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    Uganda cranes

    Stedmak Gardens in Karen which has 30 different species of beauty birds also called ornamental birds is using the birds to attract tourists other than preserving them for breeding purposes earning the garden about Sh1m annually.

    Situated along Mokoyeti Road East 500 metres off Langata Road, the garden is currently hosting over 500 beauty birds. Before the birds were just kept in the garden for purposes of preserving the species before opening up as a tourist attraction park.

    RELATED ARTICLE: Kiambu farmer making a kill with ornamental birds

    “We started in 2013 as birds’ sanctuary where we kept these birds to multiply, but of late it is one of our major business project here,” said Geofrey Maranga, the garden manager.

    “We sell our birds to small farmers starting up, charge fees from visitors who come to see them and donate the older ones to schools for student’s lessons.”

    Domestic tourists are charged Sh300 for adults and Sh200 for children while international adult tourists pay Sh1000 and Sh500 for the children. There is an offer of a group of 30 people on to pay Sh150 per child and Sh200 for an adult.

    “We receive many visitors during weekends and holidays of between 250 and 350 a day and on festive seasons this number can go up to 1000 visitors a day,” said Maranga adding that over last year December alone the park earned them about Sh2m from visitors.

    Some of the main buyers of the birds from the garden include Indians, Small farmers starting off in ornamental birds keeping, learning institutions, and peace and wedding event organizers among others.

    “Indians love our birds for pets as compared to other customers. Last year alone we sold 50-80 birds worth Sh800,000 and about 65 per cent were bought by Indians,” said Rongers Ong’ondo, assistant animal park manager.

    A pair of African grey parrots goes for 70,000 while a single such parrots fetches Sh40,000, a pair of Australian cocktail is Sh30, 000 while a single cocktail is bought at Sh20,000 just to sample a few.

    RELATED ARTICLE: Mombasa farmer rears ornamental birds on worm-diet, halfs costs

    Australian cocktails if managed well can live for over 25 years while African grey parrots can go up to 40-50 years, said Ong’ondo.

    Feeding

    Beauty or ornamental birds just like other birds need care especially on the feeding and vaccination aspects though they are found to consume less food than chicken for example.

    While a laying chicken requires between 120g and 150g of feeds a day an ornamental bird like bantam can consume between 60g and 80g a day.

    “We feed our birds on spinach, sunflower, white millet, maize bran, lime and fruits such as apples, pineapples, pawpaw and bananas. These feeds costs between Sh500 and Sh1,000 a week,” said Ong’ondo.

    “Other ornamental birds kept here include Strasser Pigeon, Budgerigar, French Mondain, Reverse Wings Pouter, Jacob Lion Head Pigeon, Saddle Fantail Pigeon, Saxon Shield Owl Pigeon, Indian Fantail Pigeon, Jersey Giant, Leghorn, Pekin bantam, Greylag goose, Ugandan Cranes and guinea fowls among others.”

    RELATED ARTICLE: Rare birds earn farmer Sh15million yearly

    Farming permit

    A part from pigeons, parches parrots and cocktails almost all other birds need permits from Kenya Wild Life Services (KWS) to keep.

    “Those interested in keeping these types of birds apply for permits by paying Sh1500 through their nearest local KWS warden offices,” said Maranga.

    The permit is produced within two weeks if the applicant abides with all the regulations which include ensuring the farm or farmer from whom they source the birds is also permitted and the environment where the birds are going to be kept is safe.

    “KWS officers keep visiting and checking on the birds’ affairs occasionally and those found to be maltreating the birds in any way have their permits revoked, birds released or given to other keepers.”

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    countryside woman out field

    By George Munene

    The O-Farms Accelerator Program is seeking applications from circular Kenyan agribusinesses with two selected SMEs receiving up to Sh3M in implementation funding. 

    The African SME accelerator is focused on funding the next generation of innovative circular agribusinesses in Kenya and Uganda.

    A circular agribusiness uses either food losses (avoidable waste from agro-processing, e.g. Rejected tomatoes, spoilt milk, rejected bananas) and/or by-products (unavoidable waste from agri-processing e.g. rice husks, orange leftover peels,e.t.c) to produce new agri-food products.

    O-Farms will build innovation support infrastructure that enables these circular agribusinesses to grow and develop.

    Agri-circulation creates a more sustainable food system that drives innovation through developing innovative business models that reduce agricultural losses thereby creating new economic opportunities and jobs in the region. 

    In this regard, Kenya is able to sustainably feed its growing population, without depleting natural resources. 

