KIBALE ASSOCIATION FOR RURAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT

We are proud to offer placements with KAFRED, a community project that promotes conservation awareness and eco-tourism around Kibale National Park.

This is a unique chance to be involved in a multi discipline project, gain an insight into the needs of rural Ugandan communities and to really put something back into these fragile environments.

WHERE

Located in Western Uganda, this community run project is based just 4km from Kibale National Park and 39km from Fort Portal, the main safari stop off point in this region.

Kibale National Park is an extensive area of tropical rainforest and wetlands, famed for its chimpanzees and high concentration of primates (the highest in East Africa).

ACTIVITIES

The great thing about this position is that activities are so varied. From teaching environmental education in schools and community meetings to animal monitoring and trail maintenance.

Whilst on this project, there will be plenty of time to visit Kibale National Park for hiking, chimp tracking, bird watching and game viewing.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

KAFRED was established in concern of the clash between local communities and fragile ecosystems. It's an old story, repeated all over the world, that where there are poor and pressurized communities, natural resources are taken at a high cost to the environment. Habitats are destroyed, species endangered, balances upset and nothing resolved in the long term. And then it is too late. This is a serious problem in Uganda – a small country with more people than it can handle.

And so KAFRED aims to promote means that benefit both the communities and the environment such as

Careful management of resources and land use
Development of eco and cultural tourism initiatives
Training of local farmers in sustainable farming techniques
Increased environmental education for both adults and children
Providing training for wildlife and educational staff

REQUIREMENTS

No specific skills are required as basic training will be provided at the start of the placement. However, whatever skills you do bring, will be put to use. Whether you are a good communicator, a hard worker, keen learner or lateral thinker, your efforts will be appreciated. And in exchange, you will learn plenty about culture, species interaction, human and environmental conflicts and land use management.

ACCOMODATION

Volunteers will stay in a local village. Accommodation will be basic (this is a rural project) and please note that there is no electricity. Laundry services will be available at the site.

FOOD

Breakfast, lunch and supper will be provided from our kitchen at the dining area. You will not go hungry, however, if you would like luxuries such as chocolates, crisps and sweets you will have to buy them yourself. There is plenty of fruit in the village including avocado, sweet bananas and watermelon.

OTHER INFO

As this is a small project, we only accept a maximum of 2 volunteers at any one time.

There is a minimum placement of 2 weeks, although we highly recommend at least 4 weeks to get the most from the experience.