Coffee Extension Training Program - Vihiga

This is an announcement for the Coffee Extension Training Program in Vihiga, offered by New Kenya Planters Co-operative Union Plc. This program provides specialized training intended to create self-employment opportunities as Coffee Extension Champions, focused on transforming rural livelihoods through sustainable coffee farming.

Terms and Training Details

• Terms: Sponsored Training with Self-Employment Opportunity Post-Training.
• Venue: Coffee Research Institute and designated County Training Centers.
• Duration: One week of intensive theory and practical training.
• Certification: Certificate of Completion issued jointly by New KPCU and the Coffee Research Institute.
• Cost: Training is fully sponsored. Trainees will be responsible for catering for their own transport.

Roles After Training (Extension Champions)

Upon successful completion of the training, Extension Champions will be expected to undertake the following roles in their designated wards:

1. Provide private extension services to farmers.
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.

How Extension Champions Earn from Services

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 are required to work 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 cooperatives or farmer groups.

Eligibility and Qualifications

Mandatory Application Requirements:

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

Added Advantages:

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