Press Release: National Peace Corps Association Partners With IFDC to Promote Farming in East Africa

Washington, DC — March 21st, 2012 — The National Peace Corps Association (NPCA), the nation’s leading 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization supporting Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and the Peace Corps community, announced this week that it will partner with the nonprofit agricultural organization IFDC to promote small- to medium-sized farms in East Africa.

“This is a great opportunity for former Peace Corps Volunteers who are looking for ways to expand their service,” said Kevin Quigley, president of the National Peace Corps Association. “Because Volunteers already know the area they’re working in, they are well-placed to take the extra step and begin helping farmers as well.”

Under the partnership, NPCA and IFDC will help farmers identify market opportunities and develop business relationships to sell their products. Returned Peace Corps Volunteers will be among those helping the farmers and others in the community.

Project participants will be selected by NPCA’s Encore Service Corps International, a group of volunteers which often includes former Peace Corps Volunteers. Progress on the efforts will be tracked on Africa Rural Connect (ARC), an NPCA website focusing on the needs of African farmers. Further supporting the agribusiness component, IFDC will draw upon the skill base of Encore volunteers who will contribute additional expertise through ARC. Encore volunteers will communicate their progress on the ARC website and post ideas and questions to share with others in the community. ARC is a free online resource available not only for volunteers in the field, but for agricultural entrepreneurs as well.

“Peace Corps Volunteers are a great addition to any project, but especially this one,” added Quigley. “They have the problem-solving skills, the technical know-how and the personal commitment to get the job done. In this case, they’ll also have extensive experience working in East Africa on similar projects.”

To apply to serve as a volunteer as part of this joint project, please submit your application here.


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About the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA)

Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) is the nation’s leading 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization connecting and championing Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and the Peace Corps community. It provides service and education opportunities that build on the Peace Corps experience, and is also the longest-standing advocate for an independent and robust Peace Corps. To learn more, visit: www.peacecorpsconnect.org

Media contact:
Erica Burman
Director of Communications
Phone: 202-293-7728

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