Coffee Extension Training Program - Homa Bay

This is an opportunity to participate in a sponsored training program leading to self-employment as a Coffee Extension Champion in Homa Bay County.

Terms and Training Details

This role involves a fully sponsored training program culminating in a self-employment opportunity post-training. Trainees will only be responsible for catering for their own transport.

• 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.

Roles After Training

Upon successful completion of the training, trained Extension Champions will be expected to undertake the following responsibilities:

• Provide private extension services to farmers in their designated 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 Extension Champions will Earn

Extension Champions will generate income by levying farmers a reasonable service fee. This fee 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 strongly encouraged to enter into formal service agreements with the cooperatives or farmer groups they serve.

Eligibility Requirements

Applications must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a certificate, Diploma or Degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Horticulture, Agriculture Economics, or related fields.
• Be residents of the ward they wish to serve (proof required).
• Demonstrate passion for transforming rural livelihoods through sustainable coffee farming.
• Have effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Not have been previously trained under this specific program.

Added Advantage

Candidates possessing the following attributes 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.