault a thing! I would 100% recommend this to everyone. It’s a life changing experience and everyone that you meet has a similar mindset so you won’t be alone. Meeting people from all around the world while helping a community is an amazing opportunity. Loved every minute of it!

...
MT
Man Yee Ting
05 Sep 2023

The local team took really good care of me and the food cooked by the mamas was really nice! For those who are still hesitating about joining this program, just go for it and you will gain much more than you expected.

...
ML
Marie Lafon
24 May 2023

The work of the local team in Tanzania is amazing! They have made my trip unforgettable and I will always be thankful for what they've done. The mamas and the coordinators in our accommodation were amazing! I did two different projects while I was in Tanzania. The first was Sustainable Agriculture; I really liked it and learnt a lot, I feel like I learnt more than I taught! My second project was Women Empowerment, I felt like I was really helpful and the women appreciated my work there. All the moments I spent with the women at my placement are memorable. They shared a lot with me and I did the same, I loved it. This trip made me want to help more people that don't have the same chances that I have.

...
AF
Alexander Fraser
18 May 2023

My favorite moment was getting to learn about sustainability in farming. We learnt about how methane gas was collected from cow excrement and used as cooker fuel, and how the remaining excrement was then used as a natural, organic fertilizer (combined with a few other ingredients) for a neighboring farm. The trip helped me to explore a different culture, and appreciate the lives we lead. It is so worth it! It is not just a trip to help the local community, but a trip which will change and inspire you. Both the impact it will have on you, and the impact you could have on your placement, is amazing.

...
VB
Veronica Burchielli
24 Nov 2022

Volunteering abroad is the best decision I have ever made in my life. It is scary and risky at first but completely worth it. Do it! My favorite moment from the volunteer experience was when the children at the school I taught at stood up and greeted me every morning.

...
MV
Micaela Vivar
08 Jun 2022

I cannot choose a specific moment of this experience to be my favorite. I enjoyed every second of it at the fullest, from the smiles of the kids at the school I was working in to the happy mamas that where making lunch at home. Every minute of it was a life changing experience. The biggest impact was that it change my perspective of seeing things totally. It make me realize that no matter what you can be happy. It is one in a lifetime experience that can change your life in so many different ways. You get to make a real impact in a community, get to meet people from all around the world with the same purpose and get to be immersed in the culture of the country you are visiting.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Academic course credit through International Volunteer HQ and Intern Abroad HQ.

Academic course credit

Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!

Learn about course credit
Volunteer Abroad in Tanzania with IVHQ

Location

The IVHQ Tanzania volunteer program is based in Arusha, a small city often used as the base of many safari trips into the Serengeti and other national parks. It’s also near Africa’s highest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro. Tanzania as a whole is known for its seemingly boundless areas of wilderness where African animals roam, sometimes migrating in vast groups across the plains; and also being the country where the oldest human skull and even older fossils of human ancestors were found.

Despite its many attractions, communities in many parts of Tanzania still lack access to the basic necessities of life. Volunteer projects based in rural and urban areas around Arusha and nearby help to provide better access to healthcare, education and childcare.

Arrival and orientation

The program orientation begins on the 1st and 15th of every month and volunteers need to arrive in Arusha on the day before orientation.

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) in Arusha. Your airport pick-up is included in your program fee. We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation. When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Arusha. Your accommodation is covered by your program fee and includes the night before your program orientation.

If you are travelling in Tanzania prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Arusha on the day before your program orientation. Orientation is hosted by our local team at one of the volunteer houses in Arusha. Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date. If your start date falls on a weekend or a public holiday, your orientation will begin on the Monday or day following the public holiday. Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Tanzania – an introduction to Tanzania, Tanzanian customs, rules and expectations, language lessons (Kiswahili), safety, travel opportunities in Tanzania, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.

Volunteer schedule example

First Day

On the first day of the volunteering placement, you will be escorted to the project by our local staff and introduced to the staff at the project you will be working with.

Weekdays

Work and hours are dependent on the project and placement that each volunteer is working at. A typical volunteer day would be as follows:

7:30 AM Breakfast at the volunteer house or homestay.
8:00 AM Volunteers leave home and travel to their placements. Work and hours are dependent on the project and placement that each volunteer is working at.
2:00 - 5:00 PM Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel home for lunch at their accommodation, prepare for the next day or do some shopping and sightseeing.
8:30 PM Dinner at the volunteer house or homestay

Weekends

Tanzania is a wildlife lover’s dream. In your free time you can venture out on a safari and see Africa’s Big 5 - lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhino - as well as the mind-blowing number of other species that call Tanzania home.

In Arusha itself you can find great markets, take a few days to hike up the nearby Mt Meru, or learn about the Maasai and Meru tribes of the area. You can also take take a short flight down to Zanzibar for a weekend of sun and sandy beaches or save some time before or after your program to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Accommodation and WiFi

Volunteers in Tanzania are accommodated in dorm-style volunteer houses or homestays located in Sakina, Arusha. In the volunteer houses, volunteers can expect to share a room with one to ten other volunteers of the same gender; however, the majority of rooms accommodate 4-6 people.

Currently, there are two homestays available, located next to each other. One homestay can accommodate up to 10 volunteers, and the other can accommodate up to 6, with rooms also being separated by gender. Typically, rooms can fit a maximum of 4 people.

Living conditions are basic, but the volunteer houses and homestays have running water and electricity. It’s important to note that there are often power outages, which can affect the availability of hot water and electricity. There are cooks who prepare meals for the volunteers, and each volunteer house has a security guard.

