Job Description:

About the Job

The “Mama Shamba Maisha” study, a five-year research project by the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), is hiring four Farm Trainers. This study explores the effects of an agricultural intervention on the health of pregnant women, pregnancy outcomes, and infant health. Farm Trainers will conduct agricultural training for study participants and maintain a model farm in Migori County.

Responsibilities

• Conduct group and individual agricultural training for study participants.
• Develop and maintain the Mama Shamba Maisha model farm.
• Organize demonstration plots for hands-on learning.
• Track model farm productivity through record-keeping.
• Provide continuous support through farm-based discussions with participants.
• Work with participants to ensure adoption of best farming practices and sustainability strategies.
• Build relationships with farmers, community leaders, and agricultural extension officers.
• Assist with agricultural input pick up and distribution.
• Document daily farming training activities and provide timely reports.
• Attend to other duties as assigned by study leadership.

Requirements

• Kenya Certificate Secondary Education or equivalent.
• At least 4 years’ experience in practical farming or agricultural extension, preferably with rural farmers.
• Basic understanding of farming techniques, soil and water conservation, and pest management.
• Ability to communicate agricultural concepts simply, engagingly, and culturally appropriately.
• Certification in general agriculture or equivalent experience in agriculture or community training.
• Experience working with smallholder farmers, women groups, or youth in agriculture is an added advantage.
• Knowledge of local languages is an added advantage.
• Must be a resident of Migori and living in Rongo or Suna east/west sub-counties for the study period.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with people of different backgrounds and literacy levels.
• Passion for agriculture, especially vegetable production.