The African Farmers and Cultural Organization (AFCO), in collaboration with the State of the African Diaspora (SOAD), has announced the launch of a Volunteer Farm Workers Recruitment initiative aimed at supporting farmers across Africa and the diaspora.
The programme is designed to address the agricultural labour gap by deploying trained volunteers to farms in different countries, states, and local government areas. AFCO and SOAD said the initiative comes as the farming season approaches and reflects a shared commitment to revitalising agriculture through community service.
According to the organisations, the volunteers will provide free support to farmers in need, while all logistics will be covered through public sponsorship donations and organisational funding. These costs include transportation, work materials, and feeding allowances for volunteers during deployment.
Speaking at the launch, Prince Chuks Esiole, President of AFCO, stressed the importance of youth participation and food self-sufficiency across the continent. “Our mission is to transform the landscape of African agriculture by empowering the hands that feed the nation. Through this partnership with SOAD, we are not just providing labour; we are cultivating a new generation of skilled agricultural entrepreneurs. We invite everyone, from those looking to start their farming journey to those wanting to serve their community, to join us in this movement toward food security and economic prosperity,” Esiole said.
The initiative is structured to support existing farmers while also lowering entry barriers for individuals interested in agriculture. Volunteers will undergo training in farming methods, enabling them to deliver technical support that can improve productivity on farms.
AFCO listed several benefits attached to the programme, including free accommodation, transportation, and daily feeding allowances for volunteers. Participants will also gain hands-on experience in farming practices, with opportunities to earn cash rewards for outstanding service. The programme also offers career pathways, such as national employment with competitive salaries or international placements that may include work permits, flight tickets, and secured housing.
To ensure smooth implementation, AFCO and SOAD are seeking coordinators at country, state, and local government levels. AFCO said these coordinators will manage volunteer distribution and support farmers.
On participation, Esiole said registration for both volunteers and coordinators will open soon. Interested individuals were advised to indicate interest by contacting AFCO via phone on +234 706 3020 149 or by email at info@afcoevents.org.
