The volunteer organization WWOOF provides travelers with the opportunity to live and work on organic farms around the world, from doing vegetable farming in Asia to permaculture in Africa.

WWOOF, or World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, began in 1971 as a way to connect travelers with organic farmers. It has since grown into a global ecotourism movement involving over 130 countries. Under WWOOF’s basic premise, small-scale organic farms offer visitors room and board in exchange for their labor. In the process, guests learn about local agricultural practices and sustainable ways of living while immersing themselves in new cultures and ways of connecting with the land. WWOOFing offers a unique way to travel on a budget and authentically experience what life is like for locals in countries around the world. That being said, it is not for the fainthearted. While guidelines stipulate that volunteers are only required to work four to six hours a day, there is no guarantee a host will honor this ceiling, and the tasks may be laborious. In other words, WWOOFing is no vacation. Your experience will vary drastically depending on where and when you decide to go, what kind of farm you stay at and the attitude of your hosts. 

1. Portugal 

With 180 WWOOF hosts, Portugal offers extensive opportunities to get your hands dirty. Family farming represents over 90% of all farms and greatly varies by region. The southern regions of Algarve and Alentejo are known for the cultivation of citrus fruit, almonds and figs, while the Duoro Valley is devoted primarily to wine production. Due to its temperate climate, friendly hosts and wide variety of opportunities, Portugal is a popular destination for many WWOOfers. Not to mention, if you choose to go near the coast, you may be able to escape to sunny beaches on your days off. 

2. Italy

WWOOF Italia has more than 850 host farms to choose from, and many people online have blogged about their experiences working on farms throughout the country. In the central region surrounding Rome, olive farms abound, and places like this one in Terni teach you how to harvest and dry herbs, as well as make jams and preserves. In northern regions such as Piedmont, dairy farming is more common. In the summer months, you will find many farms with sheep and goats making fresh breads and cheeses. 

3. New Zealand

New Zealand is very ecologically diverse, making for great diversity in types of farming. It is also a small country in terms of population (there are more sheep than people) which contributes to a sense of close community. Farmers often know each other, making for a unique WWOOFing experience. Popular projects include orchard picking, livestock farming and winemaking. The work season tends to align with the growing season, but there are also opportunities during the winter months of June to August to help with other tasks. 

4. Nepal

5. Japan

The WWOOF Japan website emphasizes cultural learning and exchange above all else. From dairy and vegetable farming to rice production, fishing, pottery and other crafts, Japan has extensive opportunities to learn about sustainable ways of rural living. Travelers can also work on tea plantations and learn about traditional tea cultivation and processing. Because of the wide breadth of opportunities and variations in climate throughout the country, it is important to carefully research which region and farm is best for you.

6. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the most frequently visited countries in Central America, and one of the safest for solo travelers. It offers ample opportunities in animal care, coffee farming, and agroecology. Travelers typically visit during the dry season from December to April, but Costa Rica’s rainy season from May onwards offers spectacular biodiversity. Just be ready to get muddy! Learn how to make chocolate on the eastern coast, grow vegetables in the jungles of Guanacaste or help build sustainable farming infrastructure in central Turrialba.

7. Ecuador

Organic farming in Ecuador involves crops like cacao, sugarcane, coffee, and fruits such as oranges, papayas and grapefruits. Due to its location near the equator, Ecuador is extremely biodiverse. Farms located in the Andes mountains have humid subtropical climates, with a rainy season usually from December to July and a dry season from August to November. Farms on the western coast do not experience the same rainy season and remain lush and green all year round.

8. Chile

Chile’s climate also makes it ideal for growing fruits. Most farms are located in the central part of the country, but there are opportunities in regions like Patagonia as well. Common projects include cultivating vineyards and fruit orchards, livestock such as chicken and goats, and beekeeping. Farms are beautifully located, offering stunning views of the Andes mountains, coastlines or rural valleys.

9. Kenya

Key crops in Kenya that can be organically farmed include tea, coffee, fruits, vegetables and maize. Most opportunities lie in the western part of Kenya outside of Kisumu and near Lake Victoria, although Central Kenya and the Rift Valley are also transitioning to organic methods of farming cash crops with a focus on increasing soil health and fertility. Several family farms surrounding Lake Victoria are also involved in various kinds of fishing.

10. South Africa

In South Africa, you can WWOOF in the Western Cape, Kwazulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. Most farms are in remote locations and are mainly subsistence, offering opportunities to explore beautiful landscapes and wilderness hiking. Information about one of the larger projects can be found here.

KEEP IN MIND:

Wherever you decide to go, it’s important to research visa and tourist regulations for each country beforehand and know how to reach your accommodation from the airport once you arrive. You should also keep in mind any language barriers that could present a challenge.