Agricultural Extension Officer - Rural Development

Placements24; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 16,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Travel expense support

Professional development opportunities

Meaningful rural impact

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Agricultural Extension Officer to support rural development in the Eastern Cape, near East London. The role bridges research and farmer practice, delivering information, training and ongoing support to improve productivity and livelihoods.

You will conduct field visits, run demonstrations, and use remote tools to engage farming communities, contributing to sustainable farming and economic empowerment in the region.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Agriculture, Agricultural Extension, Rural Development, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in agricultural extension services, community development, or related role.
• Strong understanding of farming systems common in the Eastern Cape region.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and training skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse farming communities, both in the field and through remote channels.
• Familiarity with basic data collection and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance and training to farmers on modern agricultural techniques, crop management, and livestock husbandry.
• Facilitate farmer field schools and demonstration plots to showcase best practices and new technologies.
• Assess the needs of farming communities and tailor extension services accordingly.
• Disseminate information on agricultural policies, market access, and financial resources.
• Collect data on farming practices, yields, and challenges faced by farmers for reporting and program improvement.
• Liaise with government agencies, NGOs, and research institutions to coordinate agricultural development efforts.

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a dedicated Agricultural Extension Officer to support rural development initiatives in the Eastern Cape , focusing on communities near East London . This role involves bridging the gap between agricultural research and the practical application by farmers, providing vital information, training, and support to enhance productivity and livelihoods. You will work directly with farming communities, conducting field visits and leveraging remote communication tools for ongoing engagement and advice. This position is key to fostering agricultural advancement and promoting sustainable farming practices within the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance and training to farmers on modern agricultural techniques, crop management, and livestock husbandry.
• Facilitate farmer field schools and demonstration plots to showcase best practices and new technologies.
• Assess the needs of farming communities and tailor extension services accordingly.
• Disseminate information on agricultural policies, market access, and financial resources.
• Collect data on farming practices, yields, and challenges faced by farmers for reporting and program improvement.
• Liaise with government agencies, NGOs, and research institutions to coordinate agricultural development efforts.

Requirements

• Degree or Diploma in Agriculture, Agricultural Extension, Rural Development, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in agricultural extension services, community development, or a related role.
• Strong understanding of farming systems common in the Eastern Cape region.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and training skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse farming communities, both in the field and through remote channels.
• Familiarity with basic data collection and reporting.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for project-based incentives.
• Hybrid work model allowing for flexibility in field and remote tasks.
• Contribution towards travel expenses for field visits.
• Opportunities for professional development and networking.
• Meaningful work contributing to rural economic empowerment.