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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 (2025 rates)
8 WEEKS USD 2,149
12 WEEKS USD 2,500
16 WEEKS USD 2,851
20 WEEKS USD 3,202
26 WEEKS USD 3,729
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs 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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
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.
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
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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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
