CNFA is always accepting applications of individuals experienced in business development, who are interested in serving as Farmer-to-Farmer volunteers in the future. If you see a specific volunteer assignment that you are interested in, please apply directly to that solicitation. If there are not any assignments that fit your skillset within business development, please submit your information through this general application.
The John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) Program is authorized by the U.S. Farm Bill and managed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). F2F works to generate rapid, sustained economic growth in the agricultural sector through short-term technical assistance provided by U.S. volunteers and supported by highly trained local staff. A secondary goal of F2F is to increase the American public’s understanding of international development issues and programs, and international understanding of the United States and U.S. development programs.
CNFA is implementing F2F in the Southern Africa region, working in Malawi, Mozambique, and Angola. We rely on the expertise of U.S. volunteers from diverse backgrounds to respond to the needs of hosts. These hosts can be farms, processors, cooperatives, farmer associations, or other agricultural enterprises; they vary in size and commodity focus.
Illustrative Assignment Objectives
While each volunteer assignment has distinct objectives that are determined by the needs of the host organization, business development assignments will often work with farm management, business plan development, cooperative development, and/or strategic planning. Some examples of business development assignment objectives include:
- Assess the current farmer association development stage (SWOT analysis) and define the path that they should follow in order to be a well-organized producer cooperative.
- Assist in the development of a production plan for farms, farmer associations, or cooperatives.
- Assist farmers in defining resources necessary to implement a strategic plan (labor, machinery, tools, seeds, fertilizer).
- Assist members of an association to develop a clear vision for the future of their organization.
- Train the board of directors of a farmer association in strategic business planning, leading to increased association revenues and profits.
- Empower farmer group leaders on leadership strategies and organizational management by stressing the importance of participatory management.
- Train smallholder farmers on the importance and best practices of financial record keeping.
- Create a farm management plan that implements best agricultural practices – including a land use map and feasibility plan for new investment options.
- Develop smallholder farmers’ ability to write basic business plans.
- Assist an association/cooperative on the identification of new source of income/resources.
- Develop buyer networks to secure the best prices for the associations’ products.
- Develop seller networks to obtain the best prices for purchasing inputs and farming supplies.
You must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident to be a F2F volunteer. Each assignment will have unique qualification requirements based on the needs of the host. Some typical qualifications for business development volunteers include:
- Degree and extensive experience in agriculture economics, agribusiness, business, economics, farm management, or related field.
- Experience developing business/strategic plans for farmers associations or cooperatives.
- Background in agricultural related businesses.
- Practical experience in farm management and integrated farming systems.
- Experience in the development, formation and management of associations or cooperatives.
- Practical experience in accounting and financial management for farmer associations or cooperatives.
- Knowledge of developing micro and small enterprises as well as demonstrated entrepreneurship.
- Experience in adult learning styles and teaching methods
- Good presentation and report writing skills.