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 conditions
- Efficient irrigation systems and scheduling for water-scarce regions
- Fertility management for sandy and nutrient-poor soils
- Weed control and crop management under non-flooded conditions
- Yield 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 Duties
Upland 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 Recommendations
Identify and recommend upland rice varieties suitable for:
- Arid/desert-like environments
- Low-fertility soils
- Low and irregular rainfall
- Irrigated but non-flooded conditions
Advise on varietal traits required for success, such as:
- Drought tolerance
- Heat tolerance
- Early maturity
- Weed competitiveness
- Yield stability under stress
- Recommend seed sourcing strategies and seed quality standards.
Irrigation System Design & Water Management
Assess 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 conditions
- Irrigation frequency and scheduling
- Water-saving strategies
- Soil moisture monitoring methods
Develop guidelines for efficient water use to maximize yield per unit of water.
Soil Fertility & Fertilizer Advisory
- Assess 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 incorporation
- Advise on nutrient management to improve yield while controlling production costs.
Weed Management & Crop Protection
Develop practical weed control strategies for non-flooded upland rice systems, including:
- Pre-plant and post-emergence weed management
- Mechanical and manual control methods
- Herbicide recommendations (if required)
- Cover crop and mulching approaches to suppress weeds
Advise 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 spacing
- Sowing methods (direct seeding vs nursery transplant where relevant)
- Planting windows and crop calendars
- Harvest timing and post-harvest handling
- Set realistic yield targets based on soil, water, and climate conditions.
Profitability & Business Planning
Provide guidance on how to make upland rice farming commercially profitable, including:
- Cost of production analysis
- Input optimization
- Yield-to-profit scenarios
- Break-even and margin estimates
- Market positioning and pricing strategy
- Recommend models for scaling from pilot plots to larger commercial production.
Field Support, Training & SOP Development
Support field teams in implementing recommended practices through demonstrations and technical training.
Develop simple and practical SOPs for:
- Variety selection
- Irrigation management
- Fertilizer application
- Weed control
- Harvest and yield tracking
Monitor pilot implementation and refine recommendations based on field performance.
Requirements
Education
• 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.
Skills
Strong practical knowledge of:
- Upland rice varieties and varietal performance
- Irrigation systems for dryland rice (drip, sprinkler,Centre pivot, etc.)
- Fertility management in poor soils
- Weed control in non-flooded rice systems
- Yield improvement and farm economics
- Ability 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.