Job Details

Job Description

Open Call: Extension Officers

ABOUT IMPULS AFRICA

Impuls Africa is a Zambian-registered company that specializes in delivering agricultural consultancy and extension services in the SADC region. Owned by a cooperative of over 100 farmers and a seasoned agri-entrepreneur in Zambia, the Impuls team brings more than 75 years of combined expertise in agriculture and livestock services. Impuls has a strong track record of successfully developing and implementing large-scale projects in agriculture, livestock, agroforestry, apiculture, and horticulture value chains. These projects have been funded by leading development partners such as UKAID, USAID, UNDP, the EU, SIDA, Irish Aid, and the Czech Development Agency. We specialize in providing services to both donors and the private sector, offering everything from one-off consulting assignments to long-term project implementation and management. Our primary focus is on agricultural consulting, in which we excel at delivering a diverse range of short- and long-term assignments.

Position Title: Extension Officer – Livestock and Crops

Location: Mongu/Kaoma/Limulunga/Choma.

Reporting to: General Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The Extension Officer for Crops and Livestock will play a key role in supporting smallholder farmers in improving agricultural productivity, sustainability, and market access. The officer will provide technical expertise in crop and livestock management, offering training and advisory services to ensure farmers adopt best practices and increase their incomes while building resilience against climate change and market fluctuations. The company therefore invites applications from suitable qualified candidates to fill the position of Agriculture Extension Officer.

Scope of Work

The Extension Officer will perform the following tasks:

Technical Advisory Services

• Provide technical support and guidance to farmers on crop and livestock production, including best practices in land preparation, planting, irrigation, soil fertility management, pest control, animal husbandry, feeding, and health management.
• Promote climate-smart agricultural practices that improve productivity, soil health, water conservation, and sustainable livestock management.
  Work with farmers to adopt improved seed varieties, livestock breeds, and farming technologies.

Capacity Building and Farmer Training

• Conduct regular training sessions, field demonstrations, and workshops on crop and livestock management, including post-harvest handling, storage, and value addition.
• Educate farmers on integrated pest and disease management, proper use of inputs (e.g., fertilizers, pesticides), and sustainable grazing and feeding practices for livestock.
• Facilitate farmer-to-farmer learning and the establishment of demonstration plots and model farms.

Crop and Livestock Health Management

• Support the monitoring of crop health, pest infestations, and diseases; provide early warning and response strategies to mitigate risks.
• Promote animal health services such as vaccination, disease surveillance, and treatment programs in collaboration with veterinary services.
• Encourage good practices in farm hygiene, crop rotation, mixed farming, and organic farming where applicable.

Market Access and Value Chain Development

• Identify and support linkages between farmers and markets, helping them meet the quality and quantity demands of buyers.
• Strengthen farmers’ understanding of market trends, pricing, and opportunities for both crop and livestock products.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Collect and analyze data on crop and livestock production, assessing the performance of the interventions and their impact on productivity and income.
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor the adoption of recommended practices and provide technical backstopping.
• Prepare reports on farmer engagement, training outcomes, and the progress of activities, highlighting successes, challenges, and areas for improvement.

Qualifications and Experience

• A degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Extension, or related fields is preferable.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in agricultural extension services, with a focus on both crop and livestock production.
• Strong technical knowledge in crop management (including horticulture, cereals, and legumes) and livestock production (including animal health, nutrition, and breeding).
• Experience working with smallholder farmers in rural settings, including the delivery of training and extension services.
• Knowledge of climate-smart agriculture, sustainable farming techniques, and value chain development.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong facilitation, communication, and training skills.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary setting, covering both crops and livestock.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to address challenges faced by farmers.
• Proficiency in using modern agricultural tools and technologies, including digital platforms for extension services.
• Willingness to travel within the region.
• Able to ride a motor bike
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in rural environments.
• Proficiency in local language of area and English.

Position Title: Extension Officer – Livestock (1)

Location: TBA.

Reporting to: General Manager

Job Summary

The Livestock Extension Officer will support the implementation of projects aimed at improving livestock productivity, animal health, and market access for smallholder farmers. This position plays a critical role in enhancing livestock production practices, promoting sustainable management, and ensuring the well-being of livestock-keeping communities.

Scope of Work

The Livestock Extension Officer will undertake the following tasks:

Training and Capacity Building

• Conduct training sessions for farmers on improved livestock management practices, nutrition, breeding, and animal health.
• Organize workshops, field demonstrations, and practical sessions on disease prevention, vaccination, and treatment protocols.
• Build farmers’ capacity on sustainable grazing and feed management techniques.

Extension Services:

• Provide on-site and remote technical extension services to farmers on livestock production and veterinary care.
• Promote the adoption of innovative and climate-smart livestock practices to enhance productivity and resilience.
• Conduct regular farm visits to monitor livestock health, production performance, and the implementation of good practices.

Livestock Health Management:

• Support disease surveillance activities, and work with veterinary authorities to prevent and control livestock diseases.
• Assist in developing and implementing vaccination campaigns and disease control programs.

Market Access and Value Chain Development:

• Identify market opportunities and link livestock farmers to markets, buyers, and value chain actors.
• Support the improvement of product quality, such as meat, dairy, and other animal products, to meet market standards.
• Provide advisory services on value addition and market-oriented production.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

• Conduct assessments of livestock farmers’ needs and performance through baseline surveys and data collection.
• Track progress of extension activities and prepare regular reports detailing project outcomes, challenges, and recommendations.
• Contribute to the development of case studies, success stories, and lessons learned.

Qualifications and Experience

• A degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, Livestock Production, or related field.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience working in livestock extension services, animal health, or rural development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of livestock value chains, animal nutrition, breeding, and disease control.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and capacity-building skills, with experience working with smallholder farmers.
• Familiarity with climate-smart livestock practices and sustainable agriculture principles.
• Ability to work in rural areas and travel frequently to project sites.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong facilitation, communication, and training skills.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to address challenges faced by farmers.
• Proficiency in using modern agricultural tools and technologies, including digital platforms for extension services.
• Willingness to travel within the region.
• Able to ride a motor bike.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in rural environments.
• Proficiency in local language of area and English.

Application Process:

All qualified and interested candidates should send their updated CV’s with at least three traceable references to the e-mail address below and include job title as email subject:

The Administration Manager
[email protected]