About this role
Project Description
Calling all beekeepers, horticulturalists, and at-home gardeners! Farmers in The Gambia are looking for your support as they strengthen the country’s food and nutrition security.
Agricultural activities in The Gambia are traditionally completed during the short rainy season, which runs three to four months. Farmers are interested in learning new agriculture techniques to establish and improve dry-season vegetable gardens and tree nurseries. Animal husbandry management practices, such as beekeeping and raising chickens, are also of interest and will improve nutrition and provide additional sources of income to households.
As an Agriculture and Nutrition Educator, you will implement nutrition-sensitive agricultural projects. You and your farming colleagues will train women, young adults, and individuals with developmental and physical disabilities to generate agriculture-related income.
Required Skills
Associate degree in any field and at least two years of full-time, post-high school work experience (from any combination of roles).
OR
Bachelor's degree in any field.
OR
High school diploma or GED and 4 years of full-time post-high school work experience (from any combination of roles).
Living Conditions
You will live in a remote, rural community with access to public transportation within a few miles. Most Volunteers live in family compounds with one or two room units and a private outdoor bathroom. Houses are generally made of mud block with thatched roofs or cement houses with tin roofing. Family members in the compound will support you with many of the language and cultural skills and competencies you will need to live and work effectively in your community.
Job Highlights
Develop hands-on experience with best agriculture, animal husbandry, and agroforestry practices.
Become a valued part of a host family and community as you work to strengthen food security and improve nutrition.
Create lasting friendships through cultural exchange and community engagement.
Activities
Implement best agriculture practices, environmental awareness programs, and natural resource management activities.
Strengthen capacity in agroforestry production and crop cultivation management practices.
Educate the community about nutrition and nutrition-sensitive agricultural production.
Establish and manage tree nurseries, woodlots, orchards, beehives, and/or poultry.
Create food and seed storage facilities to minimize post-harvest losses.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as book or sports clubs.
Training
As an Agriculture and Nutrition Educator, you will be trained to support The Gambia’s food security initiatives. Peace Corps/The Gambia will teach you Pulaar, Mandinka, Wollof, Jola, and Serrahulleh to help you comfortably live in and connect with the community.
After 11 weeks of pre-service training, you will move to a rural village where you will collaborate with farmers, agricultural groups, and community members to develop agricultural solutions based on behavioral change principles.