Coffee Extension Training Program - Trans Nzoia

The role is centered around a sponsored training program designed to equip individuals to become self-employed Coffee Extension Champions operating in Trans Nzoia County. This initiative aims to deploy skilled professionals to implement sustainable agricultural practices, revitalize coffee production, and support local farmer cooperatives.

Terms of Engagement

This opportunity begins with fully sponsored training, leading directly to a Self-Employment Opportunity Post-Training under a contractual framework.

Training Details

• 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 upon successful program completion.
• Cost: The training is fully sponsored. Trainees are responsible for covering their own transport costs.

Roles and Responsibilities (Post-Training)

Upon successful certification, Extension Champions will transition into a self-employment structure, responsible for:

1. Providing essential private extension services to farmers within their assigned wards.
2. Training farmers extensively on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) to significantly boost coffee yields.
3. Supporting the rehabilitation of abandoned or underperforming coffee farms back into production.
4. Promoting and ensuring the adoption of high-quality planting materials supplied through the program.
5. Mobilizing and organizing local farmers into viable cooperatives or formal farmer groups.
6. Assisting farmers with critical basic farm management tasks, including efficient record-keeping and crop monitoring.

Compensation Structure

Extension Champions 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 requires approval by the Standing County Technical Committee. Champions are required to collaborate closely with cooperatives to streamline fee collection, potentially using cooperative deductions or mobile money payments, thereby ensuring transparency and accountability. Champions are strongly encouraged to formalize their service agreements with the cooperatives or farmer groups they serve.

Eligibility and Qualifications

Mandatory Requirements:

• Hold a Certificate, Diploma, or Degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Horticulture, Agriculture Economics, or related fields.
• Must be verifiable residents of the specific ward they intend to serve (proof of residency is required).
• Demonstrate a strong passion for transforming rural livelihoods through sustainable coffee farming practices.
• Possess effective communication and teamwork skills essential for farmer engagement and training.
• Applicants must confirm they have not been previously trained under this specific New KPCU program.

Added Advantage:

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