Resource

Tomato Farming

Farmer-to-Farmer is a USAID-funded initiative to send 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.

Assignment

Ngolowindo Farmers Cooperative was first founded in 1985 under the Malawi government program of constructing irrigation schemes for smallholders farmers, and became a registered cooperative in 2001. Ngolowindo Farmers Cooperative now consists of140 farmers who work on 17 hectares, of which 14 are under tomato cultivation. The performance of the cooperative has been deteriorating in the last few years as a result of a combination of factors in production as well as with business management of the cooperative.  The cooperative is seeking assistance from a Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer to train its farmers on how to successfully grow tomatoes and overcome the pest infestation, especially through natural, homemade remedies.

Desired Impacts

  • Improved technical knowledge of soil management practices to increase crop quality and yield

Desired Qualifications

  • Experienced tomato farmer or experience with tomato production, preferably in tropical areas or in Sub-Saharan Africa
  • Knowledge of innovative and easily transferrable tomato farming methods
  • Patience and positive attitude when working with local Malawian farmers
  • Previous experience working with rural communities in Sub-Saharan Africa is preferred
  • Must be citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.