Farmer-to-Farmer Coffee Husk Dryer

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.

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.   Compensation in the form of lodging, transportation, per diem, is provided by NCBA CLUSA.  No salary/consultant fees are paid. For more information visit NCBA CLUSA Farmer-to-Farmer.

NCBA CLUSA is currently seeking volunteers (either 1- US volunteer willing to travel or 2 volunteers for a hybrid assignment- 1 remote US volunteer and 1- volunteer based in Honduras) qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidates for the position of Coffee Husk Dryerto support Cooperativa Mixta Montaña Verde Limitada (COMMOVEL)based in Santa Barbara, Honduras. 

COMMOVEL was established in 2001 with the support of Empresa Asociativa Campesina de Transformación y Servicios and the NGO, CARE international.  In 2005, they acquired their coffee exportation license and began exporting.  They produce around 280,000 - 300,000 pounds of coffee husks during the coffee processing months (January-March), from the 846 hectares of coffee they have. After recognizing that they could take advantage of this by-product more efficiently (using the husks as fertilizer) they built 2 husk dryers.   The issue is that COMMOVEL doesn't have the knowledge on how to operate the husk dryers when the by-product (husk) is ready to be used. They would like to be trained in the proper use of the husk dryers and to develop an operation and maintenance manual for the husk dryers.

Duration: 2 weeks, January- April 2022    

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• The volunteer will teach the participants about the correct operation of the coffee husk dryers. 
• Along with the participants, will identify the parameters to know when the byproduct(husk) is ready to be used.
• Develop, along with the participants, an operation and maintenance manual of the coffee husk dryers. 
   

• Degree in Environmental Engineering, Agronomy or related field
• Experience using coffee husk dryers or other similar agricultural dryers
• Experience developing operation and maintenance manuals for farmers or individuals with limited education.
• Knowledge on making organic fertilizers
• Work experience with farmers
• 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.

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.