Poor response to overseas development work
from agri sector

Recruiting agriculturalists for development work abroad is difficult, according to APSO. Only 5.5 per cent of their people working overseas are in agriculture. Since January this amounts to nine assignments.

This is partly as a result of the difficulties involved in taking two year career breaks, the usual contract period for assignments, particularly in the private sector. Add to that a perception that because farming conditions are so diverse in places like Africa or South America that the Irish experience is of little value.

However, this should not be a problem, according to Rosemary Hanna, recruitment officer with APSO. What they are looking for more than anything else is a practical approach and outlook.

Recruiting

There is a constant need for qualified environmentalists, ecologists and foresters in the developing world. APSO are currently recruiting agriculturalists to work for two year stints in Malawi, Nicaragua and Burkina Faso in east Africa.

Studies have shown that a dire shortage in human resources exists in the forestry sector in east Africa and that graduates of Bunda College of Agriculture lack managerial and business skills.

To address these problems lecturers in agribusiness and in forestry extension are now being sought for Bunda College, a faculty of the University of Malawi. Interestingly, these positions are open to teachers of agricultural science in second and third level colleges.

Lecturing at University of Malawi

The lecturer in agribusiness will be expected to teach undergraduate and postgraduate students in courses dealing with management and agribusiness, assist in curriculum review and development and conduct research.

An M.sc. in Agribusiness or MBA and two years relevant experience is required. Bunda College also hopes to provide various degree courses in forestry. A BAgSc forestry and relevant postgraduate qualification is required.

Rural Development position

If you have a B.Sc or M.Sc. (Agric), plus a rural development qualification, a challenging position in east Africa may interest you. As Rural Development workers you would be expected to help grassroots organisations in the villages of Burkina Faso, set in place agro-forestry projects and train communities in new agriculture and ecological techniques.

Training is through French so assignees must be willing to immerse themselves in the French language.

Agronomist position in Nicaragua

The National Technological Institute in Nicaragua administers a farm training centre to provide support to local farmers and students.

The farm requires assistance to increase its productivity and the quality of its dairy products. A dairy herd development plan has been established from which it is hoped to provide good experience for the students, staff and local producers as well as providing an income for the centre.

APSO are now recruiting an agronomist for the training centre, whose duties will include advice on the management and development of the dairy herd, training in cattle management techniques and development of a long-term plan.

A qualified Agronomist/Agriculturalist is required with experience of production of basic grains, horticulture, drainage systems and cattle herd management.

Expenses covered

Broader work experience, job satisfaction and the knowledge that you have contributed in a tangible way towards the betterment of those less well off, rather than any monetary gain, are key elements in development work. After two years you won't be financially rich but there are adequate allowances, grants and free accommodation. APSO's information evenings are being held as follows:

Saturday, September 11, 12 pm - 2 pm Russell Court Hotel, Harcourt Street, Dublin.

Monday, September 13, 7.00 - 9.30 pm Jury's Hotel, Cork City.

Tuesday, September 14, 7.00 - 9.00 pm Great Southern Hotel, Galway City.

Wednesday, September 15, 7.00 - 9.30 pm Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast.

Thursday, September 16, 7.00 - 9.30 pm Jury's Hotel, Limerick.