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 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