Agricultural Extension Officer - Farmer Support

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipend

Professional development

Flexible work arrangement

Community impact

Job summary

Placements24 in Gauteng seeks an Agricultural Extension Officer to support smallholder farmers in Soweto through training, advisory services, and field demonstrations. You will connect farmers with research outputs, government programs, and market opportunities to boost productivity and sustainability.

The role emphasizes hands-on fieldwork, stakeholder engagement, and the promotion of climate-smart practices, with travel within the Soweto region and surrounding areas.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and facilitation skills.
• Ability to explain technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in local languages is an advantage.
• Willingness to travel extensively within Soweto area.

Responsibilities

• Conduct farmer field schools and workshops on crop management, soil health, pest control, and post-harvest handling.
• Provide on-farm technical advice and demonstrations to farmers and groups.
• Assist farmers in accessing agricultural information, technologies, and inputs.
• Facilitate connections between farmers and markets, buyers, and value chain actors.
• Monitor adoption of practices and assess impact on productivity and sustainability.
• Report on extension activities, progress, and challenges encountered.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing agricultural sustainability and farmer livelihoods in the Soweto, Gauteng region, is seeking a motivated Agricultural Extension Officer. This role is focused on providing direct support and training to smallholder farmers, empowering them with modern agricultural techniques, market access information, and sustainable farming practices. You will act as a vital link between research institutions, government initiatives, and the farming community, facilitating knowledge transfer and fostering adoption of improved methods. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of local agricultural challenges, excellent communication skills, and a passion for community development. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to make a tangible difference in the agricultural sector and contribute to food security within the Gauteng province. We are looking for a proactive individual who can build trust with farmers and effectively deliver training and advisory services. Your work will directly impact the productivity and profitability of small-scale farming operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct farmer field schools and workshops on topics such as crop management, soil health, pest control, and post-harvest handling.
• Provide on-farm technical advice and demonstrations to individual farmers and farmer groups.
• Assist farmers in accessing relevant agricultural information, technologies, and inputs.
• Facilitate connections between farmers and potential markets, buyers, and value chain actors.
• Monitor the adoption of recommended practices and assess their impact on farm productivity and sustainability.
• Collect feedback from farmers to inform program development and adapt approaches.
• Report on extension activities, progress, and challenges encountered.
• Promote the adoption of climate-smart agriculture and sustainable resource management techniques.
• Liaise with local government agricultural departments and other relevant stakeholders.

Requirements

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Rural Development, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in agricultural extension, farmer training, or community development projects.
• Strong knowledge of common crops and farming systems in the Gauteng region.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to explain technical concepts in a clear and understandable manner to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in local languages is a strong advantage.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the Soweto, Gauteng area and conduct field visits.
• Experience working with smallholder farmers or in community-based agricultural initiatives.
• Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation is preferred.

Benefits

• This contract position offers a competitive stipend, with potential for renewal based on performance and project needs.
• Our client provides opportunities for professional development in areas such as adult learning facilitation and sustainable agriculture practices.
• You will be part of an organization committed to empowering rural communities and improving agricultural sustainability.
• We offer a flexible work arrangement and a supportive team environment focused on community impact in Gauteng .