Rural Agriculture Educator in Panama

Job description

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.

About the project

Ready to roll up your sleeves and strengthen sustainable agriculture in rural Panama? Support smallholder farming families as they work to improve resilient livelihoods.

Many Indigenous communities in Panama rely on subsistence farming as their primary livelihood. However, land degradation, high production costs, and low yields threaten sustainable income. These challenges persist due to the communities’ geographic isolation, limited technical support from agriculture authorities, and changing weather patterns. Strengthening agricultural systems is a national priority, yet Indigenous communities often lack the resources and extension services needed to adopt improved practices.

As a Rural Agriculture Educator, you will support local farmers to apply practical techniques to address agriculture production issues, such as soil conservation, integrated pest management, or post-harvest management. You will support cooperatives and farming groups to explore cash crops or the production of artisanal goods. You will develop the community’s marketing, budgeting, and organizational skills. Finally, you’ll encourage a nutritious diet by introducing families to underutilized crops and new recipes. Your support will equip farmers with new ideas, approaches, and skills to address common agricultural challenges. Your collective efforts will lead to more resilient livelihoods, improved food security, and sustainable agricultural systems that can support Indigenous communities for generations to come.

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