Positions in Environmental Conservation, Policy and Applied Tech-Kakamega, Kenya

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS! See below for information about application deadlines and program start dates.

About FSD in Kakamega, Kenya Building on 15 years of international development experience, FSD’s Kakamega program supports grassroots environmental organizations and farmers to address pressing environmental issues in the region. With only 8 percent of the land capable of being cultivated for crops and 75 percent of the Kenyan workforce engaged in agriculture, Kenyan farmers face growing problems of soil erosion, deforestation, water pollution, and desertification. While global warming may be responsible for Kenya's severe droughts, current farming practices are also leading to the growth of environmental problems. Weaning farmers off of unsustainable methods is a difficult task in any circumstance, much less during times of economic desperation. Farming and daily life are also complicated by sharing the land with abundant wildlife. Wildlife is integral to the ecosystem, let alone Kenya's well-known tourism industry. Securing the conservation of native flora and fauna is critical to the region's future on a number of levels.
To help address these issues, FSD’s programs promote Sustainable agriculture, educate the public on environmental issues, construct eco- friendly water and waste management systems and implement environmental conservation.

As an FSD Intern in Kakamega, Kenya, you will work side-by-side with a Community-Based Organization specializing in one more of the following development sectors: health, youth and education, women’s empowerment, microfinance, human rights, community development and/or environmental issues.

Receive intensive training in skills essential to sustainable development, such as: community asset mapping, needs assessments, collaborative project design, grant writing, and project monitoring and evaluation. Gain grant writing and project management experience through designing and implementing a community-driven development project in partnership with your host organization. Access the FSD Alumni Network upon your return home to connect with like-minded individuals who help one another to reach their academic and professional goals through networking and regional events. FSD Alumni have won internationally renowned scholarships, studied at prestigious graduate schools, worked for prominent international development organizations, and have even started their own grassroots organizations.

Recent Interns in Kakamega, Kenya have…

Protected the Kakamega rainforest that is rich in flora and fauna through initiatives educating farmers to co-exist with the forest and learn about ecology, agroforestry, beekeeping, and horticulture. Taught community members to cultivate organic gardens at their homes to ensure proper nutrition for their families and generate income and environmental sustainability for marginalized peoples. Developed methods for rural communities to access clean water and manage waste disposal. Created informational material for ecotourists and provided marketing and business development consulting to further develop an elephant sanctuary that generates revenue for contributing farmers and protects plant species.
About FSD
Founded in 1995, the Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD) supports the efforts of more than 300 grassroots, community-based partner organizations throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America. FSD’s programs provide multi-faceted support that relies on active community participation to mobilize lasting solutions. FSD programs include: Capacity Building: Our professional field staff provides on-site training and networking opportunities to more than 300 community-based organizations worldwide.
Training Programs Abroad: FSD provides comprehensive training and immersion programs for interns and volunteers who seek hands-on development experience.
Grantmaking: Donations and grants given to FSD are used to support sustainable projects led by our partner organizations.
Engaged Philanthropy: FSD Giving Circles organize groups of donors who pool their time, talent, and resources to make international grants to our partner organizations.

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