Please be aware that private room upgrades are not available in Tanzania.

If you would like to stay connected during your stay, we recommend bringing an unlocked mobile phone and purchasing a local SIM card when you arrive in Tanzania. The local team can assist you with purchasing a SIM card and data during your program orientation. Additionally, you can access WiFi at cafes and restaurants in Arusha.

If you wish to arrive a day earlier than your recommended arrival date or spend a few extra nights after finishing your program, we can arrange extra nights of accommodation for you at US$35 (approximately AU$56) per person per night, including meals, subject to availability. You will be able to book extra nights via your profile after you register.

Meals

Tanzanian cuisine varies across the country due to differences in produce found inland and along the coast. The immigration of Khoja Indians has influenced local dishes with Indian flavors. Staple foods in Tanzania include rice, ugali (maize porridge), chapatti, and beans. Please keep in mind that rice and beans are significant components of meals in Tanzania, so you can expect to be served these quite often.

Volunteers are provided with three meals a day at the volunteer houses and homestays. Breakfast typically consists of eggs served with pancakes, mandazzi (deep-fried dough balls), or cake, along with plenty of fresh fruit, bread, and a selection of jams and other spreads for toast.

Lunch and dinner usually feature a traditional meat dish (chicken or beef) alongside a vegetable dish, beans, lentils, or cooked vegetables served with rice, pasta, chips, or chapatti.

Meals are served at the accommodations, but lunch boxes with fruits and sandwiches can be provided upon request if your placement is scheduled to finish after lunchtime.

Bottled water is readily available in Tanzania, and volunteers should budget approximately $5 per week for 2 liters a day. Filtered water is also available at the accommodations, and you can choose between purchasing bottled water or using the free filtered water provided in the houses.

If you have any special dietary requirements, please inform us so that the local team can make arrangements for you. They can provide vegetarian meals and options that are dairy and gluten-free; however, please note that vegan, halal, and kosher options are not available. Keep in mind that your eating experience may differ from what you’re accustomed to at home. The local team will do their best to accommodate your needs and ensure volunteers are well taken care of, but it’s essential for volunteers to remain flexible.

Pricing

  • USD
Duration
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
  • USD
1 week AU$600 Equivalent to AU$86/day
2 weeks AU$793 Equivalent to AU$57/day
3 weeks AU$1073 Equivalent to AU$51/day
4 weeks AU$1297 Equivalent to AU$46/day
5 weeks AU$1538 Equivalent to AU$44/day
6 weeks AU$1778 Equivalent to AU$42/day
8 weeks AU$2283 Equivalent to AU$41/day
10 weeks AU$2812 Equivalent to AU$40/day
12 weeks AU$3340 Equivalent to AU$40/day
16 weeks AU$4398 Equivalent to AU$39/day
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • In-country program orientation
  • Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
  • Airport pick-up
  • Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
  • Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
  • Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
  • Certificate of International Volunteer Service

Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.

  • All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately AU$528) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services. IVHQ fees are priced in USD but you may elect to pay in AUD.
  • A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
  • Independent volunteers under the age of 18 will have an additional cost of US$80 per week added to their program fee to cover extra logistical support provided by the local team.
  • Additional things to budget for include: Visa, flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check, public transport to and from your placement each day and return to the airport when your program finishes.
  • Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Tanzania generally find US$75-100 per week to be sufficient for expenses.

Free-time experiences & tours in Tanzania

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Tanzania! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Tanzania program.

Kifaru Safari
Kifaru Safari

A 2 day safari in Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater where you will have the opportunity to see amazing wildlife in their natural habitat.

AU$558
Maasai Village Tours
Maasai Village Tours

Gain an authentic insight into the Maasai way of life. Volunteers can choose between half or full day trips.

From AU$128
Moshi Trips
Moshi Trips

An opportunity to visit Moshi Town, the last village before the Kilimanjaro National Park. Volunteers can choose between 1 or 2 day trips.

From AU$112
Maasai Village Tours
Maasai Village Tours

Gain an authentic insight into the Maasai way of life. Volunteers can choose between half or full day trips.

From AU$128
Kifaru Safari
Kifaru Safari

A 2 day safari in Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater where you will have the opportunity to see amazing wildlife in their natural habitat.

AU$558
Rafiki Safari
Rafiki Safari

A 4 day safari in Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater where you will have the opportunity to see amazing wildlife in their natural habitat.

AU$1091

Check what's required to visit Tanzania

Safety and support with IVHQ

Safety and support

IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.

  • All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
  • All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
  • All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
  • All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Learn more about IVHQ's safety

Essential country information

Capital Dodoma
Population 58 million
Languages Swahili and English
Currency Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Time zone UTC+03:00

Weather and climate

Tanzania is hot throughout the year and is humid on the coast and dry on the central plateau. The heavy rains last from March to June and can make unsealed road travel difficult. The hot, dry weather in January and February attracts the most tourists. The best time to visit the Serengeti is from January to March, when the grazers are calving and there are plenty of lions around. Or witness the wildebeest migration to and from Kenya, which occurs at the onset of the dry season and again with the first rains, usually around the beginning of June and mid-November.

Other projects you may be interested in

How to get started

Pick a destination + project and apply for free
Meet your personal volunteer travel expert
Pay the Registration Fee to secure your place and upgrade your MyIVHQ account
Get ready to volunteer abroad, we’ll support you every step of the way!