About this role
Community Food Security and Nutrition Facilitator
Project Description: Calling all beekeepers, horticulturalists, and at-home gardeners! Farmers in The Gambia are looking for you to lend a hand as they strengthen the country’s food and nutrition security.
Agricultural activities in The Gambia are traditionally done during the short rainy season, which only lasts 3 to 4 months. Farmers are interested in learning climate-smart 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 both the dietary diversity at the household level and provide additional sources of income. As a Community Food Security and Nutrition Facilitator, you will implement nutrition-sensitive agricultural projects. You and your farming colleagues will train women, the youth, and individuals with developmental and physical disabilities on ways to generate agriculture-related income.
Required Skills: Qualified candidates will have an expressed interest in working in agriculture and one or more of the following criteria:
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any field OR 5 years' professional work experience
Living Conditions: Volunteers live in private housing within remote, rural communities.
Activities: How you and the community will make an impact together:
Implement environmental awareness programs and sustainable natural resource management activities Strengthen local capacity in agroforestry production and crop cultivation management practices Educate the community on 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 clubs or sports.
Training: As a Community Food Security and Nutrition Facilitator, you will be trained to support The Gambia’s food security initiatives. Peace Corps/The Gambia will teach you Pularr, Mandinka, Wollof, Jola, and Serrahulleh to help you comfortably live in and connect with the community.
After 8 weeks of training, you will move to a rural community where you will collaborate with caregivers, families, healthcare workers, and teachers to develop solutions based on behavioral change principles. Volunteers will receive training on the country’s gender challenges and ways to implement gender-related activities to maximize their impact.
Job Highlights: Develop hands-on experience with sustainable agroforestry practices Become a valued part of a host family and community Experience the rich culture of The Gambia firsthand