Farmer-to-Farmer is a USAID-funded initiative, which sends American agricultural/agribusiness experts to developing countries to offer technical assistance to our host organizations. These trips are volunteer-based, but all trip-related expenses are covered by CNFA, and typically last between two and three weeks.
Lukunga is a 23-member farmer association, with 25 hectares in production, located in Quero Commune, about 60 kilometers from Soyo, Zaire Province, Angola. Lukunga currently produces oranges, pineapples, beans, tomatoes, green peppers, onions, and cabbage. The farm employs 17 permanent workers, and another 6 temporary workers as needed during the year.
The association struggles with the quantity and quality of their citrus production (currently 8 hectares). The hope is to expand the current area under production by 50%, with the intent to become a major supplier of citrus transplants for area farmers. Lukunga seeks an F2F Volunteer in order to provide training on nursery propagation and grafting, as well as general orchard management.
• Improved production/management techniques.
• Improved variety of fruits being produced.
• Improved knowledge/application of grafting techniques.
• Increase in area under production by 50%.
• Willingness to work for a week or more in rural Angola.
• Agronomist/expert with experience in grafting (particularly citrus).
• Experience working with farmer cooperatives.
• Must be citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.