Job Description

NCBA CLUSA is currently seeking (1- remote US volunteer or 1 in-person US volunteer based in Ecuador) qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidates for the position of Organic Agronomist to support Asociación de Pequeños Productores Agropecuarios SAANT TUNANTS, based in Taisha, Ecuador .

Asociación de Pequeños Productores Agropecuarios SAANT TUNANTS began as an organized group in 2012. All members are committed to taking care of the environment and using agricultural practices focused on their respect for nature.

The association is small, with 22 members, but inclusive, with over half of their membership comprised of women.

SAANT-TUNANTS produces organic cacao and coffee, which they sell at the local market. They use organic practices focused on familiar agriculture and using traditional methods.

For these farmers, cacao and coffee production is a family practice, where all family members participate from tillage to harvest.

They utilize the Aja Shuar system to save creole seeds and conserve native plants.

SAANT-TUNANTS seeks to expand into a broader market to sell members’ products. However, management problems, including irrigation, fertilization, and phytosanitary treatment, have led to low yields.

SAANT-TUNANTS wants to learn and apply better agricultural practices while maintaining their organic focus to improve their yields and expand their market access.

Duration : 2 Weeks (September December 2022)