Job Description

NCBA CLUSA is currently seeking qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidates (either 1- US volunteer willing to travel or 2 volunteers for a hybrid assignment- 1 remote US volunteer and 1- volunteer based in Ecuador) for the position of B iological Pest Control Expert to support Asociación de Trabajadores Agrícolas Luis Vargas Torres based in Naranjito, Ecuador

Asociación de Trabajadores Agrícolas Luis Vargas Torres was established in 2005, by a small group of cacao growers. The organization was created to help producers gain access to broader markets, and negotiate fair prices for their products.

Throughout the years, the association has engaged members in the cacao paste production process. There are currently 24 active members (75% men and 25% women, including one male youth) and more than 200 cacao suppliers.

The producers of the association have serious challenges dealing cacao diseases. One of their main goals is to be productive and ecologically sustainable.

That is why they need training in how to capture, cultivate and manage beneficial microorganisms to control pests and avoid the use of chemical commercial products.

Inoculation of beneficial microorganisms is a potential solution used in other places. The association members want to learn how to inoculate, produce and apply beneficial microorganisms for biological control.

Furthermore, the production of these microorganisms can be an additional way of income for the association and promote environmentally friendly agriculture in Naranjito.

Duration : 2 weeks August December 2022