Agronomist at Olam Nigeria Limited

Job Description

1. Mobilize farmer groups to get into & increase Soybean production

   • Develop a package of best agronomic practices for Soybean cropping and advise/ train the growers to adopt the same to ensure increased yield & productivity

   • Conducting detailed cost of production studies and find avenues for increasing farmer profitability

   • Monitoring of weather & other developments to update production estimates and assess the impact of various scenarios on yields

   • Input distribution and credit accounting, if needed

2. Build and sustain a reliable Soybean out-grower base in the catchment areas (Kwara & Niger) and ensure a sustainable supply of high-quality produce for IFP’s Soy crush facility

   • Quality seed production through out-growers for the participating farmers

   • Build an operational team to run the farming out-grower program - Scheduling operations as well as resources and monitor the activities in the field to achieve production and buyback targets

3. Acquire funding for the Soybean agri-extension through multi-lateral agencies and stake holder management (International donor organisations/ Developmental agencies, social/ community organisations, Nigerian governmental agencies & Statutory bodies and internal departments)

Key Deliverables

• Improved productivity and increased production volumes for farmers

• Management of out-grower program and volume of buyback from the farmers

• Donor funding from Global developmental agencies/ NGOs and through domestic schemes in Nigeria to sponsor farmer programs

Requirements

• Must have expertise in Soybean cropping and 7 – 10 years of experience in managing farmer / out-grower / contract farming and agricultural extension services

• Proven experience in obtaining donor funding from NGOs and multi-lateral agencies

• Understanding of seed production, crop management and buyback of produce

• Knowledge on agro-climate, soil fertility, disease & pest control

• Master’s degree in agriculture