Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and the Cashew Board of Tanzania (CBT), is implementing the Building a Better Tomorrow in Cashew Farming (BBT-Cashew) program. As part of this program, SUA-MoA-CBT plans to recruit 500 agricultural extension officers and assistant officers for a one-year contract to support the development of cashew farming in Tanzania. We will implement the initiative during the 2024/2025 agricultural season to prepare for the 2025/2026 cashew production season. The project will focus on Mtwara, Lindi, Ruvuma (Tunduru), and Pwani regions.


The BBT program aims to create 20,000 employment opportunities for youth and women through skill development (internships) and establish 12,000 village-based economic activities and block farming systems by 2030. Additionally, the Ministry of Agriculture plans to enhance agricultural extension services by implementing the BBT Agricultural Extension Entrepreneurship Scheme (BBT-AEES), which will temporarily employ 500 qualified graduates to provide cashew-related extension services.

The available positions are as follows:

1. Position: Agricultural Officer (100 Positions)

Key Responsibilities:
  • Provide professional advice to farmers and other stakeholders in the cashew value chain.
  • We are educating farmers on good cashew farming practices, from field preparation, farm management, harvesting, value addition, storage, to market access.
  • The task involves ensuring quality control of raw cashews from the farm to storage facilities.
  • We are monitoring compliance with cashew farming regulations.
  • I am responsible for preparing and submitting weekly progress reports.
  • The role involves identifying input needs, including seeds/seedlings, for farmers and submitting requests to the Tanzania Cashew Board.
  • I am responsible for overseeing the proper distribution and usage of farm inputs.
  • Update databases of farmers and other stakeholders in digital systems.
  • Supervise the distribution of government-subsidised cashew inputs to farmers.
  • Train farmers on proper and safe use of pesticides.
  • Verify the quality of cashews at cooperative societies (AMCOS).
  • Establish demonstration plots and training farms in the assigned area.
  • Forecast raw cashew production based on existing productive cashew trees.
  • Collect and report data on home-based and small-scale cashew processing activities.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders and ensure farmers access the services provided.
  • Maintain records of services provided to farmers.
  • Assist with selecting lead farmers in collaboration with village authorities.
  • Advise on other crops grown in the village or area of assignment.
  • Evaluate production and processing outcomes at the end of the season and submit reports.
  • Supervise assistant extension officers.
  • Undertake any other duties as assigned by supervisors.

Qualifications:
  • Applicants must have a degree in Agricultural Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, or Crop Production from a recognised institution.
  • I possess integrity, self-motivation, and excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Tanzanian citizenship and be aged between 18 and 40 years.
  • I am willing to work in rural areas under minimal supervision.
  • There has been no prior employment or termination from public service.
  • I have no criminal record.
    I am willing to work on a contractual basis with a monthly allowance.

Experience in cashew farming is an added advantage.

2. Position: Assistant Agricultural Officer (400 Positions)

Key Responsibilities:
  • The responsibilities mirror those of agricultural officers, with additional focus on hands-on support in: educating farmers on good cashew farming practices.
  • We are monitoring compliance with farming regulations.
  • I am assisting in the supervision of input distribution and usage.
  • The task involves establishing and managing demonstration plots.
  • We are collecting and updating data related to farmers and cashew processing activities.

Qualifications:
Applicants must have:
  • A diploma in agricultural science, agronomy, horticulture, or crop production from a recognised institution.
  • You must hold Tanzanian citizenship and be between the ages of 18 and 35.
  • I am willing to work in rural areas under minimal supervision.
  • There has been no prior employment or termination from public service.
  • I have no criminal record.

Experience in cashew farming is an added advantage.
How to Apply

Applicants must submit:
Copies of their birth certificate, NIDA, secondary school certificates, and diplomas/degrees from recognised institutions.
Please provide two recent passport-size photographs.
I need a curriculum vitae (CV) that includes complete contact details and references from three reputable individuals.

Submission:
The Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Sokoine University of Agriculture, should receive applications via email at coahr@sua.ac.tz, with a copy to dus@sua.ac.tz. We encourage email submissions, but you can also deliver applications in person to the mentioned offices.

Application Deadline:
The deadline for submitting applications is December 2, 2024.


For inquiries, contact: +255760485718