Farmer-to-Farmer Organic Fertilizer Expert

  • 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.   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 a qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidate (1- US volunteer willing to travel) for the position of Organic Fertilizer Expert to support  (Cooperativa Agropecuaria Emprendedores del Café Limitada- COAEDCAL)  based in (Corquín, Honduras).

Job Description: COAEDCAL is a coffee cooperative legally founded by 27 producers in 2016. Leaders report that their farmers have experienced a production decrease from 4,500 pounds/0.7 hectare in 2020 to 3,500 pounds/0.7 hectare in 2021.  This, combined with the increase of fertilizer prices by 300% have led them to want to create their own liquid organic fertilizers and improve the solid organic fertilizer that they currently produce. Ideally these would be created by COAEDCAL technical team and then they would be able to help their members produce organic fertilizers on their own farms.

Duration: 2-weeks, April- July 2022

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

  • Asses the current processes and provide feedback to the organization on solid fertilizer improvements that should implemented
  • Provide recommendations on machinery, tools, and ingredients to improve solid fertilizers and to make liquid fertilizers.
  • Teach participants how to properly create liquid fertilizer using locally sourced materials
  • Develop a manual for the proper management of the solid and liquid organic fertilizers.

Qualifications

  • Degree in Agronomy, Soil Science and/or a related field
  • Experience in developing foliar and soil organic fertilizers.
  • Experience developing a soil fertility plan.
  • Knowledge of soil science and composting.
  • 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.