Mulberry Agronomist

About the role

A leading agricultural company is looking for a Mulberry Agronomist in Homabay, Kenya, to lead plantation management and ensure the nutritional quality of mulberry feed supplied to silkworms, which is a key factor in silk quality. The role develops, implements and scales best-in-class agronomic practices to improve mulberry yield, soil health and nutrient quality, supporting a sustainable and inclusive sericulture value chain.

Key responsibilities

• Improve yield and land productivity through optimized planting, irrigation, pruning and nutrient management.
• Manage plantation scale-up from 10 to 50+ acres while keeping yields high.
• Develop and oversee protocols for mulberry propagation, pest and disease control, irrigation and nutrient management.
• Lead and supervise field agronomy teams and daily plantation activities.
• Monitor and record metrics such as yield per acre and leaf protein levels.
• Work with silkworm rearing teams to align feed quality, availability and logistics.
• Develop farmer training programs and support outgrower models for smallholders.
• Prepare agronomy budgets, procurement plans and monthly productivity reports.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Horticulture, Agroforestry, Plant Science or a related field; Master's preferred.
• Minimum 7 years' experience in plantation management, crop nutrition or agroforestry, including perennial crops.
• Proven experience in mulberry cultivation or managing commercial plantations and farmer networks.
• Strong understanding of soil fertility, plant nutrition and yield optimization.
• Familiarity with regenerative and sustainable agriculture practices.

Required skills

• Proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets and digital farm management tools.
• Hands-on leadership of large teams and farm operations.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving and project management skills.