Agriculture

Agriculture is the primary economic activity of most of the world's people, and yet many countries cannot produce adequate supplies of healthy food. Deficiencies in the quantity and quality of food can cause serious health and economic problems.

Peace Corps Volunteers help farmers improve local diets and increase income through farming techniques consistent with environmental conservation. They work with communities and farmers on projects such as implementing agroforestry techniques to improve soil quality and conserve water, fisheries, beekeeping and honey production, organic vegetable gardening, and nutrition education. Agriculture Volunteers also work with farmer cooperatives, nongovernmental organizations, and agribusinesses on basic business practices, crop and livestock production, organizing networks of farmers, and conducting production cost-and-price analyses. Through a partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N. (FAO), Agriculture Volunteers support food security programs and work to improve food production, distribution and access.

The Peace Corps' agriculture programs attract Volunteers with a variety of backgrounds. Many have a bachelor's degree (in any discipline) and a strong interest in agriculture and gardening, while others have specialized degrees and experience in agricultural and animal sciences and agribusiness. Volunteers without degrees have relevant experience from jobs or personal endeavors.

Click on the links below to learn more about the specific opportunities and requirements for agriculture Volunteers in the Peace Corps.

Agroforestry

Volunteers assist communities where environmental issues are in conflict with basic needs for farming and income generation.

Applied Agriculture

Volunteers encourage sustainable crop production through promotion of organic farming techniques and better farm management.

Farm Management and Agribusiness

Volunteers work with small-scale farmers, farmers' cooperatives, agribusinesses, and nongovernmental organizations to teach basic business practices.

Animal Husbandry

Volunteers work to enhance farm families' nutrition and household income through improved livestock management techniques.

Last updated Sep 20 2008