Cassava Agriculturist

Dreaming big is in our DNA. It’s who we are as a company. It’s our culture. It’s our heritage. And more than ever, it’s our future. A future where we’re always looking forward. Always serving up new ways to meet life’s moments. A future where we keep dreaming bigger. We look for people with passion, talent, and curiosity, and provide them with the teammates, resources and opportunities to unleash their full potential. The power we create together – when we combine your strengths with ours – is unstoppable. Are you ready to join a team that dreams as big as you do?

The Key Purpose of the  Cassava Agriculturist is to oversee the cultivation and supply of high-quality cassava to our Brewery. This position is essential for ensuring that our production meets the standards required for brewing exceptional beers. The successful candidate will engage with farmers, manage research trials, and implement best practices in cassava farming, all while fostering strong relationships with government stakeholders and the agricultural community. This role demands a proactive approach, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work under pressure to meet the demands of a dynamic agricultural environment.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

• Farmer Contracting and Engagement
• Ensure timely registration and legal contracting of cassava farmers.
• Facilitate cooperative engagement to enhance collaboration.
• Ensure all farmers are empowered and meet our key expectations of
• having the training and material to follow Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
• All farmers must have through either Short Message, WhatsApp,
• Email or radio the access to industry knowledge and marketplace pricing.
• Farmers need to have the training, access to relevant finance opportunities that are available in the region or model that the farmers are working in.
• Implement sustainability strategy as applicable to Cassava
• Input Management
• Variety suitability to both the grower and the brewery.
• Identify and supply necessary inputs (seed stem, agro-chemicals) on time.
• Monitor distribution and ensure correct quantities are provided.
• Crop Monitoring and Advisory Services
• Oversee planting operations and advise on best practices.
• Monitor crop growth and provide continuous advisory services to farmers.
• Provide regular updates on the crop status, such as area planted, crop status, and potential crop LE
• Conduct and monitor cassava research trials.
• Record data and observations to inform future practices.
• Review and improve, annually on our crop protocol.
• Support on trial design and execution.
• Be part of the aggregation and coordination of the harvest.
• Be responsible of the buying by the cooperatives and aggregators
• Be responsible of the management and the delivery of the crop to the warehouse.
• Ensure harvest follows the prescribed methodology.
• Maintain accurate documentation for dispatching cassava chips to the warehouse
• Ensure farmers are being fully compensated and fair process at the buying yards
• Liaise with government and agricultural stakeholders to enhance relationships and support
• Engage with the relevant governing bodies to ensure the company is following government policy especially the production of seed stem material, new varieties and cooperative management
• Oversee the establishment and maintenance of a sustainable cassava industry with small-scale and commercial farmers and ensure supply security as per mandate.
• Ensure that all farming practices align with company policies and regulations.
• Engage with cassava producers and service providers to promote optimal cultivation practices.
• Provide relevant information on fertilizers, seeding rates, and pest management to enhance yields.
• Participate in research projects to address industry challenges and improve practices.
• Coordinate agricultural trials to test and implement new technologies.
• Field Engagement
• Conduct farm visits and participate in farmer days to disseminate knowledge and gather feedback.
• Support farmers in management practices, including planning and problem-solving.
• Assess individual information needs of farmers and evaluate the effectiveness of provided recommendations.
• Monitor climatic conditions to inform farmers of necessary actions to prevent yield losses.
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• Deliver sorghum volumes whilst meeting the sustainability KPI requirements aligned with our sustainability strategy

Importance of the Role

• The Cassava Agriculturist is critical in delivering high-quality cassava, which is essential for producing the best beers. By ensuring that farmers adhere to best practices and that the cassava meets our quality standards; this role directly impacts the quality of our final product.
• The manager will also showcase the work done in the field to enhance relationships with government entities, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable agriculture and community engagement.

Minimum Requirements:

• Full Grade 12 certificate with 6 credits and a graduate degree in an agricultural (plant production) discipline.
• At least five years of relevant experience in agricultural production; experience in cassava is beneficial.
• Strong analytical skills, effective communication, and a proactive approach.
• Computer training certificate, valid driver’s license with 5 years of driving experience.

Additional Information:

Band: VIII

ABInBev is an equal opportunity employer, and all appointments will be made in line with ABInBev employment equity plan and talent requirements.

The advert has minimum requirements listed. Management reserves the right to use additional/ relevant information as criteria for short-listing.