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Agroecology Internship in Malawi
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Take an active role in empowering rural communities through workshops focused on food and water security, nutrition, and environmental sustainability
Join this impactful Agroecology Internship with EARTH Workshops, an organization dedicated to tackling pressing environmental challenges in Malawi. As an agroecology intern, you’ll have the opportunity to work closely with rural communities and local clubs to address urgent issues such as food and water security, deforestation, and climate change. The workshops aim to teach people in rural areas how to improve soil health, boost nutrition, and support local economies through sustainable practices. With a bottom-up approach, you’ll help empower these communities to identify their own needs and work towards long-term, sustainable solutions. Your involvement will be key in fostering relationships of trust and ensuring ongoing support for these initiatives.
During this Agroecology Internship, you’ll assist in organizing and facilitating workshops, providing hands-on support in agroforestry techniques, and working directly with community members to promote sustainable farming practices. You’ll be part of a team dedicated to enhancing environmental awareness and resilience, all while gaining valuable experience in grassroots development. If you’re passionate about making a tangible difference in the fight against climate change and deforestation, this internship in agroecology offers a unique chance to contribute to lasting change in Malawi’s most vulnerable communities.
Learning Objectives
- Gain hands-on experience in the daily management and operations of a community-based NGO
- Develop skills in fundraising, marketing, and partnership-building, including corporate social responsibility and carbon offsetting
- Learn and apply sustainable development practices, agroecology, and natural resource management
- Measure and report on the impact of community programs and conservation efforts
ORGANIZATION
You’ll be part of a unique social impact program based at an eco-lodge in Nkhata Bay, northern Malawi. This lodge serves as a central hub for various social and environmental development projects in the surrounding communities, including health and HIV support groups, school permaculture clubs, educational programs, and media development initiatives. It brings together local community members and international volunteers, fostering collaboration to drive positive change in the area. The initiative operates on the belief that by creating an effective network, these nonprofit projects can work more efficiently, build meaningful relationships, and amplify their collective impact.
EARTH delivers agroecology-based workshops aimed at empowering communities to become resilient and independently address climate change challenges. The program focuses on enhancing food and water security, improving nutrition, restoring natural ecosystems, rebuilding soil health, strengthening local economies, and combating deforestation.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
This internship offers a tailored experience based on your personal goals, skills, and experience. You’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in various aspects of NGO management and sustainability, while contributing meaningfully to the organization’s mission. Your internship role will be focused on program and strategic development, along with joining program facilitation. Flexibility and a proactive attitude are key to getting the most out of this position.
Note that the workshops are only in session from May to January. Planting season is in December and January, if you’re wanting to get your hands dirty and engage in topics like crop diversity, agroforestry, and other tree planting workshops. This is also the time of year that focuses on a test plot, which is being developed into an agroecology hub in Nkhata Bay.
Responsibilities
- Gain a deep understanding of NGO operations, including community relationships, communications, and finance
- Contribute to program development, administration, and reporting (e.g., financial trackers and progress reports)
- Help identify fundraising priorities and implement fundraising strategies
- Assist in developing corporate social responsibility partnerships and carbon offsetting opportunities
- Implement social media and marketing campaigns to support fundraising and partnerships
- Attend community workshops to understand local needs, document the sessions, and monitor project impact
- Measure the impact of projects on local communities and conservation efforts
- Report on the progress and outcomes of projects to ensure continuous improvement and innovation
Requirements
- Interest or background in sustainability, community development, or NGO management
- Strong communication skills and fluency in English
- A dedication to the organization’s mission and projects
- Ability to work independently and take initiative
- Flexibility to adapt to a variety of tasks and responsibilities
- A passion for making a positive impact in local communities
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
You’ll stay at a popular backpackers in the northern town of Nkhata Bay. Located on Lake Malawi, with views of palm trees and green-blue water, this lodge has an idyllic location and a relaxed vibe. You’ll enjoy a private beach, beautiful gardens, a lakeside bar, and communal spaces. The rooms are comfortable 6 bed dormitories, although there are options of upgrading to single chalets (at an extra fee). The lodge is a hub for people who are volunteering their time at different communities and environmental projects in the area, so you can expect to share this space with like-minded people.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
Malawi is considered to be safe for tourists, however, being a developing country with poverty, there is petty crime. Keep your belongings securely stored and close to you, don’t walk alone in the dark, and report any suspicious behavior that you may see to the accommodation/host organization.
Communication
Communication
You’ll be able to use your phone in Malawi with roaming data turned on or a local SIM card if your phone is unlocked. Visit Airtel or TNM stands for a SIM and purchase 1000MK ‘Airtime’ (for calls), and a data bundle. Wi-Fi is not an amenity offered in Malawi, so you will need to buy data bundles from a provider for work and personal use.
Meals
Meals
A meal package is included for the first month that suffices for two meals per day (breakfast and lunch/dinner). For the next months you can either book a meal package or eat locally. There is also a small kitchen available for basic cooking. Meals are prepared through Mkana Cafe, the restaurant on-site. The menu includes many international dishes and is also vegetarian-friendly. Make sure to notify us in advance of any allergies/dietary needs.
