In order to promote the diffusion of impactful practices, Inter Aide wishes to carry out a specific study consisting in illustrating, analysing and documenting interesting agroforestry solutions set up by family farmers in Malawi
Country: Malawi
Organisation: Inter Aide (www.interaide.org)
Duration:** 6 months
Description of the mission
Through several study cases, the volunteer’s main task is to analyse and document different agroforestry approaches in order to promote their diffusion amongst an increasing number of families. This will have to be coherent with three main themes:
1. Practises aiming at increasing wood production
Access to wood (timber and firewood for cooking and brick manufacture) is one of the major constraints for Malawian farmers who, on the other hand, experience one of the highest deforestation rates in Africa. Hence, one of the aims of the mission is to clearly identify and quantify households’ needs in terms of wood and the coping strategies they put into practice in a context of very little external support. The study will then document and analyse some of the concrete practises identified as ways of solution, for instance:
· Wind-break wood-producing hedges. Based on concrete case studies, the volunteer will describe the techniques observed, the species and varieties used, the propagation methods, the pruning practises, before evaluating the economic outcome of these techniques and their possible effects on the surrounding cropping systems.
· Woodlots. Whether they are common or individual plots, several specific cases will be studied like old woodlots in age of production, newly set plots, etc. The study will describe and analyse the main determinants to this kind of activity (plot set up, species and varieties used, management, environmental and economic advantages...).
2. Associations between crops and useful trees
In Malawi, almost all organic matter is exported from the fields which progressively leads to soil depletion. As of today, this situation can only be compensated through the massive use of expensive chemical fertilisers. Despite the existence of alternative solutions (like compost making), they are rather adapted to small surfaces and have many constraints related to the lack of raw materials (like manure), increased workload and difficulties of transport.
The objective of this work is then to document and analyse various agro-ecological approaches that can be observed in the field or through demonstration plots (agroforestry, green hedges...).
For instance:
· Live hedges around and within rain-fed plots and dimbas (dimbas are humid lowlands that can be cultivated during the dry season) aimed at producing biomass:
- anti-erosive vegetated structures;
- live fences
Examples:
§ cassava plots protected with live hedges
§ live hedges used as green fertilisers (thitonia)
· Crops associations with trees, in particular association tests of maize/Gliricidia within
· Integration of other useful tree species such as fruit trees.
3. Approaches and organisational models
This third component of the study will focus on the social and organisational approaches related to the implementation and diffusion of these techniques. This section will also include the elaboration of practical guidelines and brochures on some key technical and organisational aspects related to these activities (plant multiplication techniques, production calendars, trees protection measures, economic outcomes, etc.).
Expected outcomes
A synthesis document as well as practical guidelines aimed at better diffusing these experiences. Prior to its release on a larger scale, these documents have to be validated by the main stakeholders involved.
Reporting
The volunteer will have to demonstrate a great level of autonomy. He/she will be in direct link with the Knowledge Management officer with whom he/she will communicate regularly to discuss about the work progress and preliminary results. On the other hand, the volunteer will be supported by local Inter Aide teams.
Location
The volunteer will be based in the town of Nathenje (where the Inter Aide field office is situated), and is expected to frequently travel to the intervention zones.
Languages: English (work language). Local populations often only speak Chichewa.
Conditions:
- Volunteer status
- 6 month fixed term contract (starting on May 2016).
- Monthly salary payment in France + living stipend
- Airfare from/to France
- Pension fund contribution and medical insurance
- Repatriation insurance
- Accommodation on the field to be found with the support of local staff
Skills and experience required
- University degree in Agriculture/Rural development/Natural resources management or related field.
- At least a first relevant experience in research or studies in developing countries
- Excellent analysis and writing skills
- Fluent English is mandatory
- Great autonomy, rigour, adaptation capacities
- Ability to ride a motorbike will be an advantage rks.com.co^$~third-party
HOW TO APPLY:
Please send your application (resume and a cover letter) under reference VSI/Malawi tointeraide@interaide.org
Selection of applications will be processed as they are received.
Deadline application: 15 April 2016
Starting date: early May 2016
