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Vacancies (19)
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Fodder Production ExpertEmployer FAO Uzbekistan |
| Information on vacancy | |
| Period of publication | 11.03.2025 - 25.03.2025 |
| Field of activity / position: |
Agriculture, irrigation / Master |
| Duties | This position holder will be based in and work for Ministry of Agriculture of Republic of Uzbekistan Background The Food Systems, Land Use, and Restoration (FOLUR) Impact Program aims to promote sustainable food production and responsible commodity value chains at a global scale. Supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), this program operates across 27 countries, including Uzbekistan. The program focuses on integrated landscape management (ILM), sustainable agricultural practices, and restoring natural habitats to improve ecosystem services and contribute to climate resilience. In Uzbekistan, the FOLUR project is centered around improving wheat production systems, fostering crop diversification, and restoring degraded lands. With a strong emphasis on community-driven approaches, the project seeks to enhance the livelihoods of farmers, improve food security, and support national efforts to meet global climate and sustainability goals. Through the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, the project promotes sustainable wheat value chains, ecosystem restoration, and the empowerment of rural communities, especially women and youth. The initiative is also aligned with Uzbekistan's national strategies to promote sustainable agriculture, reduce land degradation, and combat climate change. In this project, Component 2 of the FOLUR Impact Program in Uzbekistan focuses on promoting sustainable food production practices across wheat-based landscapes and developing responsible commodity value chains. The goal is to demonstrate sustainable agricultural practices on 300,000 hectares of both irrigated and rain-fed lands. This component is designed to address the environmental and productivity challenges faced by Uzbekistan's wheat sector, which is a critical commodity for the country's food security and rural livelihoods. Component 2 aims to improve the productivity and sustainability of wheat production through climate-smart agriculture, conservation practices, and crop diversification. Objectives The objective of this assignment is to strengthen fodder production practices, enhancing productivity and sustainability in the project areas. The Fodder Production Expert will focus on scaling up climate-smart and sustainable fodder practices and crop diversification strategies, aligned with FAO guidelines and FOLUR protocols, to improve livestock feeding systems in Uzbekistan. Scope of Work Fodder Production Strategy Development • Design and implement strategies that integrate sustainable and climate-resilient fodder production systems into existing agricultural landscapes. • Promote drought-resistant and salinity-tolerant fodder crops, ensuring the crops selected are suited to the environmental conditions of Uzbekistan's target areas. • Develop crop production guidelines that complement land restoration and sustainable farming practices. • Ensure fodder production is aligned with sustainable livestock management and fits into broader landscape management frameworks. Capacity Building for Stakeholders • Organize training programs (FFS, ToT, APFS) on sustainable fodder crop production, focusing on climate-smart agricultural techniques such as water-efficient irrigation, integrated nutrient management, and rotational cropping. • Provide technical guidance to farmers, cooperatives, and extension agents on fodder crop management, ensuring that training materials are adapted to local contexts. • Ensure gender inclusivity, with a minimum of 50% female participation in all training sessions. • Develop training manuals and resources that can be used for future capacity-building initiatives beyond the project's duration. Establishing Demonstration Plots and Best Practices • Set up demonstration sites for fodder production in different climatic regions (e.g., Karakalpakstan, Khorezm, and Kashkadarya), showcasing best practices in sustainable land management and fodder crop cultivation. • Introduce innovative techniques for crop rotation, water management, and soil conservation in fodder crop systems.. • Monitor and document the performance of the demonstration plots, providing data-driven insights into the success of various techniques. • Utilize GPS-tagging to record the exact locations of the demonstration plots, ensuring that performance data is properly captured. Promoting Market-Based Solutions for Fodder Value Chains • Develop and implement market-based incentives for fodder producers, such as contract farming models that connect smallholders to larger markets. • Facilitate the formation of cooperatives or commodity platforms to help fodder producers gain market access, ensuring that value chains remain sustainable and profitable. • Collaborate with private sector stakeholders to create partnerships that link smallholder farmers with fodder markets, providing stability for both producers and buyers. • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the market-based solutions, making adjustments where necessary to enhance the profitability of the value chain. Participatory Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting • Establish a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system to track the impact of sustainable fodder production practices on productivity, income, and land health. • Ensure participatory M&E that involves farmers and local stakeholders, allowing for real-time feedback and adjustments to the project's