The World Vegetable Center has announced a short-term opportunity for qualified individuals to work as Enumerators for a Postharvest Food Loss Assessment Study in Western Kenya. The study will take place in Busia, Bungoma, and Kakamega counties and aims to generate valuable insights into the scale and causes of postharvest vegetable losses across local value chains. This research initiative focuses on understanding the economic and operational challenges affecting vegetable supply chains, particularly for African leafy vegetables and selected exotic vegetable varieties. The findings are expected to inform strategies that improve postharvest handling, reduce food waste, and strengthen agricultural market systems. The enumerator positions are offered on a short-term contractual basis and will involve intensive fieldwork over an eight-day data collection period. Successful candidates will work closely with research teams to collect and document high-quality data from farmers, traders, and market participants across the study regions. Purpose of the Study The Postharvest Food Loss Assessment Study aims to examine how vegetables move from farms to markets and identify the points along the value chain where losses occur. Understanding these patterns is essential for designing interventions that improve food system efficiency and farmer incomes. The research will investigate several critical aspects of vegetable value chains, including: The magnitude and causes of postharvest losses Handling, packaging, and transportation practices used by value chain actors Market infrastructure and storage conditions Economic implications of vegetable losses for farmers and traders In addition, the study will explore the potential role of renewable energy solutions in reducing postharvest losses. Technologies such as solar-powered cooling systems and solar drying technologies may provide sustainable solutions for improving product preservation and market access. Role of the Enumerator Enumerators will play a crucial role in supporting field data collection activities. They will engage directly with farmers, traders, aggregators, wholesalers, and retailers to gather information through structured surveys and observational studies. The position requires individuals who are highly motivated, organized, and capable of working in diverse field environments. Enumerators must ensure that data collected is accurate, reliable, and submitted within the required timelines. Key Responsibilities Enumerators selected for this assignment will participate in several field research activities. These responsibilities are designed to ensure comprehensive and high-quality data collection. Primary responsibilities include: Attending enumerator training sessions and participating in survey pretests Identifying and locating selected respondents with the assistance of local contacts Conducting structured interviews using digital data collection tools Engaging with farmers, traders, aggregators, wholesalers, and retailers involved in vegetable markets Supporting the experimental tracking of vegetable consignments along value chain routes Enumerators will also assist with technical measurements and documentation of postharvest handling practices. Additional responsibilities include: Recording transportation methods used for vegetable distribution Documenting packaging types and handling practices during transportation Measuring vegetable weight, quality grades, and temperature where required Completing market observation checklists to assess infrastructure and postharvest practices Data quality is a critical component of the research, and enumerators will be expected to maintain strict data collection standards. Other responsibilities include: Ensuring accurate and complete digital data entry Submitting completed surveys and field reports daily to the field supervisor Participating in daily debrief sessions to review progress and address challenges encountered in the field Required Qualifications and Skills Applicants interested in this opportunity should meet several academic and technical requirements. The position is best suited for individuals with a background in agriculture, development research, or related fields. Minimum academic qualifications include: A Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas: Agriculture Agricultural Economics Agribusiness Statistics Development Studies Environmental Studies Social Sciences or related disciplines In addition to academic credentials, applicants should demonstrate experience and technical competence in field-based research activities. Preferred qualifications include: Previous experience working as a field enumerator, research assistant, or data collector Familiarity with agricultural research or development projects Experience with mobile data collection platforms such as: KoboToolbox ODK (Open Data Kit) SurveyCTO Applicants must also possess an Android-based smartphone or tablet capable of running digital survey tools. Essential Skills and Competencies Enumerators must demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, as the role requires regular interaction with community members and market actors. Key competencies include: Strong communication skills in both English and Kiswahili Ability to communicate in local languages spoken in Western Kenya Good numerical and observational skills for recording measurements and grading vegetable quality Attention to detail when documenting field observations and survey responses Ability to work independently while meeting daily data collection targets Candidates should also be willing to travel within the study areas and work in rural production zones as well as busy market environments. Location Requirements The research will take place in three counties in Western Kenya: Busia County Bungoma County Kakamega County Applicants must be residents of these counties because accommodation costs will not be covered by the organization. Local knowledge of communities and markets within these regions will therefore be a significant advantage. Contract Duration The enumerator assignment will run for a total of eight days. During this period, selected candidates will participate in training, field data collection, and daily reporting activities. Application Process Qualified candidates interested in applying for the enumerator role must submit the following documents: An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) A short cover letter outlining relevant experience Contact details for at least two professional referees Applications should be submitted via email to: associatedirectorafrica@worldveg.org Applicants must use the following subject line when submitting their applications: Application – Enumerator for Postharvest Loss Study Application Deadline All applications must be submitted before the closing date: 13 March 2026 Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the recruitment process. Conclusion The enumerator opportunity with the World Vegetable Center provides a valuable chance for individuals interested in agricultural research and food systems development to gain practical field experience. By participating in this study, enumerators will contribute to important research aimed at reducing postharvest food losses and improving the sustainability of vegetable value chains in Western Kenya. The insights generated through this research will help inform policy recommendations, technological innovations, and market interventions that strengthen food security and rural livelihoods. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization hiring for the enumerators. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. 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