Field Extension Intern at Nutri Nuts and Fruits Limited at Nutri Nuts and Fruits Limited

Field Extension Intern at Nutri Nuts and Fruits Limited at Nutri Nuts and Fruits Limited | Iko Kazi

Job Purpose

To provide technical agricultural extension services and support to farmers to improve farm productivity, crop quality, sustainable farming practices, and reliable supply of quality raw materials to the company.
The Field Extension Intern will serve as the link between the company and farmers by conducting farm visits, providing technical advice, monitoring crop development, supporting farmer training, collecting field data, and ensuring compliance with the company's agricultural and quality standards.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

Farmer Engagement and Support

Develop and maintain good working relationships with farmers and farmer groups.
Register and maintain updated farmer records within the assigned area.
Conduct regular farm visits and assess farmers' production practices.
Identify farmers' challenges and provide appropriate technical recommendations.
Respond to farmer inquiries and provide timely feedback.
Mobilize farmers for company programmes, trainings, meetings and field activities.
Support farmer group formation and development where applicable.

Agricultural Extension Services

Provide farmers with technical advice on recommended crop production practices.
Advise farmers on land preparation, planting, pruning, nutrition, pest and disease management, harvesting and post-harvest handling.
Demonstrate good agricultural practices through farm demonstrations and field days.
Conduct farmer training on productivity, quality and sustainable agricultural practices.
Monitor adoption of recommended agricultural practices.
Provide guidance on safe and responsible use of agricultural inputs.
Identify pest, disease and other crop-related challenges and escalate serious cases to the relevant technical personnel.

Farm Monitoring and Field Assessments

Conduct scheduled and routine farm inspections.
Monitor crop health, farm productivity and expected harvest volumes.
Assess farmer compliance with company requirements and applicable agricultural standards.
Identify risks that may affect crop quality or supply.
Prepare farm visit reports and document observations and recommendations.
Follow up on previously identified issues to ensure corrective actions are implemented.

Quality and Post-Harvest Management

Educate farmers on proper harvesting and post-harvest handling practices.
Promote practices that minimize contamination, deterioration and physical damage to produce.
Monitor farmer compliance with quality requirements.
Advise farmers on proper drying, storage and handling of produce where applicable.
Support traceability of produce from the farm to the company's collection or receiving points.
Report any quality concerns or suspected cases of contamination or non-compliance.

Data Collection and Reporting

Collect accurate farmer, farm and production data.
Maintain updated records of farm visits, farmer activities, acreage, crop condition and estimated yields.
Monitor and report estimated crop volumes within the assigned area.
Prepare weekly and monthly field activity reports.
Provide management with information on farmer performance, crop conditions and emerging challenges.
Maintain accurate records of farmer training and extension activities.
Use company-approved digital tools or systems to capture and submit field data.

Farmer Training and Capacity Building

Organize and facilitate farmer training sessions.
Develop practical demonstrations to improve farmer understanding and adoption of recommended practices.
Train farmers on good agricultural practices, food safety, quality and environmental sustainability.
Support awareness programmes on climate-smart agriculture and sustainable farming.
Evaluate farmer understanding and adoption of training recommendations.

Supply and Harvest Coordination

Compliance and Sustainability

Promote compliance with applicable agricultural, environmental, food safety and company standards.
Promote responsible use of water, fertilizers and crop protection products.
Encourage environmentally sustainable farming practices.
Support implementation of company sustainability and traceability programmes.
Report any serious cases of non-compliance, unsafe practices or environmental risks.

Other Duties

Participate in agricultural field days, farmer meetings and company events.
Support surveys, research and pilot agricultural projects.
Work closely with Quality, Procurement, Production and other relevant departments.
Perform any other duties as may reasonably be assigned by the supervisor.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

Core Competencies

Academic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or Diploma in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, Agricultural Extension, Crop Production or a related field.
Additional training in agricultural extension, agribusiness, sustainability or related areas will be an added advantage.

Field Extension Intern at Nutri Nuts and Fruits Limited