Feed and Fodder Manager – Enabling Impact – Office of Programs at International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC)

Job Title: Feed and Fodder Manager – Enabling Impact – Office of Programs

Responsibilities

The consultant will support the development of a sustainable feed and fodder supply and facilitate the transition of dairy production in Southwest Nigeria to a more productive, low-carbon footprint and self-sustaining dairy farming system by improving access to inputs (especially, feed), services, technical expertise, financing, and sustainable markets. More specifically, the consultant will carry out the following activities:

Pasture and Fodder Management:(60%)

• Develop and implement plans for the sustainable management of pasture lands and fodder crops;

• Identify suitable fodder species based on the climate, soil type, and livestock requirements in Southwest, Nigeria;

• Oversee the use of organic or synthetic fertilizers and soil amendments to enhance fodder growth while monitoring the growth of fodder crops, ensuring optimal yields and nutritional content;

• Coordinate planting and harvesting schedules to ensure year-round availability of fodder, overseeing the selection, planting, and harvesting of crops such as grasses, legumes, and silage;

• Promote sustainable land use and regenerative agriculture practices that enhance soil health and biodiversity;

• Implement rotational grazing, agroforestry, and cover cropping to maintain pasture productivity and ecosystem balance;

• Work with local farmers, cooperatives, and government agencies to promote sustainable fodder and pasture management practices, participating in initiatives aimed at improving regional fodder supply chains and livestock feeding practices; Engage with the local community to emphasize on the importance of responsible grazing and pasture management to ensure long term land productivity.

Livestock Feed Management:(20%)

• Ensure that the produced fodder meets the nutritional requirements of the livestock;

• Monitor livestock health and adjust feeding strategies based on seasonal variations and pasture availability;

• Develop and manage irrigation systems to ensure that pastures and fodder crops receive adequate water. Monitor water usage to ensure efficiency, minimizing waste and environmental impact; 

• Develop and implement pest and weed control strategies that minimize damage to pasture and fodder crops;

• Utilize integrated pest management (IPM) approaches to control pests and weeds, reducing reliance on chemical treatments;

• Manage resources, including machinery, seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs necessary for fodder and pasture production. Ensure that equipment such as tractors, irrigation systems, and harvesting machines are well- maintained and operated efficiently.

Monitoring and Evaluation:(20%)

• Regularly assess pasture conditions, fodder crop performance, and livestock feed quality;

• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as pasture productivity, fodder yield, and grazing efficiency;

• Use data and observations to make informed decisions regarding adjustments to grazing schedules, crop management, and resource allocation;

• Maintain accurate records of pasture and fodder production, including yields, grazing patterns, and resource usage.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (Master or PhD) in agriculture, livestock management, animal nutrition, soil sciences, environmental science or a related field;

Reporting and Work Relationships

The Feed and Fodder Manager will report to Project Director of Dairy Development and will maintain close communication with IFDC Nigeria Office and Dairy Development Project staff throughout the assignment. 

Location

This is an outpost recruitment with a duty station at the Joint Office based in Ogun, Nigeria.

Stipend 

The project is responsible for ensuring that the consultant receives a stipend of USD 817 for the period of assignment.

Diversity Clause

IFDC is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, and offers equal employment opportunities based on ability, performance, and potential. Equal opportunity is integral to the recruitment and selection practices at IFDC. IFDC recognizes the value in recruiting employees with different backgrounds, knowledge, experiences, perspectives, and beliefs. IFDC recognizes and values the contribution of people with a diverse background in capabilities, experience, and perspectives. Diversity encompasses gender, age, experience, education, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and cultural backgrounds as well as other dimensions such as lifestyle and family responsibilities.

About Program/Project 

Danone Ecosystem Fund and Danone Nigeria have partnered with TechnoServe to build a sustainable and productive local dairy value chain in Nigeria over the next 4 years. This initiative aims to increase the incomes, resilience, and carbon footprint of dairy farmers in Ogun and Oyo States, Nigeria. The project aims to reach 30,000 dairy farmers, build 20 milk collection centers, deepen the capacity of 80 dairy-preneurs who own and run mini farms/ranches, and by 2026, Danone plans to source 3.5 million liters of fresh milk annually. The project’s intervention areas include improving herder dairy productivity and quality, mini-farm productivity and professionalization, milk collection center establishment and professionalization, developing a local feed and fodder supply chain, and engaging in strategic partnerships. 

The development of the local feed and fodder supply chain is a key success factor in improving the productivity of the herd and achieving global indicators. This will be implemented through an extensive feed and fodder production model that includes identifying and engaging local feed producers, working with 10,000 farmers of which 40% are women to produce forage on 2,200 ha by 2026. 

TechnoServe is partnering with IFDC as a sub-awardee to implement activities during the inception phase that will contribute to the final project design, budget, and work plan. Therefore, a quick assessment of the status of feed and fodder supply chain is required as a baseline to develop a strategy for a sustainable feed and fodder supply for participating dairy farmers, including Fulani agro-pastoralist. 

Application Instructions:

The application deadline is not specified. Therefore qualified and interested candidates can “CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT APPLICATION” It is important to visit the official website (link found below) for detailed information on how to apply successfully for this vacancy.

Website:

Official Job Website: https://jobs.silkroad.com/IFDC/