Agricultural Extension Officer - Technology Adoption

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 280,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

provident fund

Travel allowances

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Agricultural Extension Officer to facilitate the adoption of modern technologies among farmers in Polokwane, Limpopo. This hands-on role involves working directly with farming communities to provide training, on-farm demonstrations, and practical support.

You will lead field visits, run workshops on precision farming, pest management, and post-harvest handling, and collaborate with research bodies and government partners to deliver integrated extension services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Extension, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in agricultural extension, advisory services, or farm support.
• Strong understanding of crop production, soil management, and IPM relevant to the Limpopo region.
• Familiarity with modern agricultural technologies such as GPS, drones, soil sensors, and mobile apps.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field visits and on-farm assessments to understand farmers' needs and challenges.
• Organize and deliver training sessions, workshops, and field days on topics such as precision farming and post-harvest handling.
• Demonstrate the practical application and benefits of new agricultural technologies and equipment.
• Provide technical advice and troubleshooting support to farmers regarding their operations and adopted technologies.
• Facilitate farmer-to-farmer learning and knowledge sharing within the community.
• Collect feedback from farmers on effectiveness of introduced technologies and practices.
• Collaborate with research institutions, government agencies, and private sector partners to deliver integrated support services.
• Report on extension activities, farmer adoption rates, and project outcomes.

Skills

Field visits

Training delivery

Farmer engagement

Technical advisory

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture

Agricultural Extension or related field

Tools

GPS

Drones

Soil sensors

Mobile apps

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a dynamic Agricultural Extension Officer to facilitate the adoption of modern agricultural technologies among farmers in the Polokwane, Limpopo region. This hands-on role requires you to work directly with the farming community, providing training, support, and practical demonstrations of new techniques and tools. You will be instrumental in bridging the gap between technological advancements and on-farm application, helping farmers increase their productivity, profitability, and sustainability. The ideal candidate is passionate about agriculture, possesses excellent communication skills, and has a strong understanding of current farming challenges and innovations.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct field visits and on-farm assessments to understand farmers' needs and challenges.


• Organize and deliver training sessions, workshops, and field days on topics such as precision farming, improved crop management, pest and disease control, and post-harvest handling.


• Demonstrate the practical application and benefits of new agricultural technologies and equipment.


• Provide technical advice and troubleshooting support to farmers regarding their operations and adopted technologies.


• Facilitate farmer-to-farmer learning and knowledge sharing within the community.


• Collect feedback from farmers on the effectiveness of introduced technologies and practices.


• Collaborate with research institutions, government agencies, and private sector partners to deliver integrated support services.


• Report on extension activities, farmer adoption rates, and project outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Extension, or a related field.


• Minimum of 3 years of experience in agricultural extension, advisory services, or farm support.


• Strong understanding of crop production, soil management, and integrated pest management practices relevant to the Limpopo region.


• Familiarity with modern agricultural technologies (e.g., GPS, drones, soil sensors, mobile apps) and their application in farming.


• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse farming communities.


• Proficiency in local languages is an advantage.


• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively for field activities.


• A genuine passion for supporting farmer livelihoods and advancing agricultural development.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, benefits package including health insurance and a provident fund, and travel allowances for field activities. This role provides a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in the agricultural sector of Polokwane. You will be part of a supportive team dedicated to agricultural advancement and gain valuable experience in technology transfer and farmer training. Join us in empowering farmers and contributing to a more productive and sustainable agricultural landscape.