approaches. • Document the environmental and economic impacts of fodder production interventions, with a focus on the reduction of water use, improvement of soil fertility, and increased livestock productivity. • Submit quarterly and annual reports detailing progress, challenges, and lessons learned, including data on 50% female participation in project activities. Knowledge Sharing and Communication • Develop knowledge products such as case studies, reports, and policy briefs that highlight best practices and successful interventions in the dairy value chain. • Participate in regional knowledge-sharing events, including experience-sharing with FOLUR partners in other countries. • Contribute to the development of a communication strategy that promotes sustainable dairy practices and market-based solutions. Collaboration with other Experts within the FOLUR Project • Collaborates with Data Management Expert (M&E) responsible for Component 4 (monitoring and evaluation) to measure project impact. • Collaborates with National Consultants for workshops and FFS. • Collaborates with ILM Planning Experts for integrating sustainable agricultural practices into land-use planning. • Collaborates with Knowledge Management Expert (Communications/Advocacy) for document and promote project results, to gather data, case studies, and outputs from different components for communication and advocacy purposes. Expected Outputs and Responsibilities of the Fodder Production Expert Component 1: Integrated Landscape Management (ILM) for Sustainable Wheat Systems Output 1.1: Integration of sustainable fodder production practices into landscape management plans, ensuring that fodder crops are incorporated into rotational systems with wheat and other crops. Output 1.2: Capacity-building for fodder producers on sustainable practices such as water-efficient irrigation, soil conservation, and nutrient management to support integrated landscape management. Output 1.3: Development of policy recommendations and guidelines for incorporating fodder production into ILM strategies, emphasizing resource efficiency, sustainability, and the complementary role of fodder in sustainable wheat systems. Responsibilities Collaborate with stakeholders to integrate fodder production into ILM plans, focusing on sustainable land and water use. ate-smart techniques. Facilitate training sessions and workshops for fodder producers and local stakeholders, focusing on sustainable fodder cultivation, resource use efficiency, and the ecological benefits of fodder within rotational systems. Work with policymakers to ensure fodder production is included in national and local landscape management strategies. Component 2: Promotion of Sustainable Food Production and Responsible Commodity Value Chains Output 2.1: Demonstration plots showcasing innovative fodder production techniques such as drought-resistant varieties, improved irrigation methods, and soil conservation practices. Output 2.2: Capacity building for fodder producers and cooperatives to adopt sustainable practices and integrate into the value chain, including contract farming and cooperative models. Output 2.3: Development of market-based solutions for fodder crops, improving access to value chains and ensuring fodder producers benefit from sustainable production practices. Responsibilities: Oversee the establishment of fodder demonstration plots to showcase best practices in sustainable production, with attention to climate-smart approaches such as drought-tolerant crops and efficient irrigation. Conduct training programs for fodder producers, including women and smallholder farmers, on sustainable production practices, market access, and value addition. Facilitate the development of market-based solutions that support the inclusion of fodder producers in local and regional value chains. Component 3: Conservation and Restoration of Natural Habitats Output 3.1: Integration of fodder crops in habitat restoration and agroforestry efforts, contributing to biodiversity conservation and soil health. Output 3.2: Community engagement in conservation activities, highlighting the role of fodder crops in ecosystem restoration and sustainable livestock management. Output 3.3: Development of sustainable grazing systems that incorporate fodder crops, improving land use efficiency and promoting biodiversity. Responsibilities: Collaborate with environmental experts to include fodder crops in habitat restoration plans, ensuring a balance between production and conservation. Work with local communities to promote sustainable grazing systems that utilize fodder crops, improving land use efficiency and enhancing biodiversity. Document and share best practices in integrating fodder production into conservation efforts, contributing to knowledge exchange. Component 4: Knowledge Management, Monitoring, and Evaluation Output 4.1: Development of knowledge products such as case studies, policy briefs, and reports on sustainable fodder production and its role in ILM. Output 4.2: Monitoring and evaluation of the adoption of sustainable fodder production practices, with a focus on gender-inclusive approaches. Output 4.3: Regular reporting on the impact of fodder production on food security, environmental sustainability, and livelihoods. Responsibilities: Collaborate with the Monitoring and Evaluation team to track the adoption of sustainable fodder production practices, providing regular updates on progress and outcomes. Develop knowledge products that document the role of fodder in sustainable food systems, including its integration into ILM and value chains. Participate in knowledge-sharing platforms, both regional and international, to disseminate findings and best practices in fodder production. Deliverables