ILRI Consultancy; Animal Feeds

International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a consultant to train livestock keepers on feed formulation, sustainable feeding practices, and climate-smart forage production, establishing demonstration plots, disseminating CIS, and improving cattle productivity, particularly milk production, in semi-arid regions.

ILRI works to improve food security and nutrition and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe, and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 15 CGIAR research centers dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, ILRI has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa. www.ilri.org

The ‘Enabling a resilient and prosperous community through participatory agroecological practices in the semiarid region of central Tanzania’ (ResComm2) project is jointly funded by BIOVISION and LED 2024-2026 and will focus on empowering resource-poor, crop-livestock farming communities in the Dodoma region to implement landscape-scale natural resource management and integrated farm management that restores landscapes and enhances household resilience, nutrition, income, and job generation.  Building on ResComm1 led by ICRISAT, ResCommm 2, led by ILRI will continue to focus on Central Tanzania (Dodoma Region) in the Kongwa District and extend to additional villages in Mpawpwa District in year 3. The overall goal is to demonstrate how landscape-scale natural resource management and integrated farm management can enhance household resilience, nutrition, income, and job generation in a semi-arid crop-livestock system. This will be achieved through (i) participatory planning, diagnosis, and community engagement; (ii) promoting the use of integrated and agroecological-based farming practices and watershed management; and (iii) promoting the integration of feeds and forages, and youth agri-entrepreneurship to boost the utilization and sale of animal-sourced foods, especially meat, and eggs. ResComm2 will establish the target districts as learning sites where policymakers, development partners, and the NARES from nearby Dodoma will be able to visit as ‘seeing is believing.’ The project team will create awareness at the national level through these exposure visits, policy dialogues, and scientific events to facilitate the institutionalization and further funding of participatory agroecological landscape management.

Scope of Work for the Consultant Develop a detailed training plan covering feed formulation, sustainable feeding practices, and climate-smart forage production.

• Design culturally appropriate training materials, considering the literacy levels of participants.
• Provide hands-on training in formulating balanced cattle feed using locally available resources to meet nutritional needs.
• Train livestock keepers on sustainable feeding practices to improve cattle productivity and health.
• Establish demonstration plots showcasing climate-smart practices and suitable forage crop varieties.
• Provide practical guidance on fodder and forage management, including planting, harvesting, and storage techniques.
• Develop and disseminate CIS tailored to fodder and forage production, including weather forecasts, planting advisories, and drought preparedness tips.
• Guide farmers on integrating improved feeding and forage practices to increase milk production and overall livestock productivity.
• Monitor changes in milk yield and other productivity indicators among farmers adopting new practices.
• Collaborate with local extension agents, lead farmers, and ILRI staff to ensure smooth implementation and ongoing support for farmers.
• Document and report on the training sessions, demonstration plots, and CIS dissemination.

Required

• MSc in Animal Science, Livestock Management, Agricultural Sciences, or a related field
• Proven expertise in livestock training, feed formulation, and forage production.
• Knowledge of climate-smart practices and CIS for agricultural use.
• Experience in developing and disseminating CIS for rural communities.
• Experience monitoring livestock productivity indicators such as milk yield.
• Good spoken and written English and Kiswahili

Reporting and communication

• Draft and compile reports detailing the findings of the field surveys and data analysis, providing insights and recommendations.
• Attend bi-weekly meetings with the project manager and the team to discuss progress, challenges, and next steps.

Capacity building

• Provide training and support to data collectors and students.

Final deliverables for the Consultant:

1. Comprehensive training materials covering feed formulation, sustainable feeding practices, and forage production.
2. Established demonstration plots for fodder and forage production in designated villages.
3. Disseminated CIS for fodder and forage production, tailored to the local context.
4. A training report summarizing the implementation process, participant feedback, challenges, and recommendations.
5. Documented evidence of productivity changes, particularly increased milk production, among farmers adopting the practices.

A final report detailing the impact of training, demonstration plots, and CIS dissemination, with a focus on milk production improvements and recommendations for scaling up.

Consultancy Fee:  By mutual agreement based on agreed milestones and deliverables.

Post location: Dodoma, Tanzania

Expected places of travel: 

Duration:   Twelve months (Max working days: 240 days)

Essential skills and qualifications

The selected Consultant should possess:

The ideal candidate for this consultancy role should possess a robust combination of educational and professional experiences, specifically in the field of environmental economics with a focus on biogas technology. Key qualifications include:

• Proven expertise in livestock training, feed formulation, and forage production.
• Knowledge of climate-smart practices and CIS for agricultural use.
• Experience in developing and disseminating CIS for rural communities.

Experience monitoring livestock productivity indicators such as milk yield.

The consultant should be committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions and have a keen interest in contributing to research that addresses environmental challenges in sub-Saharan Africa.

How to apply: 

Applicants should send a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Chief, People and Culture Officer by clicking on the "Apply Now" tab above before 24 December 2024.  The position title and reference number REF: LCE/ 1688/2024 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.

We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.

To find out more about ILRI, visit our websites at http://www.ilri.org/

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer