Upland Rice Farming Consultant (Relocate to Africa)

We are seeking an experienced Consultant - Upland Rice Farming to support the planning, establishment, and optimization of upland rice cultivation in arid to desert-like conditions with low-fertility soils and minimal rainfall. The role will focus on developing a practical, profitable upland rice production system using supported irrigation (non-flooded) and regenerative soil improvement practices.

The consultant will provide technical and strategic guidance on:Suitable upland rice varieties for dryland conditionsEfficient irrigation systems and scheduling for water-scarce regionsFertility management for sandy and nutrient-poor soilsWeed control and crop management under non-flooded conditionsYield optimization and farm profitability

Success in this role will be measured by the development of a clear, field-ready upland rice production model that is technically sound, water-efficient, and commercially viable under challenging environmental conditions. The consultant will play a key role in helping the company diversify cropping systems and improve food crop production alongside its regenerative agriculture strategy.

Responsibilities and DutiesUpland Rice Strategy & Technical Advisory• Provide expert guidance on the design and implementation of upland rice farming systems in arid and low-rainfall regions.• Develop a complete cultivation roadmap from land preparation to harvest, tailored to non-flooded rice production.• Recommend practical approaches to establish upland rice on sandy, low-organic matter soils.

Rice Variety Selection & Seed RecommendationsIdentify and recommend upland rice varieties suitable for:Arid/desert-like environmentsLow-fertility soilsLow and irregular rainfallIrrigated but non-flooded conditionsAdvise on varietal traits required for success, such as:Drought toleranceHeat toleranceEarly maturityWeed competitivenessYield stability under stressRecommend seed sourcing strategies and seed quality standards.

Irrigation System Design & Water ManagementAssess and recommend the most suitable irrigation systems for upland rice in water-limited conditions and advise on:Which irrigation type to use under different field conditionsIrrigation frequency and schedulingWater-saving strategiesSoil moisture monitoring methodsDevelop guidelines for efficient water use to maximize yield per unit of water.

Soil Fertility & Fertilizer AdvisoryAssess soil fertility constraints and provide recommendations for improving nutrient availability and crop performance.Develop fertilizer programs for upland rice in poor soils, including: Basal and top-dress nutrient plans, Organic and inorganic fertilizer integration, Timing and method of fertilizer application.Recommend use of soil amendments (where appropriate) such as: Compost, Biochar, Mulch and other Organic matter incorporationAdvise on nutrient management to improve yield while controlling production costs.

Weed Management & Crop ProtectionDevelop practical weed control strategies for non-flooded upland rice systems, including:Pre-plant and post-emergence weed managementMechanical and manual control methodsHerbicide recommendations (if required)Cover crop and mulching approaches to suppress weedsAdvise on basic pest and disease prevention measures relevant to upland rice under dryland conditions.

Yield Optimization & Agronomic Performance• Recommend agronomic practices to improve crop establishment, tillering, grain filling, and harvest outcomes.• Advise on:Planting density and spacingSowing methods (direct seeding vs nursery transplant where relevant)Planting windows and crop calendarsHarvest timing and post-harvest handlingSet realistic yield targets based on soil, water, and climate conditions.

Profitability & Business PlanningProvide guidance on how to make upland rice farming commercially profitable, including:Cost of production analysisInput optimizationYield-to-profit scenariosBreak-even and margin estimatesMarket positioning and pricing strategyRecommend models for scaling from pilot plots to larger commercial production.

Field Support, Training & SOP DevelopmentSupport field teams in implementing recommended practices through demonstrations and technical training.Develop simple and practical SOPs for:Variety selectionIrrigation managementFertilizer applicationWeed controlHarvest and yield trackingMonitor pilot implementation and refine recommendations based on field performance.

RequirementsEducation• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Science, Soil Science, Irrigation Engineering, or a related agricultural field.• Additional certifications or specialized training in rice agronomy, dryland farming, or irrigation systems are an advantage.

Experience• Minimum 8-12 years of hands-on experience in rice cultivation, with proven expertise in upland rice farming.• Demonstrated experience growing rice in: Arid or semi-arid conditions, low-fertility soils and low-rainfall environments with supplemental irrigation• Experience in designing and managing non-flooded rice systems is essential.• Experience advising on commercial farm profitability and scaling is highly preferred.

SkillsStrong practical knowledge of:Upland rice varieties and varietal performanceIrrigation systems for dryland rice (drip, sprinkler,Centre pivot, etc.)Fertility management in poor soilsWeed control in non-flooded rice systemsYield improvement and farm economicsAbility to develop clear, field-ready recommendations and implementation plans.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on practical outcomes.Excellent communication and training skills for field teams and management.Proficiency in English

Knowledge• In-depth understanding of agronomic requirements for upland rice under water-limited conditions.• Knowledge of crop-water relations and irrigation scheduling for maximizing water productivity.• Familiarity with integrated nutrient management and regenerative approaches for low-organic soils.• Understanding of market factors and cost structures affecting rice farm profitability.

Others• Experience working in Africa, the Sahel, or other dry tropical regions is highly desirable.• Ability to conduct on-site visits and support implementation in remote farm locations.• Experience with trial design and field validation of agronomic recommendations is preferred.• Strong commitment to sustainable agriculture and practical, farmer-oriented solutions.• Availability for periodic consulting visits and remote technical support throughout the crop cycle.