Project Overview
Sícchezpampa is a lovely small town, full of natural landscapes. It’s up at 1.500 metres above sea level, in the “tropical” hills of Ayabaca province, about a seven hour journey from Piura. The road only goes as far as Sícchez, the district capital. From there, it’s an uphill path and you get to Sícchezpampa - after one hour and a half steep walking.
Its inhabitants are mainly focused on sugar cane and organic coffee production. Back in time, there used to be just trees and vegetation in the surface of the town. Nowadays, the population also counts on plots and some other areas for the herding of domesticated animals. They have just purchased lighting even though other unfair living conditions put them aside from development.
Sícchezpampa’s farmers have organized their living using an Inca socio-economic model of community strength. It basically refers to solidarity and mutual cooperation between the members of the community. For instance, all of them take part in scattering seeds and reaping crops on public and/or private pieces of land. When there’s a wedding, everyone helps out laying the foundations and then building the house of the newly married couple.
Therefore, in Sícchezpampa all the community works on the farm (chakra) of one member - on a rotating basis. Working together is essential for the labour on the farms. During the harsh winter (January to May), basic activities such as cleaning, strewing and stripping are very tough due to heavy rainfalls and subsequent mud in the area. The coffee harvest starts between June and July until December. Farmers really need the help of volunteers in the day-to-day operations as they cannot afford employees and the actual climate conditions make the crop very difficult.
The main goal of this project is to improve the quality of live of the members of the community, promoting sustainable social development through the practice of fair trade - following the production and commercialization of organic, high altitude and shade-grown coffee. If you have a brave heart, are happy in the middle of nowhere and want to see the seeds of development grow, then you should not miss this volunteer opportunity!
Volunteer Roles/ Working Hours
The main task of volunteers is to work together with Sícchezpampa’s farmers to help out in the processes related to agriculture thus improving their living conditions. Tasks can include:
- Harvesting & processing the coffee & sugar from June to December.
- Helping out with the eco-garden (huerta) and the domesticated animals on it; from May to December.
- Looking after the land; getting it ready for cultivating by tidying-up, cleaning and ensuring a proper care and/or maintenance.
- Bringing new ideas about how to improve the growing of coffee, sugar and other products.
- Setting-up extra activities for the empowerment of the community.
Generally speaking, volunteers work from Monday to Saturday, in the morning (08:00 till 12:00) or in the afternoon (14:00 till 17:00). However, from June to December (peak season) you might work from 7:00 to 19:00. You need to be flexible in terms of season and weather conditions – making hay (or coffee) while the sun shines! In any case, you will always have at least one day free for you. There’s not much to do alone around, apart from walking in these great mountains so don’t forget to bring a few books!
Volunteer Requirements
- At least Intermediate Spanish level is recommended- as nobody speaks English. We can arrange classes for you to take before you go there.
- Minimum commitment: 1 month - the longer, the better.
- High motivation to work hard (can be long tiring days at altitude).
- Prepared to be partly vegetarian. Meat and cheese are very scarce. Former volunteers advise to bring vitamins and medical supplies.
- Both physical and mental preparation to work in an isolated community up in the hills with basic living conditions.
- Empathetic, responsible and strong enough personality.
