Agronomy & Fodder Officer - Kapiti Plains Estate Limited

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit an Agronomy & Fodder Officer on behalf of Kapiti Plains Estate Ltd to be responsible for managing, planning, and providing support on all aspects of crop and fodder production. The position holder will study soils and crops with the aim of improving food and feed production, manage land sustainably, and increase fodder yields by examining, researching, and solving problems related to feed management, output, and quality. The Agronomist will develop tailored agronomic approaches and oversees interventions focused on developing and promoting better farming practices and operational sustainability. The incumbent will work closely with the livestock team to ensure feed availability matches herd needs and supports research trials involving fodder and crop systems.

Kapiti Plains Estate Limited is a public limited company, wholly owned by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). The ranch’s objective is to run as a state-of-the-art research station and a commercially viable farm. Kapiti Plains Estate Limited is located 60 km southeast of Nairobi on the Mombasa road, in Kenya’s semi-arid lands (550mm average rainfall) at an altitude of 1,650–1,900m above sea level, and is part of the Athi-Kapiti Ecosystem. Kapiti Plains Estate Limited is also home to a vast array of wildlife. These provide livestock scientists with unique opportunities to include wildlife in their research projects. Since September 2020 Kapiti Plains Estate Limited has been registered as a wildlife conservancy with the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS).

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is an international organization working for better lives and better planet through livestock. ILRI is a member of the CGIAR, a global research alliance that works to transform food, land and water systems in a climate crisis and is the only CGIAR centre dedicated to addressing multiple development challenges through sustainable livestock solutions.

• Develop crop (Napier, Rhodes, sorghum, maize silage, etc.) management strategies, schedules, budgets, and timelines aligned with feed demand.
• Develop improved crop production methods and techniques during planting, cultivation, and harvesting with the aim of improving crop yield and solving problems.
• Optimise yield per acre and forage quality through data-driven practices.
• Supervise field labour and maintain field input/output records.

• Research and promote agricultural strategies to counter the effects of changes in soil, climate, weather, and damage from pests.
• Visit farms to collect seed, plant, and soil samples for examination and research.
• Test samples for nutritional deficiencies, diseases, or other changes due to adopted farm practices.
• Source, select, and test seeds and seedlings.
• Develop new varieties of crops and hybrids that are more resistant to disease and pests.

• Keep detailed records regarding farms, crops, and samples.
• Generate reports and present findings to management, clients, or other interested parties.

• Advise farmers on the most effective and economical ways to maximize crop yields.
• Develop educational materials and training programmes on crop management.
• Conduct training on products and techniques through educational presentations and practical demonstrations.

• Liaise with the livestock team to ensure feed availability matches herd needs.
• Support research teams in implementing trials involving fodder and crop systems.

• Carry out other duties as may be assigned by the Senior Manager/Head — Kapiti.

• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Soil Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years' experience in fodder crop management.
• Experience with silage, hay, and irrigated forage systems.
• Familiarity with integrated livestock-plant systems.
• Knowledge of agricultural production methods and soil science.

• Ability to analyse data and provide sound advice.
• Proficiency with computers, especially MS Office and diagnostic scientific software.
• Strong research, decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Awareness of industry trends, technology, and developments.

• Ability to supervise field labour and coordinate field activities.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to plan, prioritise, and schedule work.
• Effective collaboration skills for working with livestock teams, researchers, and management.

• Exceptional active listening and verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work on farms while standing, walking, kneeling, and stooping for extended periods.
• Results-oriented and committed to sustainable land management and continuous improvement.

Kapiti Plains Estate Ltd does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). Kapiti Plains Estate Ltd also does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.