AGROFORESTRY
Code: a5a5af8a256161fd27b3a7c9abd98788 Copied
About the project
AGROFORESTRY
📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Volunteers Initiative Nepal is a non-religious, non-political, non-governmental
organization established in 2005. Our mission is to empower marginalized communities, focusing on women and children, through inclusive and holistic development programs.
This is done through the following development areas that run through every single program we offer:
• Education
• Health and Environment
• Economy
• Basic Infrastructure
Only if we have equal access to education, a healthy lifestyle, and an environment, grow our economy for the country but also on an individual basis, and make our infrastructure better, we can grow as people and as a nation.
💼 What the programme involves
This project aims to reduce Nepal’s dependence on traditional terrace farming, a labor-intensive method that is often not very profitable. The proposed alternative is agroforestry, a sustainable agricultural technique that involves growing crops (such as vegetables or cereals) among trees. This approach promotes greater biodiversity, prevents soil erosion, and leads to improved yields, thereby enhancing food security and increasing families’ incomes.
By taking part in this project in Nepal, volunteers have the opportunity to make a tangible contribution to improving the living conditions of local farmers through sustainable agricultural practices. Their involvement in the field supports the transition toward more environmentally friendly methods adapted to local realities.
Rather than imposing knowledge, the experience is based on genuine exchange, cooperation, and mutual learning, working hand in hand with the community.
Volunteers may be asked to:
work alongside qualified Nepalese farmers, following their guidance and actively participating in fieldwork as well as in the implementation of agroforestry systems (combining trees and crops to improve soil fertility and resilience);
contribute to the maintenance of housing and shared project spaces to ensure a pleasant and functional living environment for everyone;
take part in simple research activities, such as observation and data collection, in order to assess the impact of the new agricultural techniques being implemented.
These tasks allow volunteers to become fully involved in the daily life of the project while gaining practical insight into the challenges and benefits of sustainable agriculture.
🏠 Accommodation on site
VIN has a hostel which can accommodate up to 35 people, with up to five bunk beds per room.
During the volunteer induction, volunteers will share these rooms.
If the hostel is unavailable, VIN organizes accommodation close-by in a hotel or different hostel.
During your stay at the host family or monastery/nunnery, your sleeping arrangements may be private to sharing basis.
Bathroom and toilet facilities are shared with your host family or monks/ nuns.
Hygiene standards vary from family to family/place to place. Sometimes it is very basic, and hot water might only be available. We kindly ask volunteers to be flexible and be prepared to cope with non-western standards.
🍲 Food
In regards to food, volunteers will receive three meals a day, in Nepali standard. The main dishes are rice-based such as Daal Bhat (lentil soup and rice), vegetables and curries are staple foods.
Nepalese people rarely eat meat or fish and have a mainly vegetarian diet. Eating bread is also uncommon. Nepalese food is high in carbs.
If you wish to supplement your foods with more variety (such as types of vegetables, eggs or fruits) then the cost lies with you but host families are happy to prepare the extra food items for you.
In the host families and monasteries/ nunnery you will share their food and please inform us if have any specific allergies or dietary requirements.
📍 About the location
🎒 Leisure activities
Volunteers traveling to Kathmandu, Nuwakot, or Okhaldhunga have a wide range of activities to make the most of their free time.
In Kathmandu, they can discover an exceptional cultural heritage by visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath. They can also stroll through the lively streets of Thamel for shopping or enjoy local cuisine in the many restaurants and cafés. The Kathmandu Valley also offers wonderful opportunities for short trips, particularly to Nagarkot or Shivapuri, which are ideal for day hikes.
In Nuwakot, volunteers can explore the ancient fort, a historic site that reflects traditional Nepalese architecture. The region is also well suited for hiking through the surrounding hills, offering beautiful natural scenery and panoramic views of the Himalayas.
In Okhaldhunga, volunteers can enjoy numerous trekking routes, especially toward more remote areas such as Solukhumbu. The natural environment is particularly well preserved, with stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and impressive mountain viewpoints. Depending on the time of their stay, they may also attend traditional festivals and take part in local celebrations, providing a unique cultural experience.
🤝 Meeting point
We ask volunteers to send us the flight details as soon as possible so that we can arrange the airport pick-up. We have a one-time airport pickup/drop-off facility.
One of VIN’s staff members will wait at the airport for pick up and then bring you to VIN’s
ℹ️ Additional information
All the registration formalities will be completed in the first three days during the induction period. This will consist of understanding and signing a contract and paying the project fee.
Please note that the entire project fee will be collected during the induction days.
You will have to produce a photocopy of your passport and of your visa as well as a passport photo. VIN will issue a volunteer identity card for you.
Inductions start every 1st and 3rd Monday of each month.
The induction period is part of your placement and it will provide essential information about VIN, the project, our culture, and customs.
So please arrive one day BEFORE to the induction date.
The induction will last 2 to 3 full days (accommodation and food is provided) and includes the following topics:
• Introduction to the organization: A brief history of VIN, its projects, and working sites.
• Sightseeing: It’s important for us that volunteers see sites of cultural importance, such as Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Patan Durbar Square and other areas.
• Cultural and health tips: Nepal has lots of different rules and regulations in our culture and these tips will help volunteers to adapt to the Nepali lifestyle.
We also provide information about how to stay safe whilst being in Nepal. This includes health and safety tips, information about foods and travel tips. VIN has its own doctor so if you have any concerns whilst on placement, you can get help right away.
• Nepali Language Classes: Each volunteer receives two to three Nepali language classes from one of VIN’s staff members. This will help with basic communication.
• Placement Information: All volunteers receive a support pack with detailed information about the placement, host family, and a daily schedule of volunteers.
• Project Orientation: Volunteers meet their supervisors, who will spend time with each other and plan for their projects.
Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.
Sign in to apply📷 Project photos
📅 Available sessions
VINLMTV26-05-B
01/01/2025 at 00:00 → 31/12/2025 at 00:00
VINLMTV26-05-B
01/03/2024 at 00:00 → 31/12/2026 at 00:00
VINLMTV26-05-B
01/01/2014 at 00:00 → 31/12/2014 at 00:00
VINL/MTV04-A
01/01/2016 at 00:00 → 31/12/2016 at 00:00
VINLMTV05-B
15/05/2022 at 00:00 → 31/12/2023 at 00:00
ℹ️ Key information
Age required
18–80 years old
Solidarity donation
580.00 EUR
French tax residents may be eligible for a tax reduction of up to 66% of their costs (membership, plane tickets, solidarity donation).
📍 Location
Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Nepal
🌍 Location info
Local currency
Nepal Rupee (NPR / रूपैयाँ)
Exchange rate
1 NPR = 0.005958 EUR
Rate as of 31/05/2026
Timezone
Nepal Time
Local time: 20:53 (12/11/2026)
🛡️ Before you leave
✅ Features
🏠 Accommodation
🗣️ Languages spoken