Agroecology Officer
Job Description
Our client, in the Agricultural sector is looking for an aggressive, performance driven Agroecology Officer. Job incumbent will be responsible for collaborating with smallholder farmers, partners, local actors and stakeholders to implement the agroecological principles and techniques aimed at promoting productivity, enhancing food security, preserving natural resources and mitigating environmental degradation. He/she will work with other project team members involved in the implementation of the project including peer trainers, project agronomists, business development service provider, government officials, collaborative partner representatives, and other value chain actors. The job location will be Bungoma and Busia County.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure optimal crop production amongst farmers by providing expertise in crop protection, crop nutrition, soil management etc.
- Map out various agroecological aligned partners, create a database and subsequently a comprehensive plan highlighting different roles of relevant actors in implementing agroecological principles in the project.
- Provide guidance and technical support to farmers on implementing agroecological practices including organic farming methods, integrated pest management, agro forestry etc.
- Support establishment of demonstration plots and participatory trials to educate farmers on adoption of sustainable farming practices.
- Conduct regular field visits to monitor progress, provide technical assistance, document lessons learned, and facilitate knowledge sharing among farmers and project stakeholders.
- Update the project on latest research and innovations in agroecology and work closely with partners to ensure the project benefits from them.
- Ensure close communication and coordination with project teams, Farmer hubs, and relevant agencies through regular visits, participation in meetings, and submission of reports.
- Provide daily feedback and maintain detailed records of the agroecological principles implementation process to assess impact and guide program improvement.
- Collect and analyze program data to track progress, measure impact, and inform decision- making for future interventions in line with agroecology.
- Prepare progress reports to donor/s and ensure implementation of activities is in line with respective donor grants, expectations, and planned outcomes.
- Document best practices, success stories and lessons learnt to enable learning and replication of successful interventions.
Requirements
- Bachelors’ degree in Agriculture, Agroecology, environmental science, or any other related field.
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience working in the agricultural sector interacting with small holder farmers
- Strong understanding of agroecological principles and practices with practical experience in application.
- Demonstrate expertise in facilitation, capacity building, and fostering partnerships.
- Excellent command of Swahili and English
- Excellent presentation, report writing, and communication
- Ability to ride a motorcycle, valid driving license and at-least 1-year riding experience.