DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Vision

A modernised agriculture culminating in a structurally transformed economy and evident in food security, employment opportunities and reduced poverty.

Mission 

To promote sustainable agriculture and thriving agribusiness through research and technology development, effective extension and other support services to farmers, processors and traders for improved livelihood.

Roles

• Implementation of agricultural and its related policies.
• Advising District Assembly on laws required to regulate agricultural activities in order to protect all stakeholders and the environment.
• Coordination and harmonisation of policies and sector activities with other District Assembly.
• Facilitation of public-private dialogue and partnerships.
•  Advocacy of sector interests locally and in international agreements.
• Facilitation of capacity building of the sector’s human resources and other actors along the agricultural value chain.
• Facilitation of research and technology transfer.
• Facilitation of the linkage between agriculture, industry, research and farmers/processors. .
• Facilitation of the integration of cross-cutting issues such as gender equality into the composite budget.
• Facilitation of international trade and domestic marketing of agricultural commodities.
• Provision and facilitation agricultural service delivery.
• Coordination of enforcement of regulations.
• Coordination of Development Partners’ development policies and activities with the sector policies and activities.

Agricultural Policy Objectives

Based on the role of agriculture in the national development framework, the objectives for the food and agriculture sector policy are as follows:

• Food security and emergency preparedness
•  Improved growth in incomes
• Increased competitiveness and enhanced integration into domestic and international markets
•  Sustainable management of land and environment
•  Science and Technology Applied in food and agriculture development
•  Improved Institutional Coordination

Responsibilities Head/Unit Heads

1. District Director of Agriculture (DDAs)

• Managing, co-ordinating and monitoring of DoA.
• Implementing District Agricultural programs.
• Establishing and updating District profiles.
• Ensuring that AEA training and technical backstopping are effected.
• Designing and implementing staff development programs in collaboration with RDAs.
• Liaising with all relevant partners in agricultural programs.

2. Management of Information System Officer (MISO)

• Planning and implementation of the annual program of statistical data collection for crops, market price, Livestock and households in the district.
• Collection, Collation and analysis of all data on agriculture in the district.
• Organization for the Collection of market price data on agricultural commodities in Rural and urban markets in the district.
• Organization, Collection and dissemination of prices of inputs and labour rates for all farm activities in the district.
• Supervision, Coordination and monitoring of data collection activities of field staff.
• Collation, analysis, and reporting of MIS data with gender focus for the district.
• Documentation and dissemination of information on facts and figures on agriculture in the district to the appropriate quarters.
• Assist the Regional Monitoring and Evaluation Officer during Monitoring and evaluation of regional programmes and activities and their impacts in the district.
• Assist the District Director to prepare and submit various MIS reports to the Regional Director of Agriculture
• To assist the District Director to up-date programme, personnel and other records and inform the Regional Director accordingly.
• Assist the District Director and subject matter specialists to set targets for programme/activities and impacts, at the beginning of year and make adjustments, if necessary, in the course of the year.
• Compilation and submission of all district reports.

3. District Development Officer (DDOs)

• Ensuring timely implementation of planned activities.
• Co-ordinating activities of AEAs.
• Assisting in the establishment of district profiles
• Assisting AEAs to develop rout maps, work calendars and programs.
• Visiting each AEAs in the field fortnightly.
• Participating in monthly training session for AEAs and SMEs.
• Monitoring and evaluating AEAs work programs.
• Identifying and analyzing of work gaps.
• Assisting AEAs in data collection.

4. Agriculture Extension Agents (AEAs)

• Assisting farmers in the application and adoption of appropriate technologies.
• Compiling data
• Identifying and establishing contact with farmer groups.
• Preparing route maps, work calendars and visiting schedules.
• Assisting farmers to identify problems and advising on solutions.
• Arranging and participation in OFATs
• Assisting farmers to establish mini-demonstrations, arranging field days etc.
• Identifying and forecasting pest/disease outbreaks.
• Education farmers in farm management.
• Collaboration with other partners.