Conservation Farming Project Specialists
Country
Mozambique
Program Area
Agriculture and Environment
Community and Youth Development
Partner
Strengthening Communities through Integrated Planning
Projected Start Date
September, 2010
Duration
12 months
Description
Peace Corps Response Volunteers are needed to serve as Food Security Conservation Farming Project Specialists for SCIP—Strengthening Communities through Integrated Programming. The program is funded by USAID with the goal of supporting Mozambique in the implementation of its new national food security strategy. Mozambique has a huge potential for rapid agricultural development, yet its pervasive poverty levels and high percentage of food-insecure households hinder the country’s progress toward sustainable food production. A new food security implementation plan has been set forth by the government of Mozambique in response to this unmet potential. The plan spells out how additional resources can address the key issues preventing Mozambique’s agricultural potential from being fully realized. The success of the plan depends on the mobilization and training of key stakeholders, including farmers, entrepreneurs, investors, and consumers.
The Conservation Farming Project Specialists will work with partner staff to design, present, and refine training programs focused on sustainable agriculture practices and to undertake a series of Training of Trainers (TOT) for one or more districts. The PCRVs will develop training programs appropriate for village youth ages five to fifteen on conservation farming and permaculture techniques. Elements of the TOT program will include topics such as soil erosion and the water cycle, agriculture systems (e.g., permaculture vs. shifting), soil cover, and crop rotation. In addition, the Project Specialists will work closely with partners from other INGOs in the formation and organization of junior farmer associations (modeled loosely on 4-H and the Future Farmers of America programs). The Volunteers will also have the opportunity to work with youth groups to implement sustainable agricultural practices in tilling. These best practices include reducing soil disturbance, optimizing planting time, rotating crops, and improving ground cover.
Qualifications
- Degree in agronomy, land management, agricultural science, agriculture management, or a related field
- Experience with rural community mobilization efforts and TOT programs
- Experience in establishing and maintaining soil and water conservation practices
- Familiarity with related aspects of integrated watershed management
- Experience designing and delivering participatory environmental education lessons
- Portuguese language skills (both written and spoken)
- Willingness to live and work in remote parts of Mozambique
- Successful completion of Peace Corps Volunteer service, preferably in Mozambique
* This position may accept couples
