The National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA) is the trade association for cooperative businesses in the United States and an international development organization. NCBA CLUSA provides cross-sector education, technical assistance, and advocacy that helps co-ops thrive. For nearly 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 100 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 21 countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia

The Resilient Agriculture Activity (RAA) is a project funded by the United State Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA). Its primary objective is to enhance the sustainability of agricultural practices in the provinces of the South Region of the Dominican Republic, which have been severely affected by climate change and high input prices resulting from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The Resilient Agriculture Activity (RAA) is currently seeking the services of a qualified consultant or consulting firm to undertake the collection of its baseline data. The purpose of this data collection is to establish a comprehensive understanding of the current agricultural practices in the Southwest of the Dominican Republic that will serve as a reference point for evaluating the impact of the activity´s interventions.

USAID’s Resilient Agriculture Activity will improve food security in the Dominican Republic. The Activity’s overarching strategy is to lower production costs and to create more ecological and profitable cropping systems for smallholder farms through the Low-Cost Production System model. The model, developed by the National Cooperative Business Association, Cooperative League of  America (NCBA CLUSA), holistically addresses the needs of smallholder farming enterprises by increasing farm productivity, food quality, and trade opportunities.

Founded in 1995 in Los Quemados community, province of Azua. ASOCLEM arises to face the deterioration of natural resources and the environment in the southwestern region of the Dominican Republic, through environmental educational programs, the accompaniment of community development projects, among others. This organization proclaims itself as a grassroots community entity that works to improve the living conditions of the communities where it works through the sustainable use of natural resources and the environment. In their words: “We promote gender equality, democratic values in decision-making and voluntary community work.”  

The rise of production costs is threatening the sustainability of the farmers’ livelihood. The purchase of fertilizer represents the largest part of the costs of production for the farmers that ASOCLEM collaborates with. Most members of the Producer Organization use conventional fertilizer with equal parts N, P and K regardless of the needs of their soil. These farmers tend to relate this input with loss of income due to the inefficient use they give it within their practices.       

Expected volunteer deliverables: 

• A production manual for the different types of organic fertilizer.  

• A guide manual on the efficient use of organic fertilizer.  

• Degree in agronomy or similar. 

• Experience in organic fertilizer production. 

• Experience in organic agriculture 

• Experience working with low-income communities.  

• Experience training large groups of people.  

• Spanish speaking abilities desired.   

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.