Food Security Extension Officer in Guatemala

We are looking for U.S. citizens who want to be a part of something bigger and are willing to go the distance to make a difference. Is that you?

In more than 60 countries, Peace Corps Volunteers are putting their purpose, passion, and skills to work in partnership with welcoming host communities – growing, teaching, learning, and making change together.

As a Peace Corps Volunteer, you'll live and work alongside community members on locally prioritized projects, receiving a stipend and other support as you immerse yourself in a new culture. You’ll build relationships, exchange knowledge, and help transform lives for generations.

Guatemala is looking to strengthen its rural extension program with sustainable, agricultural practices, and you can lend a hand!
 

About the Project
Guatemala faces one of the highest rates of chronic malnutrition in the northern hemisphere, with nearly half of children under five affected. Combined with rapid population growth and environmental pressures, the country’s malnutrition has created an urgent demand for agricultural systems to produce more food. Beginning in the 1980s, the country saw a 20-year gap in rural extension services as a result of the armed internal conflict. This led to a loss of best practices, leaving current food security service providers—such as extension agents and community promoters—without the training and skills needed to effectively support farmers. With the return of these extension services, it is critical to strengthen the country’s agricultural system for improved production and nutritional outcomes for rural households.

As a Food Security Extension Officer, you will collaborate with local food security service providers to strengthen local knowledge of participatory teaching methods, organizational skills, and participatory community development strategies. Together, you will foster sustainable practices that increase crop yields, diversify diets, and strengthen household resilience. These efforts not only reduce food insecurity but also promote community integration, youth engagement, and economic opportunities helping to unlock Guatemala’s potential for growth and prosperity.

Learn more about what Volunteers do in country by visiting our Guatemala project page.