The concept of WWOOFing was first established in London in 1971. Don’t confuse it with the sound a dog makes! It started out as a way for Londoners to get out of their city offices and trade labour for food and board in the countryside. Now the idea is popular globally. It’s a unique way to explore countries and cultures with minimal costs involved. In return you make a positive impact on someone’s lifestyle.
Below we answer some common WWOOFing questions and highlight some of the fantastic experiences on offer.
Photo by: Andrea Izzoti/Fotolia
What does WWOOFing stand for?
It began as Working Weekends on Organic Farms. Now it represents World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. It also means Willing Workers on Organic Farms. Its main mission is to build a more sustainable community through connecting volunteers with organic farmers and growers.
How does WWOOFing work?
WWOOFing is perfect if you have a genuine interest in learning more about a sustainable way of living. You need to prepare to invest your time and effort into organic agriculture.
The first step is to decide which country you want to WWOOF in. Become a member of their WWOOF organisation and find a farm or project that you can see yourself volunteering for. Contact them to discuss their needs and what the opportunity involves. Once you’re both happy, agree on how long you’ll stay and when!
In return for your labour, you’ll get hands-on experience of organic living. Learn about a range of topics such as animal welfare, eco-construction, and sustainable living. The host farm will provide food, drink and a roof over your head for the length of your stay.
Accommodation varies from farm to farm, comprising of anything from a spare bedroom or a yurt onsite. Food provision also differs. Some farms may provide full cooked meals, others may just supply the ingredients for you to cook and prepare yourself.
Remember that no money should exchange hands when WWOOFing. Expect to work around 4-6 hours a day and in return receive food, shelter and a wonderful experience.
Photo by: grki/Fotolia
Where can I go WWOOFing?
Many countries have their own lead WWOOF organisation in place. WWOOF Independents are farms located in a country that doesn’t have a centrally governing body. The Federation of WWOOF Organisations lists national WWOOF organisations.
Australia currently has the largest community with 2600 hosts. In comparison, the USA has around 2100 hosts across all 50 states, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. With such variety, you’ll be hard-pressed to narrow down your options.
Although the appeal of well-known landmarks and natural sights will influence the decision of where you WWOOF, we show some of our favourite WWFOOF opportunities below.
Zest WWOOFing favourites
Learn more about biogas projects in Tanzania. The dependency of the country on firewood is leading to deforestation. Work alongside a biogas project to help them develop a sustainable alternative.
WWOOF Romania stems from a programme that supports traditional peasant farming. Their aim is to strengthen and improve their farming. This is the way of life for many rural regions. You can also work on different parts of farms such as in offices, farm shops or helping with childcare.
Albania’s first organic farm is still being established and is looking for WWOOFers to help get it finished. Become part of the country’s organic history!
Get more from the WWOOF experience in Thailand and discover hosts that offer educational packages in meditation, Thai fruit carving, and traditional medicine.
Help injured wildlife in Namibia. Learn more about environmental management and prevent bush fires. Assist with anti-poaching patrols and educate visiting school learners.
Grow your interest in wine with this opportunity in Slovakia. Learn all it takes to make a bottle of wine in a more natural way. Attend wine fairs and help with running the wine bar.
Photo by: kosolovskyy/Fotolia
Explore the world and make a sustainable difference
Use WWOOFing opportunities to explore and make your sustainable mark as you go. Use your hire car to get you to the host farm and explore local areas in your free time. If staying for only short periods of time, use the hire car to move onto your next farm and work your way around a country.
Share your WWOOFing experiences in the comments below!
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Written by Jessica Juby.
