Job Description
Ready to roll up your sleeves and make a lasting impact in agriculture? Support smallholder farmers as they adopt sustainable, adaptive agricultural practices and technologies.
Smallholder farmers in Ghana face persistent challenges in improving agricultural productivity and household nutrition. Limited access to modern farming techniques, poor soil and water management, and reliance on traditional practices hinder food security and income generation. These issues are compounded by environmental stressors, such as seasonal bushfires, soil erosion, and climate variability. Historically, agriculture has been the backbone of rural livelihoods in Ghana, but systemic constraints and resource limitations have slowed progress toward sustainable farming and dietary diversity. Addressing these challenges will strengthen food security, improve household nutrition, and create income-generating opportunities for rural communities.
As a Sustainable Agriculture Agent, you will collaborate with community members to promote adaptive, sustainable agricultural practices to strengthen the country’s resilience against environmental shocks and economic instability. These efforts contribute to Ghana’s broader development goals, fostering healthier communities, reducing poverty, and supporting long-term agricultural sustainability.
Required Skills
Associate degree in any field and at least two years of full-time, post-high school work experience (from any combination of roles).
OR
Bachelor's degree in any field.
OR
High school diploma or GED and 4 years of full-time post-high school work experience (from any combination of roles).
Desired Skills
All candidates who meet the required skills are encouraged to apply. Additional skills that may make you a more competitive candidate include:
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Living Conditions
While subject to change based on programmatic needs, Volunteers are currently placed in the following regions: Greater Accra, Bono, Eastern, Northern, Oti, and Volta. Volunteers live in rural communities in the Volta and Northern regions under modest conditions, often without electricity or piped water, and relying on boreholes or wells. Housing typically consists of one or two rooms with basic amenities, and flexibility is essential for adapting to these settings.
Activities
Apply community development tools and build strong relationships with community partners.
Conduct participatory needs assessments to identify agricultural priorities.
Facilitate trainings on improved crop cultivation and soil and water conservation.
Demonstrate small animal husbandry techniques to local farmers.
Train farmers on post-harvest handling and storage practices.
Introduce record-keeping and basic financial management for farmer groups.
Support women and youth to develop nutrition-focused home gardens.
Assist communities in forming and managing village savings and loan associations.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as school gardens.
Training
As a Sustainable Agriculture Agent, you will be trained on crop production, soil and water conservation, and nutrition practices. Peace Corps/Ghana will teach you Twi, Ewe, Dagbani, or Ghanaian Sign Language to help you comfortably live in and connect with the community.
After 10 weeks of training, you will move to a rural community where you will collaborate with smallholder farmers, women, and youth. You will work with the community to assess the local needs and develop solutions based on agricultural best practices.
Job Highlights
Gain hands-on experience strengthening food security alongside smallholder farmers overseas.
Learn one of Ghana’s 80 languages to connect with your neighbors.
Become a valued colleague and community member.
