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WWOOF (Willing Workers On organic Farms.)
A promising prospect in the expansion of organic farming in South Africa
by Severine von Tscharner Fleming.
Wwoof is an international association which seeks to support the organic movement through a partnership of labor exchanges. Young, mobile devotees of organic farming are given the opportunity to stay, work and learn on organic farms. Fed and lodged they work 4-6 hours a day weeding, irrigating, planting harvesting and generally helping with the more labor intensive aspects of organic method farming. Often Wwoofers become part of the family, helping with childcare, cooking, tidying and visioning with the hosts.
Akin to the ‘Talent’ system, wwoofing is a non-monetary exchange of energy particularly suited to the transition economics of organic community agriculture. Particularly in South Africa, where farm labor is a demeaning and underpaid occupation, the infusion of a literate, passionate and often foreign influence may help dislodge the drudgery, the incredible and unglamorous toil of organic conversion. Wwoofers from Europe, America and Oceana especially will bring news of successful organic enterprises in their home countries; have suggestions for innovative market strategies, plant companions, or inclusion of specialty and heirloom varieties. Their input represents the leading edge of a global countermovement in the face of corporate agriculture, and the looming hegemony of GE in South Africa. The hosts can share their knowledge of indigenous plants, dry land farming, their philosophies on the usefulness of alien species, the applicability of various irrigation strategies etc. Exchange of knowledge and mutual dedication to compassionate earth stewardship often forge lasting farming friendships.
Those wishing to host Wwoofers must be prepared to include a passionate and often vocal novice farmer into their home-generally with their own living space. This may mean a campsite and outdoor kitchen, a spare bedroom, a tipi, or a barn. Many Wwoofers are vegetarians or vegans with expectations of eating organically grown food, some like to be involved in food preparation. Wwoofers often come in pairs and it is common practice to have a trial period, or minimum stay requirement of a week to ensure compatibility. The biggest hurdle to Wwoofers in South Africa is similar to that of organic food: transportation over great and barren distances. This can be overcome by making farmers markets a meeting place. Explicit expectations, a thorough orientation and an easygoing attitude on the part of the host will greatly enhance the experience for all involved.
To list your farm as a wwoof host-site you may register with www.wwoof.org
To contact the author, a wwoofer and co-director of the American wwoof site www.organicvolunteers.com please email vidster@growfood.org.
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