Regional Forage Extension Manager at AMO Farm Sieberer Hatchery Limited

Job Purpose

• The Regional Forage Extension Manager is responsible for implementing the company's forage development and extension programmes within an assigned region.
• The role ensures the successful adoption of improved forage production and preservation practices by pastoralists, livestock farmers.
• Working under the direction of the Forage Manager, the Regional Forage Extension Manager coordinates regional extension activities, supervises field extension personnel, supports forage production initiatives, and serves as the primary liaison between the company and livestock farming communities to improve feed availability, animal productivity, and sustainable livestock production.

Roles and Responsibilities
Regional Programme Implementation:

• Implement the regional forage extension work plan in line with the national forage strategy.
• Execute all forage development programmes assigned by the Forage Manager.
• Coordinate forage extension activities across all states within the assigned region.
• Monitor implementation progress and recommend improvements where necessary.
• Ensure timely execution of seasonal forage production activities.

Farmer Extension and Advisory Services:

• Provide technical advisory services on forage establishment, management, harvesting, conservation and utilisation.
• Promote improved forage varieties suitable for the region's ecological conditions.
• Guide livestock farmers on year-round feed planning and forage budgeting.
• Conduct regular farm visits to provide technical support and monitor adoption of recommended practices.
• Assist farmers in solving forage production and pasture management challenges.

Demonstration Farms and Farmer Training:

• Establish and supervise forage demonstration plots and model farms within the region.
• Organise field days, farmer learning events and practical demonstrations.
• Develop practical extension materials for farmers.

Community Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with pastoralist communities, livestock associations, cooperatives, and local leaders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with pastoralist communities, livestock associations, cooperatives, and local leaders.
• Mobilise farmers to participate in forage development programmes.
• Promote awareness of improved forage technologies and their benefits.
• Address farmer concerns and facilitate timely resolution of field issues.

Regional Forage Production Support

• Support the identification of suitable sites for forage production and demonstration.
• Monitor forage crop establishment and performance within the region.
• Advise farmers on land preparation, planting, irrigation, fertilisation, and weed control.
• Monitor seasonal forage production and provide technical recommendations for improved yields.
• Encourage adoption of climate-smart forage production practices.

Team Leadership

• Supervise and mentor Forage Support/Extension Officers within the region.
• Allocate field assignments and monitor staff productivity.
• Conduct regular coaching sessions and performance reviews.
• Identify training needs and recommend staff development initiatives.
• Promote teamwork and adherence to company standards.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Monitor regional extension activities against approved work plans and KPIs.
• Collect, analyse, and validate field data on forage production and farmer adoption.

Maintain accurate records of:

• Farmer engagements
• Demonstration farms
• Extension visits
• Training programmes
• Forage acreage established
• Farmer participation
• Prepare weekly, monthly, and quarterly regional reports for the Forage Manager.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Develop and maintain productive relationships with:
• State Ministries of Agriculture
• Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs)
• Local Government Agricultural Departments
• Livestock associations
• Farmer cooperatives
• Community leaders
• Research institutions
• NGOs and development partners operating within the region
• Represent the company at regional agricultural and livestock development meetings.

Health, Safety and Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with company policies, operational procedures, and safety standards.
• Promote environmentally sustainable forage production practices.
• Ensure proper use and maintenance of field equipment.
• Support implementation of quality assurance standards in demonstration activities.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Number of farmers and pastoralists reached through extension programmes.
• Hectares of forage established within the region.
• Number of demonstration plots established and maintained.
• Adoption rate of improved forage production technologies.
• Number of extension visits completed.
• Number of farmer training programmes conducted.
• Farmer satisfaction with extension services.
• Improvement in forage productivity among participating farmers.
• Timeliness and quality of regional reports.
• Performance of supervised extension officers.
• Achievement of regional work plan targets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Agronomy, Crop Science, Pasture and Range Management, Agricultural Extension, Animal Science, Agriculture, Soil Science, Forage Production, or a related agricultural discipline.
• A postgraduate qualification in Agricultural Extension, Agronomy, Pasture Management, or a related field is an added advantage.
• Membership of relevant professional bodies is desirable.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5–7 years' relevant experience in forage production, pasture management, agricultural extension, livestock production, or rural agricultural development.
• At least 2 years' experience supervising agricultural extension or field teams.
• Demonstrated experience working with livestock farmers, pastoralist communities, cooperatives, or out-grower schemes.
• Experience establishing forage demonstration plots and delivering farmer training programmes.
• Good knowledge of tropical forage species, pasture establishment, fodder conservation, and sustainable grazing systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and digital field data collection tools.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the assigned region.

Technical Competencies:

• Forage production and pasture management
• Agricultural extension methodologies
• Farmer capacity building and adult learning
• Hay and silage production
• Sustainable grazing systems
• Demonstration farm management
• Climate-smart agriculture
• Data collection and reporting
• Project implementation
• Stakeholder engagement

Behavioural Competencies:

• Leadership and team supervision
• Strong communication and facilitation skills
• Relationship management
• Planning and organisational ability
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Accountability and integrity
• Results orientation
• Adaptability and resilience
• Cultural sensitivity when working with diverse farming communities.