Farmer-to-Farmer Organic Vegetable Fertilizer Trainer

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.   For more information visit NCBA CLUSA Farmer-to-Farmer.

NCBA CLUSA is currently seeking qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidates (either 1- US volunteer willing to travel or 2 volunteers for a hybrid assignment- 1 remote US volunteer and 1- volunteer based in Honduras) for the position of Organic Vegetable Fertilizer Trainer to support Asociación de Productoras Libres de Marcala’s (APROLMA) based in Marcala, Honduras.  

Asociación de Productoras Libres de Marcala’s (APROLMA) works to empower women with financial success in commercial coffee production. APROLMA wishes to diversify production with the introduction of vegetables for the commercial market. Currently, the organization's knowledge of organic fertilizers is limited to coffee production. APROLMA seeks guidance on developing organic fertilizer for vegetable production.  

Duration: 2 weeks (January or March-April 2022) 

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY: 

• Teach participants how to develop organic fertilizers for vegetables.    
• Collaborate with participants to identify locally found resources to make organic fertilizers.  
• Develop a manual for the proper management of organic fertilizers with parameters included to know when it is ready to be used by the farmers.   

• Degree in agronomy, preferably with horticulture expertise.  
• Experience in developing foliar and soil organic fertilizers.  
• Experience developing a soil fertility plan.  
• Knowledge of soil science and composting, chemical and physical properties of horticulture plantations preferred.  
• Capable of transferring knowledge to 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.