Strategy Development and Policy Integration - A comprehensive report detailing the development and implementation of sustainable fodder production strategies, focusing on resource-efficient practices and alignment with broader landscape management plans. - Policy briefs and guidelines advocating for the inclusion of fodder production into national agricultural policies, with a focus on climate-smart agriculture, land use efficiency, and sustainable land management. Training and Capacity Building - Creation and distribution of training manuals on sustainable fodder production practices, including topics such as water-efficient irrigation, soil conservation, and nutrient management. The materials will be tailored for farmers, cooperatives, and extension agents. - Documentation of all capacity-building sessions, including Farmer Field Schools (FFS), Training of Trainers (ToT), and Agricultural Production and Field Schools (APFS), with gender-disaggregated data on participant attendance and post-training evaluation. Demonstration Sites and Practical Applications - Reports on the establishment and monitoring of fodder crop demonstration sites, including GPS-tagged locations and performance data on the effectiveness of different fodder production techniques (e.g., drought-resistant varieties, water-saving irrigation). - Regular M&E reports documenting the results from demonstration sites and pilot projects, tracking adoption rates, environmental outcomes (e.g., improved soil health, water use efficiency), and economic impacts on local communities. Market-Based Solutions Report - Report on the development of market-based solutions for fodder producers, including the establishment of contract farming models, cooperative platforms, and integration of smallholder farmers into local and regional value chains. - Documentation of interventions aimed at strengthening fodder value chains, including case studies on improving market access for smallholders and the implementation of public-private partnerships to support fodder producers. Conservation, Restoration, and Community Engagement - A detailed report on the use of fodder crops in habitat restoration efforts, with data on their contribution to improving soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem sustainability. - Documentation of community engagement activities, particularly involving local farmers and women, in the promotion of sustainable fodder production practices, with a focus on how these practices contribute to ecosystem restoration and livestock management. Knowledge Sharing and Final Reporting - Development of knowledge products, including case studies, policy briefs, and technical reports, highlighting best practices in sustainable fodder production. These will be shared with national and international knowledge platforms such as WOCAT. - Quarterly and annual reports on the adoption rates of sustainable dairy practices, impact assessments, and alignment with FOLUR IP protocols. Knowledge Products and Publications - At least two WOCAT articles or similar publications, sharing knowledge and best practices from the sustainable dairy value chain interventions in Uzbekistan. - A final comprehensive report summarizing the outcomes of the fodder production interventions, including key results, lessons learned, challenges encountered, and recommendations for future scaling. Timeline: The consultancy services shall be provided within 80 days from the Effective Date of the Consultancy Agreement, with a total engagement of up to 80 working days during the project's 3-year duration. |
| Requirements to the candidate | |
| Age: | Irrelevant |
| Gender: | Irrelevant |
| Residence: | Uzbekistan |
| Education: | Higher |
| Professional requirements | Minimum requirements Qualifications and Experience The ideal Conservation Agriculture Expert should possess the following qualifications: • Advanced degree in Agronomy, Animal Husbandry, Agricultural Economics, Sustainable Agriculture, or a related field, with a specialization in fodder production or sustainable land management. • Minimum of 5 years of experience in fodder production, agricultural value chains, and sustainable land management. • Proven track record of working with climate-resilient fodder crops such as drought-tolerant and salinity-resistant varieties. • Experience in implementing sustainable agricultural practices, including water-efficient irrigation, integrated nutrient management, and crop rotation. • Experience in training and capacity building of farmers, community members, and extension agents. • Experience working in rural development projects, particularly in Central Asia or similar contexts, is an advantage. • Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and data analysis software. • Fluency in Uzbek is required; knowledge of English is an advantage, (Knowledge of Russian language can be considered). Competencies: • Strong knowledge of climate-smart agricultural practices and sustainable fodder production techniques. • Familiarity with integrated landscape management (ILM) approaches, particularly the role of fodder crops in resource efficiency and land restoration. • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including farmers, cooperatives, government agencies, and the private sector. • Effective project management skills with the ability to deliver results within set timelines. • Strong writing and reporting skills with experience in preparing technical reports, training manuals, and articles. Location: Tashkent, Uzbekistan Site visits: Project locations Karakalpakstan, Khorezm and Kashkadarya |
| Working conditions | |
| Region | Tashkent |
| Employment | Full |
| Salary offered | TBD |
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