Agriculturalist – Extension Officer
What is an Agricultural Extension Officer?
Agricultural Extension Officers are involved with the distribution of agricultural information to rural towns, who in turn, teach rural farmers to become better farmers.
They improve the farmers’ abilities by supplying information on a variety of things that are important to farmers.
This would include information on:
- planting seeds
- livestock breeding
- soil conservation
- crop rotation
- fertilises
- marketing
- introducing farmers to new medicines
- pesticides
- tools and machinery
You should be very interested in nature and in an outdoor career because agriculture is the science of the successful growing of certain land crops, whether under dry land conditions or irrigation.
You should also be good at communicating with people and offering advice without offending anyone.
Many people have been using the wrong methods of farming for many years and even though their land has become less fertile, some tend to ignore modern technology and are slow to embrace new ideas.
As an Agricultural Extension Officer you would work with other role players to change this attitude and help the emerging farmer.
What does an Agricultural Extension Officer do?
- meets with local farmers and communities
- gives informative talks
- hands out pamphlets and information
- gives demonstrations
- does research
- meets with pharmaceutical/fertiliser etc companies
- drives long distances between farms/communities
- offers advice
Are you … ?
- interested in farming and agriculture?
- a person who likes helping others?
- willing to travel?
- able to work in rural/farming communities?
- willing to do research?
- willing to keep up to date with technology and techniques?
How do I become an Agricultural Extension Officer?
First you need a Higher Certificate in Agriculture, followed by a 1-year Diploma in Extension.
TRAINING:
- CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
- Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
- To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education.
- CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
