Agri-Food Policy Research Intern/Farm Intern

1. Agri-Food Policy Research Intern

Overview:
I am seeking a research-focused position within a government agency, university, or policy institute where I can contribute to the development of agricultural and food policy frameworks. I aim to support the design and evaluation of programs that enhance resilience, sustainability, and food security in the agri-food sector.

Key Contributions I Hope to Make:

• Conduct literature reviews and policy scans on production risk management strategies

• Assist in evaluating Canadian models of agricultural insurance and government-backed guarantee programs

• Work with datasets on farm output, emissions, trade flows, and market shocks using Stata or Excel

• Draft policy memos or reports on key issues like climate change, trade disruptions, and agri-tech adoption

• Collaborate with researchers and stakeholders on food systems or rural development projects

Skills I Intend to Strengthen:

• Applied policy design and analysis

• Quantitative research using econometrics and real-world datasets

• Policy communication and writing for academic and government audiences

• Understanding institutional frameworks that can inform policy reform in Ghana

2. Farm Intern (with Policy Integration Focus)

Overview:
I am also open to a hands-on internship on a mid-to-large-scale Canadian farm, where I can gain practical agricultural experience while learning how production risk is managed through both on-farm strategies and institutional support. My goal is to observe how policy frameworks translate into real-world decisions and consider how these models might be adapted to Ghana’s context.

Key Contributions I Hope to Make:

• Support planting, livestock care, irrigation, harvesting, and data recording activities

• Participate in risk assessments and learn about subsidy and insurance programs

• Assist in sustainability tracking (e.g., GHG reporting, organic practices)

• Engage with farm operators to understand their relationship with government policies

• Document observations and insights for use in my future agri-food policy work

Skills I Intend to Strengthen:

• Direct understanding of farm operations and seasonal production cycles

• Practical exposure to on-farm risk mitigation strategies

• Insight into how public policy influences agricultural decision-making

• Field experience that will inform my long-term policy goals for Ghana’s agriculture sector