Learn about our plans for the new cycle by clicking on this link to watch a recording of our Volunteer Kick Off Eventhttps://fb.watch/qQ93CtJCQV/ held on March 8, 2024.
Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at farmertofarmer@crs.org.
Please click on each heading below to view the full list of FAQs
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to volunteer for the F2F program?
CRS currently implements two types of Farmer-to-Farmer awards: Core and Associate. Core F2F countries include Ethiopia, Nepal, Timor-Leste, and Uganda. Associate award countries presently comprise Myanmar and Sudan. As per USAID grant guidelines, volunteers under the Core award must hold US citizenship or permanent residency. However, this requirement does not apply to volunteers under the Associate Award.
What types of volunteer opportunities are available?
• In-person assignment: US volunteers travel a F2F country to engage in hands-on work with local hosts, offering insights and recommendations to enhance their livelihoods and outcomes.
• Paired Remote assignment: a US volunteer is matched with a qualified local volunteer from a F2F host country. The two volunteers work together on developing training materials and methods. The local volunteer then undertakes hands-on work with the host, while the US volunteer offers remote support.
How frequently are assignments posted?
Scopes of work for our assignments are developed by our teams in consultation with our hosts on an ongoing basis. Assignments are demand-driven and rely on the needs of our hosts. F2F teams strategically plan with hosts in advance based on host priorities; however, accurately predicting the types of assignments and their timing is challenging. CRS may have 4-6 open assignments posted at any given time.
How long are the assignments?
Assignments typically last 2-3 weeks, with an average duration of 2 weeks. In rare cases, volunteers may stay beyond 4 weeks.
Where are the assignments based?
The majority of CRS F2F assignments will be based in Ethiopia, Nepal, Timor-Leste, and Uganda
How do I apply to become a volunteer?
Volunteer applications are accepted continuously for Farmer-to-Farmer assignments. Apply directly to open assignments by reviewing the current list and filling out the form. Attach your resume for a better chance of a quick match. Alternatively, submit your information for future consideration if there are no suitable open assignments, and your profile will be kept in our database for potential future opportunities.
How are volunteers selected?
Volunteers are selected through a careful alignment of skills and experience with the specific needs outlined in the scope of work for the host organization. Potential resumes are forwarded to our field offices for thorough review and approval. This selection process typically takes at least 3-4 weeks, sometimes extending to a longer duration. If chosen for an assignment, expect to be contacted via email by a Farmer-to-Farmer team member.
I’m not a farmer nor do i have any agricultural experience. Can I still volunteer?
Yes, it is still possible for you to volunteer if your skill set is needed. Volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and have a wide range of professional experience – from farming to accounting to marketing – but they all enjoy sharing their skills by teaching others. While many of our projects require on agricultural expertise, we also have assignments for areas such as finance, management, leadership, nutrition, food processing, etc.
Do I have a choice in the country in which I will be placed?
You may express a preference for a specific country, but flexibility is encouraged to match skills with areas of need. This approach ensures a more effective matching process, maximizing the impact of volunteers in addressing specific needs and challenges across various regions.
Do I need to speak a second language in order to volunteer?
No, Farmer-to-Farmer volunteers do not need to speak a language other than English. F2F field staff are bilingual, and interpreters are provided by the program as needed.
What is anticipated upon the completion of my assignment?
Volunteers are required to submit an assignment report outlining their activities and engage in debriefing sessions in both the host country and with the U.S.-based HQ team. For assignments involving pesticides, additional documentation is necessary. Program outreach in both the U.S. and the host country is strongly encouraged. Additionally, volunteers are requested to track and report any additional outreach activities and time spent further supporting the host from the U.S.
Who covers my expenses? Does the volunteer bear any costs?
No, volunteers are not expected to bear any costs. F2F travel covers economy round-trip airfare and approved expenses like accommodations, transportation, meals, required vaccinations, and pre-approved materials. While certain expenses, such as airfare, are covered in advance, volunteers may pay for or be reimbursed for other approved costs. Personal phone calls, sightseeing, and medical expenses not covered by insurance are not included.
Will I receive compensation for my time on an assignment?
No. Although our program covers the costs incurred by volunteers during their assignments, volunteers are not compensated for their time. These opportunities are volunteer-based and not considered paid consultancies.
Is insurance provided?
Yes, CRS offers international medical insurance coverage for volunteers at no cost to the traveler for the duration of their assignment overseas. CRS requires all volunteers to be covered by a valid medical insurance policy, valid throughout at least the month following the assignment. When selected for an assignment, volunteers must provide medical insurance information upon request.
What are transportation and accommodations like for a typical assignment?
Volunteers are provided with individual rooms, typically in local hotels, guest houses, or lodging arranged by our country partners, all meeting CRS safety standards. Transportation logistics, including flights and ground transportation, are carefully coordinated to facilitate arrivals and departures. Detailed information is provided to volunteers before departure for a well-prepared and seamless experience.
Can I volunteer with a friend/spouse or can friends or family members accompany volunteers on their assignments?
Volunteers have the option of being accompanied by friends or family members during, before, or after the assignment, subject to approval from the F2F country team and consideration of the assignment’s location and type. It is recommended for companions to join after the assignment concludes, allowing the volunteer to concentrate on their objectives during the assignment. First-time volunteers are encouraged to undertake solo assignments for a comprehensive F2F experience. If bringing a companion, volunteers will be accountable for covering all associated expenses, including but not limited to airfare, additional accommodation charges, insurance, etc. Volunteers must acknowledge, plan for, and take full responsibility for their companions while in the country, whether it is during, before, or after the assignment.
Is it safe to volunteer overseas?
CRS takes volunteer safety and security very seriously. We have staff dedicated to continual assessment of current conditions and events in our country programs. Each volunteer will learn about staff safety before departure and will be briefed upon arrival. We have developed safety protocol for each country and are committed to maintaining robust security for volunteers.
How can I ensure my short assignment has impact?
The Farmer-to-Farmer program has a monitoring and evaluation system to monitor assignment impacts. We strive to arrange impactful assignments through a three-step process:
1. Identifying & addressing real needs: Farmer-to-Farmer identifies current gaps in agricultural value chains that are not being fully met by local organizations in each country
2. Volunteer selection and support: Farmer-to-Farmer selects volunteers who are qualified to address these gaps and ensures that they have an accurate assessment and proper tools to complete their assignments
3. Assignment follow-up: Farmer-to-Farmer collects assignment write-ups and recommended action plans to help build on successes achieved.