Feed and Fodder Manager - Enabling Impact - Office of Programs

IFDC is a public international organization active in 27 countries in Africa, Asia, and America. IFDC uniquely approaches the global issues of food security and poverty by bridging the gap between research and impact, combining science-based innovations, holistic market systems development, an enabling policy environment, and strategic partnerships to assist farmers and countries to identify and scale sustainable agricultural solutions, including improved nutrient use efficiency. These approaches are needed to boost soil health and crop productivity while reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer use. IFDC translates research into action by using locally driven, environmentally sound, and impact-oriented solutions. With our partners, we seek to close the yield gap, eradicate global hunger, safeguard the soil on which our lives depend, and generate economic resilience for farming households and the countries in which they live.

 

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.

 

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

 

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. 

 

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 N1,400,000 for the period of assignment.

 

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.