About this role
Food Security Educator
Project Description: Ready to make a lasting impact on nutrition and food security at the grassroots level? Togo invites you to support rural communities to adopt sustainable agricultural practices, new technologies, and improved access to nutritious foods.
Sixty-five percent of the working population in Togo relies on agriculture for a living. Smallholder farmers—many of them women lacking the appropriate agricultural training—face persistent challenges, including degraded soils, irregular rainfall, and limited access to essential resources such as improved seeds, fertilizers, financing, processing methods, storage technologies, and markets. This contributes to food and nutrition insecurity. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, nearly 50% of households have poor or limited food consumption, and 60% lack a diverse diet. To overcome these challenges, it is recommended that smallholder farmers are trained on improved management techniques and practices as new research and recommendations are released.
As a Food Security Educator, you will mentor the smallholder farmers, primarily the youth and women, on sustainable agricultural techniques that support household food security. You will additionally promote the cultivation, preparation, and preservation of nutrient‑rich foods for vulnerable families. Your collaborative efforts will make an impact on the quality and quantity of food available at the individual, household, and community level through agricultural and nutrition education activities.
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: After living with a host family during training, Volunteers will move to a rural community where they can expect a private space within a larger compound. Housing across the Centrale, Kara, Maritime, and Plateaux regions will feature a bedroom, living or kitchen area, bathroom or latrine, secure doors, and windows with mosquito screens. A gas stove, propane tank, and safety equipment will be provided.
Activities: Identify food production assets and needs. Assess potential collaboration opportunities with women’s groups, schools, youth clubs and smallholder farmers. Initiate or revitalize food security and nutrition groups, strengthening their organizational capacity. Provide training on sustainable gardening techniques with high-value, nutrient-dense produce. Coach groups and individuals to establish small-scale fruit tree orchards. Introduce food processing and storage techniques to boost value and reduce waste. Facilitate educational talks and cooking demonstrations that promote a balanced diet using local ingredients. Promote sustainable water‑collection practices to ensure reliable access for gardening and hygiene.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as facilitating school English clubs or environmental activities.
Training: As a Food Security Educator, you will be trained on methods for bio-intensive gardening, fruit tree planting, and nutritional cooking demonstrations. Peace Corps/Togo will teach you French to help you comfortably live in and connect with the community. You will also receive language resources and learn basic communication skills in a local language, such as Ewe, Kabye, Bassar, Tem, or Ikposso.
Job Highlights: Gain hands-on experience in food security, sustainable agriculture, and nutrition. Learn French from skilled Language and Cross-Culture Facilitators. Experience the welcoming culture of Togo and become a valued member of your community.