This opportunity is a sponsored Coffee Extension Training Program based in Baringo, designed to transition successful trainees into self-employed Coffee Extension Champions upon completion. The terms of this engagement include sponsored training with a clear path to a self-employment opportunity post-training.
Training Details
The training is fully sponsored, though trainees are responsible for their own transport costs.
- Venue: Coffee Research Institute and designated County Training Centers.
- Duration: One week of intensive theory and practical training.
- Certification: A Certificate of Completion will be issued jointly by New KPCU and the Coffee Research Institute.
Role and Responsibilities Post-Training
Upon successful completion of the program, trained Extension Champions will take on the following roles:
- Provide private extension services to farmers in their wards.
- Train farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) to boost yields.
- Support the rehabilitation of abandoned or underperforming coffee farms.
- Promote the adoption of quality planting materials supplied through the program.
- Mobilize and organize farmers into cooperatives or farmer groups.
- Assist farmers with record-keeping, crop monitoring, and basic farm management.
How Trainees will Earn from Services
Extension Champions operate on a self-employment model, earning through service fees:
- Champions will levy farmers a reasonable service fee, which must be agreed upon at the ward level through cooperatives or farmer groups and approved by the Standing County Technical Committee.
- Champions will collaborate with cooperatives to streamline the collection of service fees through cooperative deductions or mobile money payments, ensuring transparency and accountability.
- Champions are encouraged to enter into formal service agreements with cooperatives or farmer groups.
Eligibility and Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Education: Hold a Certificate, Diploma, or Degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Horticulture, Agriculture Economics, or related fields.
- Residency: Be residents of the specific ward they wish to serve (proof of residency required).
- Passion: Demonstrate a passion for transforming rural livelihoods through sustainable coffee farming.
- Skills: Possess effective communication and teamwork skills.
- Training Status: Must not have been previously trained under this program.
Added Advantage
Candidates with the following experience or knowledge will have an added advantage:
- Previous experience in coffee farming, cooperatives, or agricultural extension.
- Familiarity with digital tools for data collection.
- Knowledge of coffee agronomy and post-harvest techniques.
