About Company
Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) is an international non-governmental organization committed to helping smallholder farmers achieve food security and poverty reduction through sustainable agriculture. For over three decades, SAA has been working across various African countries, including Nigeria, to promote improved agricultural technologies and practices. Our mission is to bridge the gap between agricultural research and farming communities, ensuring that innovations reach the hands of those who need them most. We focus on empowering farmers with knowledge and skills in crop productivity, post-harvest management, market access, and value addition, thereby fostering resilient and prosperous rural livelihoods. SAA operates through a robust network of agricultural experts, extension agents, and local partners, dedicated to transforming African agriculture from subsistence to sustainable commercial farming.
Job Description
Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) is seeking a highly motivated and dedicated Agricultural Extension Officer to join our dynamic team in Lokogoma, Abuja. This pivotal role involves directly engaging with smallholder farmers and farming communities within the Lokogoma and surrounding areas. The successful candidate will be instrumental in disseminating innovative agricultural techniques, sustainable farming practices, and market-oriented strategies. You will serve as a crucial link between agricultural research institutions, SAA’s project objectives, and the farmers on the ground, facilitating knowledge transfer and capacity building. This position demands a hands-on approach, requiring extensive field visits, farmer training sessions, and the establishment of demonstration plots. The Agricultural Extension Officer will play a key role in empowering farmers to adopt improved crop varieties, optimize soil health, implement efficient water management, and enhance overall farm productivity and profitability. We are looking for an individual with a passion for rural development, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of smallholder farmers. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to food security and economic empowerment within Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct regular field visits to farming communities in Lokogoma and surrounding areas to provide on-site technical assistance and advice to smallholder farmers.
- Organize and facilitate farmer field days, training workshops, and demonstration plots to showcase improved agricultural technologies and practices.
- Train farmers on modern farming techniques, including land preparation, appropriate seed selection, proper fertilizer application, pest and disease management, and post-harvest handling.
- Promote climate-smart agriculture practices and sustainable resource management among farming communities.
- Collect and analyze agricultural data, including crop yields, input usage, market prices, and farmer adoption rates, for monitoring, evaluation, and reporting purposes.
- Establish and maintain strong working relationships with local farmers, community leaders, government agricultural agencies, and other stakeholders.
- Prepare comprehensive progress reports, case studies, and success stories on project activities and farmer achievements.
- Identify farmer needs and challenges, and communicate them effectively to the project management team to inform strategic planning and intervention adjustments.
- Assist in the identification and selection of beneficiary farmers for project interventions.
- Monitor the performance of demonstration plots and farmer-managed trials, ensuring adherence to recommended protocols.
- Actively participate in project planning, review meetings, and relevant agricultural forums.
Required Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Extension, Crop Science, Soil Science, or a related field.
- Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in agricultural extension, community development, or field-based agricultural projects.
- Proven ability to effectively train and communicate complex agricultural concepts to diverse farmer groups.
- Strong practical knowledge of various crop production systems relevant to the Abuja region (e.g., maize, rice, cassava, vegetables).
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills in English and local languages (e.g., Hausa, Gbagyi).
- Proficiency in data collection tools and basic computer applications (MS Office Suite).
- Ability to ride a motorcycle with a valid license, and willingness to travel extensively in rural areas.
- Demonstrated commitment to sustainable agriculture and rural development.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Agricultural Extension, Rural Development, or a related field.
- Experience with integrated pest management (IPM) and integrated nutrient management (INM) strategies.
- Knowledge of value chain development and market access strategies for agricultural produce.
- Previous experience working with international NGOs or donor-funded agricultural projects.
- Basic understanding of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) principles in development projects.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
- Pension scheme contributions.
- Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
- Generous annual leave and public holidays.
- Transport allowance and field operational support.
- A supportive and collaborative work environment committed to impactful development.
- Opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of smallholder farmers and contribute to national food security.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their detailed CV and a cover letter outlining their suitability for this role. Please ensure your application highlights your experience in agricultural extension and rural development. Click on the link below to apply for the job.