Location details
Location details
Nkhata Bay is a lively ferry port on the shores of Lake Malawi with a bustling market which is one of the biggest cultural influences on the area. It offers many activities, such as snorkeling, boat/kayak trips, energetic football matches, and beach ventures. Explore Malawi via coach buses and boats, especially the iconic Ilala Ferry, which has been active since 1951.
DATES & RATES
Fee Breakdown
Internship start and end dates are flexible and will be discussed with your during the selection process.
Key dates:
May-November: full program workshops
December-January: workshops focused on planting season, if you’re looking to get your hands dirty
February-April: this internship is unavailable
What you’ll pay (2026 rates)
8 weeks USD 2,149
12 weeks USD 2,500
16 weeks USD 2,851
20 weeks USD 3,260
26 weeks USD 3,876
Inclusions
- Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
- Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
- An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
- Accommodation in a dorm room. If you prefer a single room, please contact us for availability and prices
- Breakfast and dinner daily for the first month
- Laundry service
- Housekeeping service
- Guidance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
- Development of an Internship Work Plan to help you reach your learning goals
- Onboarding with your supervisor
- Regular check-ins
- Support from the Roots team remotely
- A certificate of completion at the end of your internship
- A reference letter upon request
Exclusions
- Flights to Lilongwe
- Transport from Lilongwe to Nkhata Bay (approximately 400 km) – we can help you arrange this in advance
- Transport to the project sites (not required daily) – it is recommended to fundraise prior to your arrival to help cover travel costs for site visits
- Meals after your first month – for the remaining duration, you can eat locally, prepare your own meals, or opt to extend the meal package
- Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Lunch, drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing).
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
GALLERY
FAQs
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Malawi.
What can I expect from an internship in Malawi?
You can expect to foster a unique connection with the local community, as well as having many opportunities to explore various projects during your internship. If you wish to know more about what to expect, make sure to read our blog from a previous intern who traveled to Malawi!
How long can I do an internship in Malawi?
The minimum length of our internships in Malawi is two months, but the ideal length is closer to four months, if possible. This ensures you have an adequate amount of time to make a tangible impact. Luckily, the length of our programs is customizable so you can apply for a summer, remote, hybrid, or gap-year internship!
Can I get university credit for an internship in Malawi?
Yes, but you must ensure with your supervisor that your university approves this. You can also purchase transfer credits to add onto your internship experience.
How can I prepare for an internship in Malawi?
Personally, you can prepare by learning about the history and culture of Malawi and reflecting on your internship goals, and we’ll be here to help you with the rest! Ask us any questions you may have about placement logistics, matchmaking, check-ins, advice on visa/insurance, or anything else you may think of. If you wish to know more about preparing for your internship, you can check out our ultimate guide to NGO internships in Africa!
Will I receive a stipend during my Roots internship?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to receive any kind of stipend while interning for a nonprofit organization. Your internship will be unpaid so we’ve put together a few tips on how to fund your internship. There will be opportunities for professional and personal growth and you’ll leave with a wealth of knowledge that is invaluable!
REVIEWS
My internship provided insight to how useful management tools like Kobo and Kumu Maps are essential in the flow and efficiency of work within an organization. I also gained insight into simplifying communication across different sections and departments of the organization. This helped in understanding the progress of the work I was doing and how it contribute to the mission of the nonprofit. I received sufficient support from the team at Roots and there was constant feedback and advice provided from start to finish.
Modo Winne, Sudanese – University of Passau
Community Development Internship, Malawi
Roots Interns connected me with the perfect organization to grow my personal and professional skills. With their help I was able to travel to Malawi and be a part of projects that make a tangible impact in the community. I was able to see first-hand how nonprofits function in a developing country and the work I did made changes that I could see reflected in my time on the ground. This internship changed my career goals by exposing me to a whole new way of working and I couldn’t be more thankful to Roots Interns for the role they played in giving me this experience.
Amanda, American – Indiana Universtiy
Community Development Internship, Malawi
Malawi will forever hold a deeply special place in my heart! The team at my host organization and in the community were so welcoming that I grew to feel fully part of life in Malawi. I got the chance to explore all around the country while being immersed in the culture and making incredible new friends. Being based on the shores of Lake Malawi was truly like waking up in paradise each morning and there were plenty of activities and adventures to be had. Each day brought something new and my internship abroad has truly shaped my future.
Amanda, American – Indiana University
Community Development Internship, Malawi
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Nkhata Bay, Malawi
PROGRAM FOCUS: Environmental Management
TASK FOCUS: Environmental Sustainability, Capacity Building, Organizational Development
LENGTH: Min. 8 weeks
COST: From USD 2,149
FEATURED REVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS
- A mix of practical and theoretical learning in sustainable development and NGO management
- Involvement in innovative sustainability practices, such as localized agroecology and land management
- Opportunity to contribute to tangible, community-driven conservation and development projects
- Experience in measuring and enhancing the impact of projects on communities and conservation
- Develop a diverse skill set, from fundraising to project documentation and reporting
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
APPLY
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
INTERNSHIP MATCHING
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
PAYMENT
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
CONFIRMATION
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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