Agroforestry & Agricultural Economics Research - Ecuador

Graduate students and industry professionals are warmly invited to the Ecuadorian Amazon to conduct research in a number of areas related to sustainable development. Working with a dynamic NGO, indigenous communities and other researchers and consultants, you have the opportunity to help build a new, green industry in Ecuador that is already receiving national and international attention.

The NGO for which you will work provides direct market access, agroforestry training, and holistic development services to local Amazonian farming families, by leveraging Fairtrade partnerships to create lasting social change. With a network of over 600 farming families, a 20 person staff, and a diverse network of advisors and consultants, we are pioneering a social enterprise model that has the potential to transform Ecuadorian and other Amazonian economies.

We are looking for graduate students and industry professionals to conduct research in in the areas described in the next tab. Interns and researchers have the opportunity to join our Amazonian team as we build a new industry and commercial structure for Guayusa, a native tree species. Our work is highly dynamic, collaborative, and exciting at every turn.

Community Development:

Interns and researchers on our community development team will work with ourselves and the farmers’ association to survey the needs of indigenous communities. Summer 2011 interns began the process of designing the survey, field work is now needed to interview all 60 communities who work with Runa. This information will be gathered for planning of future projects.

Agroforestry System Design:

Guayusa (Ilex guayusa) is a native holly tree to the Ecuadorian Amazon. Historically, the tree has been wild harvested or cultivated in small quantities. Runa works with indigenous farmers to boost production of guayusa by growing it in agroforestry systems. Researchers on our agroforestry team will work with farmers and field technicians to design a participatory research initiative.

Agricultural Economics:

Interns and researchers on our economic team will investigate the costs and benefits of guayusa produc- tion in the Napo region. They will work with our local field team and farmers to calculate net present value of guayusa plantations, opportunity costs, and the social/environmental benefits of production. Forest Conservation and Watershed Management:

Forest Conservation and Watershed Management:

Interns and researchers on our conservation team will work in the communities of Santa Rita and Alto Tena to monitor conservation buffer zones around the Colonso Protected Forest. The Colonso Forest is a 10,000 hectare (22,000 acre) reserve of primary rainforest that serves as the water source for the towns of Tena and Archidona.

In-depth information available upon request.

You will be given easy to follow instructions to get to the project HQ from Quito international airport.

You will stay in our recently built guesthouse in Tena. It is a 3-story house which sleeps 6-7 people. It is a 10-minute walk from the centre of Tena in Barrio Las Hierbitas. The house has a fully equipped kitchen, three large bedrooms, three bathrooms, hot water and a balcony with a hammock and a beautiful view of the river and the jungle. All bedding is provided. You are responsible for their own food, but will often buy food and cook communally.

We request that researchers commit to a minimum of 8 weeks on the ground in Ecuador, have an advanced level of Spanish proficiency, and bring specialized knowledge in their area of research. Researchers are expected to finance their own travel costs and food. We offer the knowledge and time of our engineers and field technicians, technical knowledge and informational databases, access to communities, NGOs, government agencies, and consultants, and pre- and post-research support.

* Minimum age 18

* Minimum 8 week commitment (40 hours/week)

* Industry professionals, graduate/undergraduate students majoring in international studies, environmental science, policy, business, agriculture, or a related field.

* Full travel & medical insurance

* Necessary vaccinations

* Necessary flights & visas

* Experience in Latin America and/or working in a rural setting desirable

Fee:

 $200 USD Project Fee per month + £249 GBP Placement Fee
 

What's Included:

Project Fee includes all accommodation, integration into the project, 24 hour support, all project activities and support with any research.

We charge a flat, one-off Placement Fee of £249 GBP per person per project. This covers our costs for promoting the project and providing our services. We offer full pre-departure support (for all necessary flights, visas and vaccinations) and ongoing assistance throughout your placement.
 

What's not included:

Food (approx. $5-10 per day), flights, insurance, airport pickup, visas  and vaccinations. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged.