Research Consultant

myAgro

Position description

myAgro is a non-profit social enterprise based in West Africa that works to move smallholder farmers out of poverty. Through our innovative mobile layaway platform, smallholder farmers are able to invest their own funds in high-quality seed, fertilizer and training to significantly increase their harvests and income. In 2020, myAgro farmers grew 78% more food than control farmers and earned $178 of additional income per farmer. Our North Star is to serve 1 million farmers by 2025 to increase their incomes and move out of poverty.

Duties

Problem: We are creating a 3-5,000 word white paper on Climate Change & Smallholder Farmers in the Sahel Region that explains:

1.The 3-4 most pressing challenges that smallholder farmers in the region face to increase their harvests per hectare and incomes in light of climate change

2.The most promising or effective strategies to build climate resilience, with a particular focus on financial innovations, inputs, and training or planting methods

3.Current challenges and upcoming challenges (now-2050)

4.Focus on smallholder farmers’ own farming practices and the impact of various solutions on those practices to build resilience (not things that are outside of their direct control).

5.If any of the above solutions on a larger scale (nationally/regionally) support mitigation, that can be noted as well. The paper should be fully annotated with references from peer-reviewed or reputable sources to support the statements made. The audience will be nontechnical, mostly philanthropic funders, board members, and team members.

Success would look like:
•A 3-5,000 word, well-written paper with likely dozens of citations [Think briefing paper for a college-educated layperson; not a press release or an academic journal article.]
•A weekly meeting and milestone achievement. Milestones will be reviewing and agreeing on an outline for the paper + literature review, 1st draft, 2nd draft and final draft with sources

Qualifications

Ideal candidate:
•Masters or current PhD candidate studying or working in the field of agriculture or agricultural economics with specific knowledge of the Sahel or SubSaharan Africa.
•Has completed academic work or research on similar topics and has already completed a similar literature review on climate change and smallholder farmers
•Not looking for candidates focused on livestock or fisheries (or agroforestry)

Application instructions

To apply please send an email to: [email protected]

Email your CV and Cover Letter. Please use the subject line “Research Consultant Application”