    Related News: KCB, USAID Sh100M fund to finance Kenya’s arid livestock farmers

    In Kenya, the O-Farm’s Accelerator is funded by Ikea Foundation and implemented by E4Impact Accelerator in Nairobi- Kenya.

    The program aims to support the agribusinesses to refine their innovations, strengthen their business models, access financing opportunities and create a founding community advocating for better adoption of a circular economy and supportive policies & legislation.

    Program Benefits

    • Customised training program on agri-circularity business
    • Technical Assistance to embed circularity principles in the business model including strengthening the systems and processes.
    • Coaching and Mentorship – personalised and group coaching to unpack training into business implementation
    • Links to financial and investment opportunities
    • Networking and peer learning to strengthen innovations and build a community of best practices in agri-circularity.
    • 2 peer-selected SMEs will receive milestone-based grant funding of up to Euro 25,000 to implement identified milestones. 
    • Networking opportunities to showcase your solution and meet with investors and other stakeholders.

    Related News: USAID invites applicants for Sh600 million African agriculture grant

    Related News: Sh18M grant enables Garissa farmer establish thriving grass business

    Eligibility Criteria

    • Have an innovative business that uses food losses (e.g. Rejected tomatoes) or by-products (e.g. Rice husks).
    • To make and sell new agrifood products, such as:
    • Human food (e.g. turning rejected tomatoes into ketchup).
    • Animal feed (e.g. using orange peels).
    • Biodegradable packaging materials for the food industry (e.g. using Pineapple crowns).
    • Compost/organic fertilisers (e.g. using rice husks).
    • Bio-energy for agri-processing (e.g. using agri-processing waste).
    • Be a growth stage enterprise with an existing customer base (post-revenue) that’s buying your agri-circular products.
    • Be a Kenyan registered enterprise with at least one of the founder/co-owner being Kenyan.

    To apply: ACCELERATOR 2.0

    Application deadline: 30th Sep 2022

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    malawi ag extension

    By George Munene

    1

    Position:  Agronomists

    Location:  Kenya (Various Locations)

    Recruiter / Employer:  Employed Staffing Solutions Ltd

    Contract:  Contract / Casual

    About the Role:

    Our Client is a horticultural company that deals with growing, sorting & grading, and packaging fresh fruits, herbs and vegetables for the export market. We are looking for an Agronomist for them.

    Education/ Work Experience Requirements:

    • Degree/ diploma level in Agribusiness/ Agriculture economics or any other related field
    • One-year relevant work experience in the agricultural crop input sector
    • Previous experience working in the horticultural sector in Kenya establishing smallholder schemes for vegetable production is an added advantage.
    • Knowledge & practical experience of economic horticultural models

    How to apply: 

    If you Qualify and are up to the challenge, send your CV and Cover Letter to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and email the subject Agronomist. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

    (For additional info:https://jobs.digger.co.ke/39043/agronomist)

     

    2

    Position:  Senior Agriculture Financial Specialist

    Location:  Nairobi, Kenya

    Recruiter / Employer:  Kenya Financial Sector Deepening (FSD)

    Contract:  Full time

    About the Role:

    We are looking for a Senior Agriculture Specialist to lead FSD Kenya’s Agriculture and Processing Finance project. Working with other colleagues, the Specialist Will provide technical expertise leading to the development and implementation of interventions and tasks. The Specialist will also contribute to other FSD projects related to trade, green finance, and health.

    Education/ Work Experience Requirements:

    • Experience managing agriculture finance projects in Kenya (at least 7 years experience)
    • Relevant professional qualification (minimum of bachelor’s degree; desirable master’s degree, and training in market systems development)
    • Experience in the financial sector, preferably working in agriculture, credit, and/or insurance
    • Experience in the agriculture sector
    • Understanding of women’s economic empowerment and gender

    How to apply:  https://bit.ly/3RxpBhS

    Closure Date:  25th September 2022

     

    3

    Position:  Outgrowers Scheme Manager (Kirinyaga)

    Location: Kirinyaga County

    Recruiter / Employer:  Farmworks Farming Services

    Contract:  Full time

    About the Role:

    • Preparation and implementation of budgets and schedules for planting and harvesting.
    • Working with the HR department to recruit and develop teams in the scheme.
    • Coordinating and Supervising day-to-day operations of the different departments in the scheme ensuring targets are met.
    • Ensuring that the Scheme complies with legal requirements and Global Gap Standards.
    • Planning for the supply of farm inputs including seeds/seedlings, fertilizers, pesticides, and other supplies.
    • Overseeing harvest, aggregation, and delivery of produce to designated markets
    • Overseeing construction, repairs, maintenance, and replacement of equipment and machinery and Scheme infrastructure.
    • Prepare regular production and financial reports for the scheme

