Workcamp Details

Description: "Learning about agroecology" is a project initiated by ASTOVOT a few years ago to learn how to cultivate differently and to safeguard biodiversity. It involves the exploitation of a market garden plot, where a variety of organic vegetables are grown for local consumption. This project has two components. The first component consists of the production of organic vegetables and the second component consists of awareness-raising on eco-actions and training on agroecology. In setting up this project, ASTOVOT intends to focus on the initial aspect of agroecology: in the form of manual farming techniques, respectful of the fauna and flora.so as to enrich the biodiversity of the site and the fertility of the soil.

Type of Work: Preserve the biodiversity of the site; Promote the cultivation of organic products (vegetables and fruits) through agroecology; To encourage educational exchanges on agroecology and other practices for a more responsible agriculture; MAIN ACTIVITIES Weeding ; Making beds, nursery, hoeing ; Compost making; Protection of seedlings (shading), transplanting of young plants, watering of seedlings of different vegetables grown; Reinforcing the garden fence with bamboo; Construction of a straw and bamboo hut for relaxation and storage of tools and products; Organisation of educational activities in the garden with the children; NB: Volunteers interested in this project can bring seedlings and other documents related to agroecology.

Study Theme: The project is also intended to be a platform for the exchange of skills, experimentation and promotion of organic farming between local and international volunteers. The agro-ecological garden is located in an environment rich in biodiversity and vegetation, with a small river next to it which allows the plants to be watered.

Accommodation: Accommodation is generally basic and specific to the location. The number of people per room depends on the collective organisation of the volunteers themselves. Depending on the location, volunteers may use dry toilets and showers without running water. This means that volunteers will have to fetch water from a fountain or a well. We provide volunteers with plastic or foam mats. Volunteers who have sleeping bags, sleeping mats and a mosquito net can bring them with them. Access to drinking water on the site. However, access to electricity and internet may be limited depending on the village.

Language: The languages of the project are French and then English. However, we recommend that non-French speaking volunteers have a basic knowledge of French before their arrival as the official language of Togo is French. The vast majority of local volunteers and communities have a very low level of English.

Requirements: This project requires a high level of motivation on the part of the volunteers, as it involves a permanent mobilisation of the volunteers around the organised activities. Volunteers must have a real interest in interculturality and solidarity.

Approximate Location: Located 120 km north of Lomé, the commune of Kpalimé is the ideal place for nature lovers and hikers who wish to discover beautiful mountainous landscapes and tropical flora. Numerous natural waterfalls will allow you to refresh yourself at the water's edge. With about 105,000 inhabitants, Kpalimé is a tourist town in the Plateaux region. The capital of the Kloto prefecture, Kpalimé is home to numerous infrastructures and all public and administrative services are represented. You will find also art shops, shopping centres, bars, restaurants, discotheques, etc.

Notes: During the workcamp, the volunteers will cook their own meals. An internal organisation will allow for the creation of groups that will alternate to carry out the different domestic tasks, including cooking. Food products used for cooking are sometimes imported, local and organic. The diet of each volunteer will be taken into account in the preparation of meals. Volunteers will have access to tropical fruits such as bananas, oranges, pineapples, mangoes, avocados, papayas, etc In addition to the main activities of the workcamp, other activities are organised such as: discovery walks, hikes, festive outings and cultural meetings. It should be noted that the expenses related to the excursions and the volunteers' outings are not included in the participation fees.

Camp Photographs