Agricultural Extension Officer - Crop Specialist

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 360,000 - 480,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Leave provisions

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Office in Mahikeng

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a progressive agricultural development organization in the North West to recruit an Agricultural Extension Officer specializing in crop production. Based in the Mahikeng region, the role blends field work with office tasks to support smallholder and commercial farmers through technical advice, training, and advisory services.

The successful candidate will bridge research and on-farm application, lead demonstrations, workshops, and consultations, and promote sustainable,

Qualifications

• Diploma or Bachelor's in Agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Science, or related field.
• Minimum 4 years' experience in agricultural extension, farmer training, or advisory roles.
• Strong knowledge of North West crop systems, soil health, IPM and sustainable farming.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills; ability to engage with diverse farming communities.
• Proficiency in Setswana and English is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical advice and training to farmers on crop cultivation, irrigation, fertilization, and pest/disease management.
• Conduct field demonstrations of new technologies, crop varieties, and farming techniques.
• Assist farmers in developing farm plans, production budgets, and resource management strategies.
• Facilitate farmer group meetings, workshops, and study tours to share knowledge and experiences.
• Identify and diagnose common crop problems and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Promote the adoption of sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices.
• Collect data on farm performance, challenges, and successes to inform program development.
• Liaise with agricultural research institutions, government agencies, and other stakeholders to bring relevant information and resources to farmers.
• Maintain accurate records of extension activities, farmer contacts, and program outcomes.
• Contribute to the development of educational materials and extension publications in accessible formats.
• Stay updated on agricultural research findings, policy changes, and market dynamics relevant to the region.

Skills

Farm extension

Agriculture training

Verbal communication

Data collection

IPM knowledge

Education

Diploma in Agriculture

Bachelor's in Agriculture

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a progressive agricultural development organization dedicated to supporting farmers in the North West province, is seeking a motivated Agricultural Extension Officer with a specialization in crop production. Based in the Mahikeng region, this role is pivotal in providing technical assistance, training, and advisory services to smallholder and commercial farmers. The successful candidate will bridge the gap between agricultural research and on-farm application, helping farmers adopt improved practices to enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability. You will conduct field demonstrations, workshops, and provide individual consultations, focusing on crop management, soil health, pest and disease control, and market access. This position requires strong communication skills, a deep understanding of local agricultural conditions, and a passion for community development.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical advice and training to farmers on best practices in crop cultivation, including planting, fertilization, irrigation, and pest/disease management.
• Conduct field demonstrations of new technologies, crop varieties, and farming techniques.
• Assist farmers in developing farm plans, production budgets, and resource management strategies.
• Facilitate farmer group meetings, workshops, and study tours to share knowledge and experiences.
• Identify and diagnose common crop problems and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Promote the adoption of sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices.
• Collect data on farm performance, challenges, and successes to inform program development.
• Liaise with agricultural research institutions, government agencies, and other stakeholders to bring relevant information and resources to farmers.
• Maintain accurate records of extension activities, farmer contacts, and program outcomes.
• Contribute to the development of educational materials and extension publications in accessible formats.
• Stay updated on agricultural research findings, policy changes, and market dynamics relevant to the region.

Requirements

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in agricultural extension services, farmer training, or a similar advisory role.
• Solid knowledge of crop production systems prevalent in the North West province.
• Understanding of soil health, integrated pest management (IPM), and sustainable farming principles.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse farming communities.
• Proficiency in local languages (e.g., Setswana) in addition to English is highly advantageous.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and travel within the assigned region.
• Basic understanding of farm economics and market access for agricultural produce.
• Good record-keeping and reporting skills.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with qualifications and experience, and includes opportunities for advancement within the organization.
• The benefits package includes medical aid, a provident fund, and leave provisions.
• Support for professional development through workshops and relevant training courses is provided.
• This role offers a hybrid work model, combining fieldwork with administrative tasks that can be performed remotely or from our office in Mahikeng.
• Join a dedicated team making a real impact on agricultural livelihoods in the region.