Coffee Extension Training Program - Siaya

The New Kenya Planters Co-operative Union Plc (New KPCU PLC) is offering a sponsored training program aimed at creating Coffee Extension Champions who will subsequently operate as self-employed private extension service providers in the Siaya area.

Terms of Engagement

This program offers Sponsored Training, leading directly to a Self-Employment Opportunity Post-Training.

Training Details

• Venue: Coffee Research Institute and designated County Training Centers.
• Duration: One week of intensive theory and practical training.
• Certification: Participants receive a Certificate of Completion issued jointly by New KPCU and the Coffee Research Institute.
• Cost: The training itself is fully sponsored. Trainees are responsible for catering for their own transport.

Roles and Responsibilities After Training

Upon successful completion of the training, Extension Champions will be expected to:

• Provide private extension services to farmers located in their assigned wards.
• Conduct training sessions for farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) to significantly boost crop yields.
• Support and coordinate the rehabilitation of abandoned or underperforming coffee farms.
• Promote the successful adoption of quality planting materials supplied through the New KPCU program.
• Mobilize and organize local farmers into formal cooperatives or cohesive farmer groups.
• Assist farmers with essential farm management tasks, including record-keeping and crop monitoring.

How Extension Champions Earn from Services

Extension Champions are structured to levy farmers a reasonable service fee. This fee must be agreed upon at the ward level through cooperatives or farmer groups and requires approval by the Standing County Technical Committee. Champions will collaborate with cooperatives to efficiently collect these service fees via cooperative deductions or mobile money payments, ensuring transparency and accountability. Champions are strongly encouraged to formalize their engagement by entering into service agreements with cooperatives or farmer groups.

Eligibility and Qualifications

Mandatory Requirements:

• Must hold a certificate, Diploma, or Degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Horticulture, Agriculture Economics, or any related field.
• Must be a resident of the specific ward they intend to serve (proof of residency is required).
• Must demonstrate a strong passion for transforming rural livelihoods through the implementation of sustainable coffee farming practices.
• Must possess effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Must not have been previously trained under this particular program.

Added Advantage:

• Previous experience in coffee farming, cooperative management, or agricultural extension work.
• Familiarity and proficiency with digital tools used for data collection.
• Solid knowledge of coffee agronomy and post-harvest techniques.