Extension Officer – Livestock and Crops Impuls Africa

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 (1)

Location: Chililabombwe, Copperbelt.

Reporting to: General Manager and Project 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.