Description
Interns and researchers on our economic team will investigate the costs and benefits of guayusa production in the Napo region. They will work with our local field team and farmers to calculate net present value of guayusa plantations, opportunity costs, and the social/environmental benefits of production. 

Project Objectives

• To conduct a cost-benefit analysis of guayusa versus other regional crops

• Increase agricultural production yields
• Create a database that measures the production value of crops and the general welfare of farmers in Napo
• Production of training guides and diagrams for researchers and farmers

Qualifications
This internship is geared towards industry professionals and graduate students majoring in international development, affairs or business or a related field. Proficiency in English and Spanish is essential. Experience in Latin America and/or working in a rural setting is a plus.

Current Status of Research
The original goal of this project was to find the price of guayusa per pound compared to the price of cacao per pound. Through this, Runa hoped to further incentivize guayusa production and establish if our current price of is fair. This continues to be a primary objective of the project but it has now expanded to encompass a multi faceted approach to farmer participation, data collection and ag econ analysis.

Currently, an agricultural workbook is being developed. This workbook includes agricultural activities, expenses and revenues for all regional crops. Different formats of the workbook are being trialed with farming families to establish the best method of data collection.

Once this stage has been completed, the Agricultural Economics team will adapt the workbook and begin to collect and analyze data.

Intern Duties

• Develop a final draft of the workbook

• Train farmers how to use the workbook
• Spend time in the field to understand indigenous agricultural methods
• Collect data from the workbook
• Design a database
• Perform a cost-benefit analysis on data