Coffee Extension Training Program - Machakos at New Kenya Planters Co-operative Union Plc

About This Opportunity

New Kenya Planters Co-operative Union Plc is expanding its coffee extension services and seeking talented individuals to become Extension Champions. This is a fully-sponsored training program with a self-employment opportunity upon completion.

Training Details

• Venue: Coffee Research Institute and designated County Training Centers
• Duration: One week of intensive theory and practical training
• Certification: Certificate of Completion issued jointly by New KPCU and the Coffee Research Institute
• Cost: Training is fully sponsored (trainees cover their own transport)

Roles and Responsibilities

Upon successful completion, trained Extension Champions will:

• Provide private extension services to farmers in their wards
• Train farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) to boost yields
• Support rehabilitation of abandoned or underperforming coffee farms
• Promote adoption of quality planting materials supplied through the program
• Mobilize and organize farmers into cooperatives or farmer groups
• Assist farmers with record-keeping, crop monitoring, and basic farm management

Earning Potential

Extension Champions will levy farmers a reasonable service fee agreed upon at the ward level through cooperatives or farmer groups and approved by the Standing County Technical Committee. Champions will work with cooperatives to streamline collection of service fees through cooperative deductions or mobile money payments, ensuring transparency and accountability. Formal service agreements with cooperatives or farmer groups are encouraged.

Eligibility Requirements

• Hold a Certificate, Diploma, or Degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Horticulture, Agricultural Economics, or related fields
• Be a resident of the ward you wish to serve (proof required)
• Demonstrate passion for transforming rural livelihoods through sustainable coffee farming
• Possess effective communication and teamwork skills
• Not have been previously trained under this program

Added Advantage

• Previous experience in coffee farming