SEED Madagascar

Overseas projects are currently paused due to Covid-19. The below information is provided to give you an idea of the projects that usually run each summer. We will update these pages when international projects are able to go ahead again.

SEED Madagascar is an award winning UK registered charity, working on sustainable community development and conservation projects in south east Madagascar in partnership with independent Malagasy NGO’s. Founded in 1994, they work on a wide range of projects both within the town of Fort Dauphin and with numerous rural communities across the Anosy region.

SEED Madagascar's mission is to alleviate poverty and conserve unique and biologically rich but greatly endangered forest environments in south east Madagascar by empowering some of the poorest people to establish sustainable livelihoods for themselves and improve their well-being.

Volunteering programme:

  • Conservation Programme – initiatives include research of endangered forest environments (e.g. of lemurs, small mammals, reptiles, butterflies and fruit bats), including community initiatives such as  running a conservation club, planting trees, building fuel-efficient stoves and working with local fishermen to support sustainable lobster fisheries.

  • Volunteers must be over 18.  Any student or graduate is eligible to apply.
  • No prior experience is necessary as all skills are taught during the programme by the experienced SEED Madagascar team.
  • Volunteers must be and be physically fit (able to walk 10 km in hot and humid conditions).   If you are interested in this project but do not meet this specific criteria please contact SEED Madagascar to discuss the options available.
  • Prospective volunteers are welcome to highlight particular specialist skill sets that may be useful on SEED Madagascars projects, and this will be discussed on an individual basis, the needs of the communities SEED Madagascar serves always come first.
  • ‘Pioneer’ Programme placements are from 4-10weeks
  • Community Construction placements are 2-3weeks
  • Conservation Programme placements are 2 -10 weeks
  • The above all have start dates in January, April, July and October.
Students wishing to join us must plan, organise and implement their fundraising strategy to raise their minimum donation.   In addition to this it is their responsibility to:
  • book  and pay for appropriate flights and comprehensive travel insurance 
  • organise essential travel vaccinations and anti-malarial provision
  • ensure they have an up to date valid passport, and are prepared to apply for their visa on arrival in Madagascar
  • provide themselves with appropriate equipment as outlined in the Survival Guide, including a good quality  tent
  • Volunteers receive support from the SEED Madagascar UK staff pre-departure.
SEED Madagascar volunteers are from a diverse international background so it is not possible to run a comprehensive training session here in the UK prior to departure. We provide all training during initial orientation sessions and in the first days of the programmes once in Madagascar.
  • All training for the SEED Madagascar programmes is provided in-country by skilled Malagasy guides and long term international volunteers and researchers.   Accommodation depends on the project and is most commonly in tents in local areas, with very basic amenities.  A dedicated SEED Madagascar team (made up of UK and local staff and volunteers) support the volunteers in-country.
  • The total cost is between £795 and £2450 (for between 2-10 weeks) before flights
  • £200 deposit to secure a place on the programme; this will also cover administration and support costs
  • £595-£2295 donation to cover project costs (travel, airport transfers, full training, all meals and use of campsite facilities, orientation and language classes in Madagascar and the dedicated volunteer support team)
  • Plus a charitable donation towards the sustainable development aims of SEED Madagascar
  • In addition, volunteers pay for their international and internal flights (£800-£1400 total), travel insurance, tourist visa (£30-£80) and cost of vaccinations.
  • Volunteers are encouraged to fundraise their minimum donation, as this raises awareness about current issues in Madagascar. SEED offer help and support in fundraising including a substantial fundraising manual and resources such as collection boxes, posters, the facility to set up an online fundraising page, and even a Lemur Suit!
  • Please apply using Volunteer Hub.
  • Search for 'SEED' and click on 'apply' in the relevant advert.

Find out more