Farmer-to-Farmer Organic Fertilizers

  • Contract

Company Description

The National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA) is the primary voice for people who use cooperative businesses to build a better world and a more inclusive economy. NCBA CLUSA provides cross-sector education, technical assistance, and advocacy that helps co-ops thrive. For over 100 years, NCBA CLUSA has sought to advance and protect cooperative enterprises, highlighting the impact that cooperatives have in bettering the lives of individuals and families. In the last 60 years, NCBA CLUSA has worked in over 85 countries in the areas of food security, agricultural development, strengthening of communities and farmer organizations, community-based health, natural resources management, and empowerment of smallholder farmers, women, and youth. We currently work in in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

Job Description

NCBA CLUSA’s USAID-funded Farmer-to-Farmer program sends American farmers and agribusiness professionals on 2-4 week agricultural development assignments, promoting sustainable growth and agricultural development worldwide.  Volunteer technical assistance from U.S. farmers, agribusinesses, cooperatives and universities helps smallholder farmers in developing countries improve productivity, access new markets and conserve environmental and natural resources.  During COVID-19 we have shifted to a hybrid volunteer model that affords US volunteers and in-country volunteers the opportunity to continue to provide technical assistance.   For more information visit NCBA CLUSA Farmer-to-Farmer.

NCBA CLUSA is currently seeking 2 (1- remote US volunteer and 1- volunteer based in Honduras) qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidates for the position of Organic Fertilizer Expert to support Cooperativa Agropecuaria Nuevo Edén, Limitada based in Intibucá, Honduras.  COARENE was created in 1991 as a business alternative for coffee producers in the area facing unemployment and low incomes. It provides technical assistance, financing, commercialization, and environment protection to producers in Intibucá and Lempira Departments. 

Recently COARENE has observed low coffee production rates and recognized that they don’t have a crop production plan, nor a soil fertility plan for their members.  This is important as they plan to have all members certified organic within the year.  COARENE would like to be able to develop a standard formula for organic fertilizer (foliar and soil) and sell this to members (and non-members) to use on their crops.  They are also developing 40 compost huts with an anticipated completion date of mid-late 2022. One of the huts is currently being used as a pilot project to hold a sample of organic fertilizer that was developed by members.

Duration: 2 weeks, March 2022        

 

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

  • Assess the organic fertilizer formula currently being developed by producers in the compost hut and provide constructive feedback
  • Develop a crop production and soil fertility plan along with the participants. 
  • Teach participants about the benefits of organic fertilizers and formulas.
  • Collaborate with participants to identify locally sourced materials that can be used to make low-cost organic fertilizers
  • Work with trainees to establish a standard process for making organic fertilizers in the compost huts. This should include knowledge on when to add substrates as well as identifying when the final product is ready for use.

Qualifications

  • Degree in agronomy, environmental engineering, horticulture and/or a similar field
  • Experience developing foliar and soil organic fertilizers
  • Knowledge of soil science and composting, including chemical and physical properties of soils in coffee plantations is preferred
  • Available for virtual communications with Host Organization, Staff and Co-volunteer
  • US candidate must be legally able to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
  • Advanced English language skills; reading, writing, speaking.

Additional Information

All application materials must be submitted in English.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

NCBA CLUSA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a commitment to diversity.  All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, and legally protected characteristics for non-merit factors.