Hello ECHOcommunity, I serve at the Volunteer Coordinator for the ALOFT Farmer-to-Farmer Project a USAID program implemented by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. This program provides technical assistance to farmers, farm groups, agribusinesses, and other agricultural sector institutions in developing and transitional countries. Assistance is provided by U.S. citizens and residents and gives them the opportunity to share their expertise and experience with individuals, organizations, and businesses in Cambodia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
ALOFT is looking for volunteers with a wide range of expertise, including agricultural education, agribusiness development, climate-smart agriculture, extension, marketing, financial services, agritourism, financial services, and food safety. The agricultural commodities targeted for volunteer assistance are horticulture, aquaculture, and small livestock.
Assignments are developed based on the needs of the host-organizations. In-country staff work with these local partners to identify challenges that require knowledge and skills that are not already available. Together, the host and staff develop scopes of work. ALOFT’s recruiters identify volunteers based on the needs outlined in the scopes of work. Once identified, volunteers work with ALOFT staff to coordinate all travel and logistics.
Volunteers donate their time and work on assignments that are typically two weeks long. An itinerary is developed by staff to guide the volunteer’s work with free time built in for cultural activities. Once in country, transportation and translation services are arranged by local ALOFT staff members who also serve as contacts during the assignment. Volunteers will work directly with local individuals, organizations, and businesses to exchange ideas, develop strategies, and create lasting solutions. Volunteers can develop long-term relationships and return on follow-up assignments to refine solutions and provide further technical assistance.
If interested, visit our website and fill out our Volunteer Interest Form. You are also welcome to email me at mowens48@utk.edu!
Morgan Owens
Volunteer Coordinator
ALOFT Farmer-to-Farmer