ACDI/VOCA is a non-profit, international development organization based in Washington DC. We have implemented effective economic and social development projects around the world since 1963. Our mission is to achieve better lives for people and communities by increasing economic prosperity and social inclusion.

ACDI/VOCA has been a key implementer of the Farmer-to-Farmer Program since its inception in 1985. Established by USAID, the Farmer-to-Farmer Program promotes sustainable practices in agriculture and food security through production, processing and marketing in developing countries around the world. To date, we’ve had the pleasure of working with over 7,000 specialists who have volunteered their talent and expertise with us under this program. Volunteers provide high quality technical assistance through short-term assignments where they build the capacity of local organizations and businesses in the host country. The feedback from host beneficiaries has been overwhelmingly positive and we regularly hear about how the guidance received from a volunteer has changed the way they do business and they have seen noticeable improvements in their businesses.

Our Volunteer Program provides for all travel arrangements, lodging and meals for each volunteer for the duration of an assignment, which typically lasts 2-3 weeks. To learn more about current opportunities, please visit www.acdivoca.org/volunteer. If you would like to learn more about our Volunteer Program, please contact me at 202-469-6182 or DShipman@acdivoca.org.

Diana Shipman

Associate Director of Volunteer Programs

ACDI/VOCA

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ACDI/VOCA is currently observing a complete travel ban for all international assignments. However, opportunities to volunteer are still available, and once it is safe to do so, we will return to in-person assignments overseas. Read on for more information!

The Farmer to Farmer Program was designed to not only support agricultural strengthening in developing countries, but also to promote cultural understanding between US farmers and their counterparts abroad.

During these extraordinary times, we are pairing US experts with local volunteers, using technology to continue with our mission. With ACDI/VOCA field staff available to help with communications (for example, if the host farmers don’t speak English), host farmers will still learn from the rich knowledge and experience of US volunteers, and local volunteers will strengthen their skills providing hands-on training.

At the same time, US volunteers can get a feel for the types of issues and questions that arise during an assignment, so they can travel more confidently if they are interested to do so in the future.

Update (8/24/2020): the paired assignments are off to a fast and furious start with exciting (and some unexpected) advantages to both volunteers and hosts. Contact me (ofgacoordiantor@gmail.com) or Diana for more information!

Update (10/21/2020): the partnerships between US-based volunteers, local volunteers, ACDI/VOCA field staff, and host beneficiaries continue with great results.

Check out the sample of current (as of November 23, 2020) opportunities below, with more on the ACDI/VOCA website!

Armenia- Greenhouse and Biogas Design Specialist

Local farmers are requesting volunteer assistance to design a Closed Loop Greenhouse and Biogas Station. The host farmer wants to establish a raspberry orchard inside a greenhouse to increase production during the winter months. As he also raises pigs, he wants to utilize the biogas produced from their manure to heat the greenhouse.

https://volunteeropportunities-acdivoca.icims.com/jobs/5712/job

Tajikistan- Fruit Orchard Management, Zohir Dehkan

Local farmers are requesting volunteer assistance to improve the care for their 3 year old trees of sweet cherries, apricot, plum, peach, almond, persimmon and walnuts. They are particularly interested in guidance on budding, grafting and pruning.

https://volunteeropportunities-acdivoca.icims.com/jobs/5715/job

Kyrgyzstan- Community Harvest Sales Advisor

Local women are requesting volunteer assistance to learn how to organize and combine their harvests of fruits and vegetables to sell at local markets. The selected volunteer will advise the women on topics including grading and labelling, quality standards and proper storage techniques.

https://volunteeropportunities-acdivoca.icims.com/jobs/5714/job

Due to current travel restrictions, the above assignments will take place remotely. The selected volunteer will collaborate with a local volunteer who will provide hands on training to the host farmers. The selected volunteer will work with the host farmers, the local volunteer and ACDI/VOCA field staff using popular online methods. The assignment will last for approximately 1 week for the selected volunteer, spread over 2 weeks when the local volunteer will be working with the host community.