Volunteer Communications Associate to Promote Nature-based Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture with Entojutu - #33947

This is an opportunity to work with an Ashoka Fellow

Ashoka Fellows are leading social entrepreneurs that have been taken through a rigorous selection process, testing the quality of their ideas and character, to become part of the Ashoka Fellowship and Network. Ashoka Fellows take on the challenges of building innovative system change ideas to make and spread social impact in a world wrought with challenges. They refuse to let the ‘impossible’ stand in their way to creating a better world.

This is an unpaid, volunteer opportunity

About The Affiliated Organization

Our organization was founded by Ashoka Fellow Oluwatobi Adegbite to help rural communities transition to using a nature based model in agriculture so that agriculture for these communities can be profitable and sustainable. This was because in a continent of mostly farming communities poverty still prevails amidst the adverse effect of climate change. These communities are at great risk. Commercial farming has gotten under way an endless loop that influences food security on different levels: extending rural creation requires the cutting down of trees and natural life; deforestation adds to environmental change; and environmental change expands the event of flooding, dry season, and tempests, all of which add to food insecurity. To keep up with all this, farmers started to take loans, which got them in further trouble. Not being able to pay their debts caused depression. Many lost their farms and became homeless. In severe cases, they find no other way out than to commit suicide.

We need to find our way back to more natural forms of farming. In that way, agriculture can be a part of the solution to biodiversity loss and pollution. For that, we need to shift from industrial to regenerative or agro-ecological models. Our work helps community farmers and marginalized members of the community (disabled, women and youths) as well as the environment through organic waste management. We have realized that providing farmers with a natural alternative that they get to own and experiment with, has given them ownership over their farming process, thus making the methodology scalable by leveraging the farmers in a peer network. In addition to this, Entojutu secures 30% - 40% share for women in our nature-based methodology trainings as an economic alternative for them. After the training, the women start agricultural activities using this methodology and improve their economic conditions to take care of their homes and send their children to school. By this, entojutu is helping them increase their income by 40%.

We have deployed the training and operations in 29 communities in Southwest Nigeria, covering around 1,200 farmers. We are also working in 24 communities in Northeast Nigeria, covering 2,400 farmers. Our pilot facility has treated an estimated 15 tonnes of organic waste to date, whilst our adopting beneficiaries are treating an average of 100 kg of organic waste per month. We are currently expanding work to other countries, not operating directly but partnering with other organizations and using a train-the-trainers approach. In Kenya, we are partnering with WAWA Africa, Core Health and Wealth Initiative (CHW), and GAASPP, working in three communities. We are also in conversations with partner organizations in Uganda and Cameroon to replicate Entojutu's nature-based solution. By doing this, Entojutu has made it possible for farmers across diverse geographies and contexts to keep on experimenting and discovering by themselves, other nature-based approaches beneficial to the environment that can help them increase agro yield. Because of these efforts there has been a significant rise in the adoption of this approach among rural farmers which has been beneficial through creating opportunities for upcycling of organic waste, improving economic outcomes and curbing the environmental consequences of open dumping and CO2 emissions.

For more information, please visit www.entojutu.org

Job Description

The specific project is focused on implementing and promoting nature-based solutions for sustainable agriculture, with a primary emphasis on utilizing the black soldier fly larvae for organic waste management and bio-fertilizer production in rural communities, particularly in Nigeria and across Africa. The goal of the project is to address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in conventional farming practices by introducing and scaling up nature-based solutions. This includes reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, increasing agricultural productivity and efficiency, improving soil health, and enhancing overall sustainability in farming practices. Tasks for our Volunteer:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy to raise awareness about the organization's nature-based solutions project.
• Create engaging content for various communication channels, including social media, website, newsletters, and press releases.
• Coordinate with the project team to gather and document success stories, case studies, and testimonials from farmers and community members benefiting from the nature-based solutions.
• Assist in organizing events, workshops, and training sessions to promote the adoption of nature-based solutions among target audiences.
• Monitor and analyze the effectiveness of communication efforts and adjust strategies as needed to reach project goals.
• Collaborate with partner organizations, media outlets, and stakeholders to amplify the project's impact and reach.
  
  

Your work will be crucial in effectively communicating the mission, objectives, and impact of the organization's nature-based solutions project. By crafting compelling messages and engaging content, you will help raise awareness, build support, and inspire action among diverse audiences, including farmers, policymakers, donors, and the general public. Your efforts will contribute to the success and scalability of the project, ultimately leading to positive outcomes for farmers, communities, and the environment. Additionally, by documenting and sharing success stories, you will help showcase the tangible benefits of nature-based solutions, encouraging broader adoption and replication in other regions. Please let us know today if you can help!

Volunteer Logistics

Estimated hours required per week: 8

The estimated duration of the project is: 3-6 months

This position is Virtual

Language Requirements

English

Desired Skills And Experience

For the volunteer communications associate role described above, the desired skills and expertise would include:

• Strong Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for creating compelling content and effectively conveying key messages to diverse audiences.
• Content Creation and Copywriting: Ability to develop engaging content for various platforms, including social media, websites, newsletters, and press releases, while maintaining consistency in messaging and branding.
• Digital Marketing and Social Media Management: Proficiency in digital marketing strategies and social media management tools to effectively promote the organization's initiatives, engage with stakeholders, and grow online communities.
• Graphic Design and Multimedia Skills: Basic graphic design skills and familiarity with multimedia tools to create visually appealing content such as infographics, videos, and presentations.
• Strategic Thinking and Planning: Ability to develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with project goals, target audiences, and organizational priorities.
• Storytelling and Interviewing: Skill in storytelling techniques and conducting interviews to capture and share impactful stories, success stories, and testimonials from beneficiaries.
• Event Management and Coordination: Experience in organizing events, workshops, and training sessions, including logistics planning, participant coordination, and post-event follow-up.
• Monitoring and Analytics: Knowledge of monitoring and analytics tools to track and analyze communication efforts, measure impact, and make data-driven decisions for optimizing strategies.
• Collaboration and Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, partner organizations, media outlets, and stakeholders to achieve common objectives and maximize project impact.
• Cultural Sensitivity and Adaptability: Awareness of cultural nuances and sensitivity to diverse perspectives, as well as flexibility and adaptability in working with communities in different geographical and cultural contexts.
  
  

By possessing these skills and expertise, the volunteer communications associate will be well-equipped to effectively support the organization's communications efforts and contribute to the success of its nature-based solutions project.

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