Kyrgyzstan- Fruit & Vegetable Drying Specialist

ACDI/VOCA is currently seeking a Food Dehydration Specialist for an upcoming volunteer assignment in Kyrgyzstan. A farmers cooperative is requesting volunteer assistance to provide guidance for more consistant fruit and vegetable dehydration as well as how to best package the dried products to extend shelf-life. They currently grow and dry plums and apricots but they would like to expand to include apples, pears, tomato, peppers and eggplant.

Due to the current pandemic, international travel has been postponed until further notice. Therefore, this assignment will take place remotely from the USA and in collaboration with a local volunteer who will provide hands on trainings to the cooperative members. We anticipate the time commitment to be 1 week or less for the US volunteer, and 2 weeks for the local volunteer.

Volunteer Qualifications

• University degree in Food Science, Food Technology or another related topic.
• At least 5-10 years of experience dehydrating fruits and vegetables.
• Experience training small groups of people.

• Proficient computer skills including MS Word and Excel