Agricultural Dev't Volunteer- Peru

Hey there! As many of you know, I have a strong passion for agriculture and the power of teaching others to make a long-term difference in the lives of those around us. My career goal is to work in developing areas to improve agricultural quality of life in ways particular to a community’s specific needs. This summer, I have the opportunity to begin that journey! I have been offered a position to volunteer in Tarapoto, Peru (Northern Peru, near the Amazon) as an Agricultural Cooperative Outreach Intern for 10 weeks. During my time there, I will be working closely with cooperatives of cocoa and coffee farmers and their families to better understand their needs in the area, the local agriculture practices, and linkages to conservation and natural resource management strategies. My main endeavor will be working with several farmers in the area who expressed interest in learning how to raise guinea pigs as a food source (a common practice in parts of Latin America) This project will empower families through sustainable agriculture while providing commerce to the area, a reliable food source and steady income in a way that is indigenous to the area. I will be in charge of setting up workshops to teach sustainable husbandry of the guinea pigs, researching for it to succesfully integrate into the community, and keeping all data and progress recorded in order to implement the project effectively.

In preparation for this, I am doing independent research this semester with my advisor to be better informed about Peruvian livestock systems and am continuing in my 6th year of Spanish so that I may be effective in my job. As an International Agriculture and Rural Development major, I have been taking classes these past two years that have helped develop my perspective and approach to agricultural development; I look forward to using this knowledge during the summer.

While I am continuing to work two jobs at school and have been applying for grants and scholarships, I know that my funds may easily come short of how much I need to make this opportunity come to fruition. This is where you can come in! If you would like to contribute, any amount will help! If you can't, please consider sharing this :). Below is an estimate of expenses so you can see where the money would be going (I will make updates to the goal amount as personal funds and grants come in to reflect how much is still needed):

Budget:

Remainder of fee left for 10-week Program:    $1,500.00

Flights to and from Tarapoto:                                   $1,800.00

Homestay:                                                                               $700.00

Traveler’s Insurance (Required):                                $350.00

Food:                                                                                         $550.00

Miscellaneous (Laundry, bug repellent, personal hygiene, etc.):                                                                                                                                            $400.00

Daily transportation to work:                                     $350.00

Estimated Total:                                                            $5,670.00

I am really excited about the prospect of learning hands-on this summer and diving into a different culture in order to start contributing to this world. I would appreciate if you would be able to help me in this process. Thank you so much for even taking the time to read this-- I really appreciate the love and support that you all already show me.