Rural Agribusiness Development Officer

The Rural Agribusiness Development Officer plays a crucial role in transforming subsistence agriculture into profitable, sustainable enterprises across rural African communities. This position is designed for professionals passionate about uplifting smallholder farmers and promoting inclusive economic development through agribusiness. The officer works closely with farmer groups, agricultural cooperatives, local processors, and community-based organizations to enhance productivity, add value to agricultural products, and create access to new markets.

In this role, you will help bridge the gap between farmers and modern agribusiness practices, introducing technologies, training programs, and financial tools that improve efficiency, product quality, and income levels. You will serve as a key facilitator in developing business strategies, supporting rural entrepreneurship, and building capacity among underserved populations. The work environment is highly collaborative and field-intensive, requiring adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and strong communication skills to engage with a variety of stakeholders including NGOs, government agencies, and private sector partners.

Responsibilities

• Support farmer groups and SMEs in developing sustainable agribusiness models.
• Train communities on basic financial literacy, value addition, and business planning.
• Facilitate access to inputs, technology, and local/regional markets.
• Monitor progress of field projects and provide technical guidance.
• Build partnerships with local NGOs, government agencies, and microfinance institutions.
• Collect data on production, sales, and impact for reporting and strategy improvement.

• Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Development Studies, or a related field.
• 2+ years of field experience working with rural communities in Africa.
• Knowledge of local crops, post-harvest handling, and value chains (e.g., cassava, maize, groundnuts, shea, etc.).
• Proficiency in local languages is a strong advantage.
• Strong facilitation, communication, and problem-solving skills.