About this role
Rural Agriculture Educator
Project Description: Ready to roll up your sleeves and strengthen sustainable agriculture in rural Panama? Support smallholder farming families as they work to improve resilient livelihoods.
Many Indigenous communities in Panama rely on subsistence farming as their primary livelihood. However, land degradation, high production costs, and low yields threaten sustainable income. These challenges persist due to the communities’ geographic isolation, limited technical support from agriculture authorities, and changing weather patterns. Strengthening agricultural systems is a national priority, yet Indigenous communities often lack the resources and extension services needed to adopt improved practices.
As a Rural Agriculture Educator, you will support local farmers to apply practical techniques to address agriculture production issues, such as soil conservation, integrated pest management, or post-harvest management. You will support cooperatives and farming groups to explore cash crops or the production of artisanal goods. You will develop the community’s marketing, budgeting, and organizational skills. Finally, you’ll encourage a nutritious diet by introducing families to underutilized crops and new recipes. Your support will equip farmers with new ideas, approaches, and skills to address common agricultural challenges. Your collective efforts will lead to more resilient livelihoods, improved food security, and sustainable agricultural systems that can support Indigenous communities for generations to come.
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: Volunteers live in rural, Indigenous communities in western Panama. For the first 3–4 months, Volunteers live with a host family—often a large multigenerational household—and may elect to later move to independent housing. Volunteers should expect basic living conditions with limited transportation and no electricity or running water. Cell signal may require a 30‑minute hike through wet or muddy terrain.
Activities: Train farmers on sustainable soil and water conservation practices. Facilitate farmer-to-farmer demonstrations on integrated pest management and other improved production techniques. Support farmers to apply post-harvest handling, storage, and value-added practices. Explore income-generating activities, such as coffee production or artisanal goods. Coach farmers and farming groups on basic agricultural business skills, including budgeting and marketing. Support farmers’ groups to strengthen leadership, communication, and planning. Teach families how to prepare nutritious recipes using local crops.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as English conversation clubs and after-school sports.
Training: As a Rural Agriculture Educator, you will be trained in participatory community analysis, intercultural engagement, and agriculture-specific practices. Peace Corps/Panama will teach you Spanish to help you comfortably live in and connect with the community. You will also receive language resources and learn basic Ngӓbere.
After 10 weeks of training, you will move to a rural community where you will collaborate with farmers and local community groups. You will work with the community to assess the local needs and develop solutions based on farmer priorities and shared community goals.
Job Highlights: Build practical skills in sustainable agriculture, soil conservation, and pest management. Strengthen your Spanish language skills and practice basic Ngӓbere through daily interactions. Immerse yourself in indigenous Panamanian culture, form lasting relationships, and learn from farmers who become your greatest teachers.