    Education/ Work Experience Requirements:

    • Min qualification will be a diploma in Agriculture.
    • Having BASIS & FACTS qualification will be an added advantage
    • Demonstrated capacity in analyzing economic dynamics in production and generation of budgets
    • Min 5 years of working experience in the management of farms and Outgrowers Schemes in the horticulture sector.
    • Thorough knowledge of the horticulture crops and farmers' organization dynamics in the counties of Kirinyaga, Embu, Muranga, Machakos, and Kiambu.
    • Demonstrated leadership in the development and implementation of farmer training programs. Experience in Farmer’s Field School approach will be an added advantage.
    • Demonstrated capacity to analyze complex situations, solve problems and manage change.
    • Ability to use ICT tools and office packages (word, excel, PowerPoint, outlook, etc.)
    • Available to start within one month

    How to apply: LinkedIn

     

    4

    Position:  Farm Manager

    Location:  Homa Bay County, Kenya

    Recruiter / Employer:  Stable Foods Ltd

    Contract:  Full time

    About the Role: 

    The Farm Manager will be responsible for overseeing and managing Stable Foods’ horticultural strategy and execution.

    Education/ Work Experience Requirements:

    • Bachelors Degree in Agronomy or related plant or soil science field, Masters preferred.
    • Minimum 10 years of direct farm management experience required, with a preference for candidates with vegetable crop and small holder farmer experience.
    • Must have experience leading a diverse team of supervisors and casual laborers, inclusive of experience with labor planning and team building.
    • Drip irrigation systems knowledge required, including nutrition delivery, water usage, etc.
    • Experience in regenerative agriculture and organic agriculture preferred.
    • Must be physically fit and capable enough for occasional manual farm labor.
    • Must be able to move items weighing up to 20kg.

    How to apply:  Please send CV and cover letter explaining your motivation and why you are well suited for this role to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

    • Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
    • Female/minority candidates are encouraged to apply.
    • Stable Foods will make an effort to reply to all applications, but feedback is not guaranteed.
    • Anticipated start date – Q4 2022.

     

    5

    Position:  Agricultural Extension Intern

    Location:  Vihiga and Kakamega counties

    Recruiter / Employer:  Sustainable Organic Farming and Development Initiatives (SOFDI) (www.sofdi.com)

    Contract: Internship

    Salary: KSh 15,000 - 30,000

    About the Role:

    The extension interns will be responsible for attending to a region of farmer's groups which entails effective planning, implementation, and monitoring of our holistic training program. The extension staff will be the focal person for farmer groups and carry out mobilization and capacity strengthening activities, supervising lead farmers and providing extension support to ensure sustained increase in farm productivity for self-reliance.

    Education/ Work Experience Requirements: 

    • Bachelor’s degree in General Agriculture, Livestock Production, Horticulture, Agronomy, Agribusiness Economics, Cooperatives Management/ Diploma degree with 2 years of relevant field experience in the specified and/or related field from a recognised Educational Institution.
    • Experience, education, and interest in the following areas would be preferred: 

    Sustainable Organic Farming, Permaculture, Bio-intensive Agriculture, IPM, and Agro-ecology; 

    Agribusiness, Crop-based Cooperatives and Entrepreneurship, Farm Business School;

    Agroforestry, Livestock Systems, Climate Change as it relates to agriculture;

    Applications of IT in agriculture,  Seed Systems, Value-Addition;

    Community Development, Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture, Community Health.

    How to apply:  BrighterMonday

     

    6

    Position:  Senior Scientist I - Cropping Systems Agronomist

    Location:  Nairobi, Kenya (open for international applications)

    Recruiter / Employer:  International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

    Contract: Full-time

    About the Role:

    Developing and promoting climate-smart, nature-friendly rice-based farming systems, and value chains. The research position is open in the field of ‘cropping systems agronomy and climate change’ which will be part of a multi-disciplinary team of scientists to optimize production and address climate change challenges.

    Education/ Work Experience Requirements:

    PhD in agronomy, cropping systems analysis, soil science, climate change, or related fields with at least 4+ years post-PhD

    How to apply:  Apply on organisation's website

     

    7

    Position:  County Cluster Land Specialist

    Location:  Kenya

    Recruiter / Employer: FAO, Kenya

    Contract: 12 months with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds

    About the Role:

    In close coordination with the Programme Manager, act as a cluster manager for the full implementation of scheduled activities on land.  

