Jamaica
Rural Agriculture Development Authority (RADA), local farmers
Qualified candidates will have an expressed interest in working in agriculture and one or more of the following criteria:
• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any field
OR
• 5 years' professional work experience
All candidates who meet the required skills are encouraged to apply. Additional skills that may make you a more competitive candidate include:
Organizational or small business development experience.
Experience networking and strengthening group dynamics.
This position requires that Volunteers be prepared to serve in deep rural communities where infrastructure may be limited. Assignments are in rural, often mountainous areas, with varying standards of living. Volunteers must be comfortable with modest and reduced conveniences, particularly related to disruptions to electrical power and internet as well as access to running water. Markets or larger shopping areas are just a taxi ride away. Volunteers live with host families but can expect a private room in the family home or self-contained unit on the property.
None
Agriculture
Yes
Jamaica
24
Yes
PCV
No
Conduct personalized farm assessments, including mapping, soil testing, and documenting farm water management.
Plan and facilitate engaging training sessions on agricultural and organizational development.
Support the adoption of sustainable soil and water conservation techniques.
Plan and facilitate workshops on agro-processing and post-harvest management practices.
Provide basic agri-business training on topics, including market analyses, bookkeeping, and local resources such as Agricultural Linkages and Exchange (ALEX).
Support regular organizational capacity assessments.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as agrotourism farm stays and after-school clubs.
As a Sustainable Agriculture Educator, you will be trained on resource conservation techniques, including, land husbandry, integrated pest management and basic farm water management systems. Peace Corps Jamaica will teach you Jamaican Patwa to help you comfortably live in and connect with the community. You will also receive language resources to continue your language learning during service.
After 10 weeks of training, you will move to rural community where you will collaborate with a local farmers group and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority staff. You will work with the community to assess the local needs and develop solutions based on agricultural best practices.
Learn Jamaican Patwa from skilled Language and Cross-Culture Facilitators.
Gain valuable, hands-on experience with sustainable farming practices at a grassroots level.
Experience the beautiful Jamaican culture firsthand.
Only heterosexual couples can be accepted for this program.
Each person must apply separately and qualify for a position in a different sector than their partner.
Couples will live together during training but may separate occasionally for field-based activities.
Cohabitating couples are highly encouraged to present themselves as married throughout service due to cultural expectations.
As the preeminent international service organization of the United States, the Peace Corps sends Americans with a passion for service abroad to work with communities and create lasting change. Volunteers develop sustainable solutions to address challenges in Education, Health, Economic Development, Agriculture, Environment and Youth Development. Through their Peace Corps experiences, Volunteers gain a unique cultural understanding and a lifelong commitment to service that positions them to succeed in today's global economy. Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, more than 240,000 Americans of all ages have served in 142 countries worldwide.
