Coffee Extension Training Program - Elgeyo Marakwet (Self-Employment)

This opportunity, offered by the New Kenya Planters Co-operative Union Plc (New KPCU), is a sponsored training program designed to create Coffee Extension Champions in Elgeyo Marakwet. Upon successful completion, the program leads to a self-employment opportunity where champions provide essential private extension services to local coffee farmers.

Terms and Training Details

The role requires individuals to successfully complete a short, intensive training program:

• Terms: Sponsored Training with a subsequent Self-Employment Opportunity.
• Venue: Coffee Research Institute and designated County Training Centers.
• Duration: One week of intensive theory and practical training.
• Certification: A Certificate of Completion issued jointly by New KPCU and the Coffee Research Institute.
• Cost: The training is fully sponsored, but trainees must cater for their own transport.

Roles and Responsibilities Post-Training

Trained Extension Champions will serve their respective wards by carrying out the following duties:

1. Provide private extension services to farmers in their wards.
2. Train farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) to boost yields.
3. Support the rehabilitation of abandoned or underperforming coffee farms.
4. Promote the adoption of quality planting materials supplied through the program.
5. Mobilize and organize farmers into cooperatives or farmer groups.
6. Assist farmers with record-keeping, crop monitoring, and basic farm management.

Income Model (Self-Employment)

Extension Champions will earn revenue through levied service fees:

• Champions will levy farmers a reasonable service fee, agreed upon at the ward level through cooperatives or farmer groups and approved by the Standing County Technical Committee.
• Champions must work with cooperatives to streamline the collection of service fees via cooperative deductions or mobile money payments, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Champions are strongly encouraged to enter into formal service agreements with cooperatives or farmer groups.

Eligibility and Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following mandatory requirements:

• Education: Hold a Certificate, Diploma, or Degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Horticulture, Agriculture Economics, or related fields.
• Residency: Must be a resident of the ward they wish to serve (proof is required).
• Commitment: Demonstrate a strong passion for transforming rural livelihoods through sustainable coffee farming.
• Skills: Possess effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Program Status: Must not have been previously trained under this program.

Added Advantages

Candidates with the following attributes will have a competitive edge:

• Previous experience in coffee farming, cooperatives, or agricultural extension.
• Familiarity with digital tools for data collection.
• Knowledge of coffee agronomy and post-harvest techniques.