Internship position:

Research Internship: Outgrower cane farming in Uganda

Posted: 18 November 2025

Background and Scope
SmartCane is an agricultural technology company supporting sugarcane farmers across East and Southern Africa. We work to improve farm productivity, strengthen value chains, and build evidence-based solutions that help growers and mills operate more efficiently and sustainably.

We are seeking a motivated research intern to support a field study on the challenges faced by outgrower sugarcane farmers in Uganda. The intern will travel to Uganda and work closely with local stakeholders to document farming constraints, market dynamics, service gaps, and opportunities for improvement. The work will contribute directly to SmartCane’s program design and farmer support strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct field interviews and observations with outgrower farmers and mill representatives

• Analyse production, service, and market challenges affecting smallholder sugarcane growers

• Compile findings into concise research notes, presentations, and recommendations

• Collaborate with SmartCane’s regional team and contribute to ongoing knowledge development

Profile (Indicative)
We encourage applications from students with backgrounds in:

• Agriculture, anthropology, rural development, environmental or social sciences

• Economics, value chain studies, or development studies

• Field research, data collection, or qualitative interviewing

Academic level: Bachelor (final-year) or MSc.

Applicants should be comfortable with independent travel and working in rural environments.

This internship offers hands-on exposure to agricultural development in East Africa and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, impact-oriented work. A monthly stipend is provided.