Summary
Date Posted: Monday, October 28 2024, Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:
Job Summary
The Extension Officer for Crops and Livestock will play a key role in supporting smallholder farmers in improving agricultural productivity, sustainability, and market access. The officer will provide technical expertise in crop and livestock management, offering training and advisory services to ensure farmers adopt best practices and increase their incomes while building resilience against climate change and market fluctuations. The company therefore invites applications from suitable qualified candidates to fill the position of Agriculture Extension Officer.

Scope of Work
The Extension Officer will perform the following tasks:
Technical Advisory Services
• Provide technical support and guidance to farmers on crop and livestock production, including best practices in land preparation, planting, irrigation, soil fertility management, pest control, animal husbandry, feeding, and health management.
• Promote climate-smart agricultural practices that improve productivity, soil health, water conservation, and sustainable livestock management.
• Work with farmers to adopt improved seed varieties, livestock breeds, and farming technologies.
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Capacity Building and Farmer Training
• Conduct regular training sessions, field demonstrations, and workshops on crop and livestock management, including post-harvest handling, storage, and value addition.
• Educate farmers on integrated pest and disease management, proper use of inputs (e.g., fertilizers, pesticides), and sustainable grazing and feeding practices for livestock.
• Facilitate farmer-to-farmer learning and the establishment of demonstration plots and model farms.
Crop and Livestock Health Management
• Support the monitoring of crop health, pest infestations, and diseases; provide early warning and response strategies to mitigate risks.
• Promote animal health services such as vaccination, disease surveillance, and treatment programs in collaboration with veterinary services.
• Encourage good practices in farm hygiene, crop rotation, mixed farming, and organic farming where applicable.
Market Access and Value Chain Development
• Identify and support linkages between farmers and markets, helping them meet the quality and quantity demands of buyers.
• Strengthen farmers’ understanding of market trends, pricing, and opportunities for both crop and livestock products.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
• Collect and analyze data on crop and livestock production, assessing the performance of the interventions and their impact on productivity and income.
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor the adoption of recommended practices and provide technical backstopping.
• Prepare reports on farmer engagement, training outcomes, and the progress of activities, highlighting successes, challenges, and areas for improvement.
Qualifications and Experience
• A degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Extension, or related fields is preferable.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in agricultural extension services, with a focus on both crop and livestock production.
• Strong technical knowledge in crop management (including horticulture, cereals, and legumes) and livestock production (including animal health, nutrition, and breeding).
• Experience working with smallholder farmers in rural settings, including the delivery of training and extension services.
• Knowledge of climate-smart agriculture, sustainable farming techniques, and value chain development.

Skills and Competencies
• Strong facilitation, communication, and training skills.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary setting, covering both crops and livestock.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to address challenges faced by farmers.
• Proficiency in using modern agricultural tools and technologies, including digital platforms for extension services.
• Willingness to travel within the region.
• Able to ride a motor bike
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in rural environments.
• Proficiency in local language of area and English.

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 36

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Job application procedure
Interested in applying for this job? Click here to submit your application now.
All qualified and interested candidates should send their updated CV’s with at least three traceable references to the e-mail address below and include job title as email subject:
• The Recruitment Manager
• Closing date of applications: 04th November 2024.

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