    Education/ Work Experience Requirements:

    •   Advanced university degree in Natural Resource Management, Land Management, land administration, Surveying, Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, legal studies, or related field.
    •   At least 5 years of experience in natural resource management programmes at national level.
    •   Working knowledge of level C English and Swahili
    •   Must be of Kenyan Nationality

    How to apply: Apply on organisation's website

    Closure Date: 20/Sep/2022, 12:59:00 AM

     

    8

    Position:  ILRI Internship

    Location:  Nairobi, Kenya

    Recruiter / Employer: International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

    Contract:  ILRI offers a stipend to cover living expenses as well as insurance.

    Education/ Work Experience Requirements: 

    Be enrolled in an undergraduate university degree program, with at least one full semester to completion. 

    (Through strategic partnerships, ILRI also provides internship opportunities to students enrolled in diploma and certificate programs, as well as senior high school students)

    How to apply: http://www.ilri.org/

    Interested candidates who meet the criteria above are encouraged to submit their application letter, detailed CV, motivation letter, and university internship request letters. Applications should be addressed to the Head of Capacity Development.

     

    9

    Position: Vihiga County Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries Executive Committee Member

    Location:  Vihiga, Kenya

    Recruiter / Employer:  Vihiga County public service board

    Contract:  Permanent

    Education/ Work Experience Requirements:

    • Degree
    • A Master’s degree will be an added advantage
    • Have knowledge, experience, and a distinguished career of not less than five years in the field relevant to the portfolio to which the person is seeking to be considered
    • Understand diversity, challenges, and opportunities within the County;
    • Should not hold any other State or Public Office

    How to apply: 

    Applicants should submit their applications together with their detailed resumes and certified copies of their Academic and Professional certificates, Testimonials, National Identity Card/Passport and any other supporting documents to the undersigned on or before 15th September 2022. The applicants should indicate the position applied for on top of the envelope and address it to:

    The County Secretary and Head of County Public Service

    County Government of Vihiga

    P.O. Box 344 – 50300

    Maragoli, Kenya

    Hard copies of applications should be delivered to the Office of the County Secretary, Ground Floor at County Government of Vihiga Headquarters in Mbale, between 8.00AM and 5.00PM on a weekday

    Successful candidates shall be required to appear before a committee of the County Assembly before appointment.

     

    10

    Position:  Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Veterinary at Meru County

    Location:  Meru, Kenya

    Recruiter / Employer:  Meru County public service board

    Contract: Full-Time

    About the role: 

    • The administration of a county department.
    • Implementation of policies and development plans.
    • Development and implementation of strategic plans.
    • Formulate and implement effective programs to attain vision 2030 and sector goals.
    • Promote national values and principles of governance and values and principles of public service

    Education/ Work Experience Requirements:

    • Be a Kenyan citizen.
    • Must be a holder of at least a degree in the field of Agriculture, Livestock Development, or fisheries from a University relevant and recognized in Kenya.
    • A Master’s degree in a recognized relevant field will be an added advantage.
    • Must have knowledge, experience, and distinguished career of not less than ten (10) years in the specific, five (5) of which must be at senior level either at government or private sector.
    • Be conversant with policy formulation and implementation.
    • Must have attended senior management course lasting not less than 4 weeks from an institution recognized in Kenya.
    • A strategic leadership development programme course from an institution recognized in Kenya is an added advantage

    How to apply:  careers.meru.go.ke

    Closure Date: 20 September. 2022

     

    11

    Position:  Farm Attendants – 8 Positions (Internship)

    Location:  Kisumu County

    Recruiter / Employer:  Chicken Basket Limited

    Contract:Internship (Unpaid)

    Education/ Work Experience Requirements: 

    • Certificate/ Diploma in Poultry/Animal Management
    • Preferably those who can reside in any part of the country
    • Must be able to speak in local dialect
    • Good interpersonal and communication skills is desired
    • Must be between 25-35 years of age

    How to apply:  Brighter Monday

     

    12

    Position:  Farm Attendants – 3 Positions (Internship)

    Location:  Vihiga County

    Recruiter / Employer:  Julius Dairy Farm

    Contract: Internship (Unpaid)

    Education/ Work Experience Requirements:

    • Certificate/Artisan level in Poultry production /Animal production
    • Must be willing to volunteer without pay
    • Passionate about agriculture and poultry value chain

     

    How to apply:  Brighter Monday

     

    13

    Position: Internship - 2 Positions

    Location:  Kakamega County

    Recruiter / Employer:  Ebukanachi Self Help Group

    Contract: Internship (Unpaid)

    Education/ Work Experience Requirements:

    • Certificate in General Agriculture
    • Passionate about agriculture

    How to apply: Brighter Monday

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