Winrock International’s Accelerated Dissemination of Soil Improvement Practices (ADSIP) Project in Tamale/Bolgatanga, Ghana, is seeking one or two local/regional volunteers for a non-paid, 16-day assignment. The volunteer(s) will conduct training for 35 agrodealers from the Upper East Regional Agrodealers network. The training covers two modules: technical components of Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) and its business/entrepreneurship aspects. Depending on their expertise, the volunteer(s) may lead one or both modules.
The goal is to enhance the capacity of agro-dealers in areas such as disseminating ISFM practices and technologies to smallholder farmers, addressing the needs of women and young farmers, understanding the impact of climate change on agriculture, and developing strategies for climate crisis adaptation. Volunteers will create and deliver ISFM training materials (e.g., PowerPoint presentations, interactive exercises) and co-facilitate a 4-day workshop with practical sessions.
Agrodealers play a crucial role in Ghana’s agricultural service delivery, offering a range of services to smallholder farmers. However, many lack comprehensive knowledge and skills in ISFM practices and technologies. The ADSIP Project’s training workshop aims to equip agro-dealers with the necessary skills to provide cost-effective, climate-responsive solutions for improving soil fertility and agricultural productivity, particularly for women and youth. The workshop will cover:
1. Understanding the concept and significance of ISFM.
2. Identifying and addressing the specific needs of women and youth and improving their access to and adoption of ISFM technologies and practices.
3. Using effective approaches for disseminating ISFM technologies and practices.
4. Technical knowledge about ISFM technologies and practices including types of inorganic fertilizers, new crop varieties emphasizing the essential of crop rotation etc.
5. Enhancing agro-dealer networks and businesses.
6. Impact of climate change on agricultural production and adaptation approaches.
The ideal volunteer(s) should possess:
• A master’s degree in agriculture, agronomy, soil science, agribusiness, agricultural economics, or related fields.
• At least 10 years of experience in training and capacity building for rural service providers and farmers.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in developing small and medium agricultural enterprises, preferably in Africa.
• Experience in networking within the agriculture input supply chain.
• Knowledge of gender and youth integration in agricultural development.
• Familiarity with Ghanaian agricultural value chains is preferred.
• Experience in developing creative training methodologies for adult learners.
• Excellent communication skills in English.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting.
Winrock utilizes volunteers in advancing its mission of improving the lives of disadvantaged men, women, and youth around the world through the .
Since 1991, Winrock volunteers have traveled to 55 countries and completed more than 5,100 assignments. Winrock volunteers work with farmers, businesses, organizations and governments worldwide on short-term assignments, sharing their experience and expertise and improving lives. Volunteer programs address emerging challenges and support existing programs through specialized services. You can find out more about our programs at: http://www.winrock.org/volunteer.
