Agronomist - Embu at Local Development Research Institute (LDRI)

We are currently seeking an agronomist to provide technical assistance to smallholder farmers, establish rapport, provide agronomic advice, and collect and evaluate data to improve offerings. The aim is to empower smallholder farmers and enhance their livelihoods by mitigating their risks and making them more attractive to financial institutions using digital resources and new technologies. This position is critical to facilitating more effective and reliable interactions and transactions between smallholder farmers and LDRI networks.

The role and responsibilities 

• Establish and maintain productive relationships with smallholder farmers and LDRI networks by creating a sense of confidence and reliability with them and serving as the primary point of contact for technical support.
• Conduct field visits to farms and provide agronomic recommendations, such as guidance on crop management practices, soil fertility, pest and disease control, and irrigation techniques.
• Promote and market LDRI products and services to farmers, such as inputs, mechanization, and extension services.
• Provide instruction and capacity building to farmers. 
• Gather and evaluate data on farming practices, input usage, and yield results to guide the development of new products and services and enhance current offerings.
• Stay informed on the most recent agronomic research and trends in the agricultural sector to provide the best possible assistance to farmers and LDRI networks.
• Support the design and implementation of the Early Warning System by offering agronomic expertise on crop health, pest and disease identification, climate impacts, and soil management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, knowledge, and skills

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. agriculture, agronomy, horticulture )
• Proficiency in crop cultivation, pest, and disease control, soil science, and plant nutrition. 
• Familiar with current advancements in agricultural technology and the ability to comprehend and manipulate data. 
• Self-motivation and a proactive approach.