The Agronomist will provide technical support and guidance on horticulture production and promotion of African indigenous vegetables (AIVs). The agronomist will be responsible for managing demonstration plots, training farmers and field officers on good agricultural practices (GAPs), and supervising field activities and data collection. The agronomist will also liaise with relevant stakeholders, such as government institutions and local authorities, research institutions, extension services, and market actors, to ensure the quality and sustainability of the project outcomes.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, horticulture, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in horticulture production and promotion, preferably with African Indigenous Vegetables (AIVs).
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to guide and motivate field officers and farmers.
• Knowledge of the agronomic characteristics, nutritional benefits, and market potential of AIVs.
• Familiarity with the local agro-ecological conditions, farming systems, and socio-cultural context of the project area.
• Familiarity with good agricultural practices, crop nutrition, pest and diseases management and irrigation systems.
• Proficiency in using various tools and methods for soil and plant analysis, data collection, and reporting.
• Proficient in computer skills, including MS office  and data analysis software
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with farmers, project team members, and stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to travel frequently within the project area.
• Fluency in English and Swahili languages.

Functions:

• Plan, establish, and maintain demonstration plots for various AIVs, such as amaranth, Orange Fleshed Sweet Potatoes (OFSP), African black night shade, Okra and Potatoes leaves.
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor the performance and health of the crops, identify and solve any agronomic problems, and consult possible solution to the identified problems.
• Provide guidance and support to field officers to ensure the successful implementation of project activities.
• Train and mentor field officers, fostering their professional development and ensuring their adherence to project activities and timelines.
• Train farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) for AIVs, such as seed selection, nursery management, transplanting, irrigation, pest, and disease control, harvesting, and post-harvest handling as well as sustainable horticultural production.
• Supervise field officers on day-to-day activities, such as data collection, farmer mobilization, field demonstrations, and farmer feedback sessions.
• Coordinate with research institutions, extension services, and market actors to access relevant information, technologies, inputs, and markets for AIVs.
• Prepare and submit regular reports on the progress and results of the project activities.
• Contribute to the development and dissemination of best practices, lessons learned, and success stories from the project.