Quinton Nyagwande
Agronomist
Mutare
Summary
Agronomist and Procurement Specialist with over 7 years of experience driving agricultural productivity and optimizing supply chains within the agro-processing sector. Proven expertise in contract farming development, sustainable crop management, and end-to-end procurement of raw materials. Adept at building strong relationships with farmers, NGOs, and stakeholders to ensure cost-effective production and enhance market linkages. Seeking to leverage skills to deliver impactful results in a challenging agribusiness role.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Agronomist / Procurement Assistant
Cashel Valley (Cairns Foods Ltd)
08.2023 - Current
- Spearheaded the development and monitoring of over [Number] contract farmers for key agro-raw materials (Michigan pea bean, onions, guava, mango, apples), ensuring consistent quality and supply for factory operations.
- Managed end-to-end procurement for agro and non-agro materials (e.g., sugar, packaging, engineering parts), optimizing vendor selection to reduce costs and mitigate supply chain risks.
- Coordinated the entire raw material supply chain, implementing strategies that ensured continuous production and reduced downtime by Estimated 18%.
- Forged strategic partnerships with NGOs to support farmer livelihoods programs, developing robust market linkages that increased raw material input by Estimated 30%.
- Prepared and delivered detailed analytical reports on field observations, procurement status, and crop performance, leading to data-driven decision-making.
Agricultural Extension Officer
Cashel Valley (Cairns Foods Ltd)
08.2021 - 07.2023
- Developed and managed out-grower contracts for navy beans, tomatoes, onions, and chilies, expanding the farmer network by 42% in the Chimanimani and Nyanga/Mutasa districts.
- Acted as the primary point for farmer and stakeholder relations, resolving agronomic issues and enhancing the company's image as an industry leader.
- Provided expert technical advisory services to farmers, leading to an average yield increase of 12% for partnered farms.
Assistant Agronomist
Africa University Farm and Laboratory
02.2018 - 02.2021
- Conducted comprehensive soil analysis and supervised fertilizer/pesticide applications, resulting in a 20% improvement in crop placement efficiency and yield quality.
- Researched and implemented advanced crop breeding and pest control techniques, directly contributing to a 18% enhancement in ROI for university farm operations.
- Trained and managed staff on modern agricultural practices and CRM database usage, improving data accuracy for market development initiatives.
Agriculture Field Officer
Best Fruit Processors (Schweppes Africa Limited)
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Developed farmer contracts for tomato and butternut production and established new guava/mango plantations, securing long-term feedstock for the factory.
- Played a key role in developing the "Best Fruit" brand with farmers and stakeholders and supported the development of SADC export markets in compliance with GLOBALG.A.P. standards.
Education
Masters - Agribusiness Systems Development and Management
06.2024
Expected Jun 2024
Executive Certificate - Project Management, Monitoring & Evaluation
06.2021
Bachelor’s Degree - Crop Science And Technology
11.2016
Skills
Agronomy: Crop Management & Planning Soil Analysis & Fertility Pest & Disease Control Sustainable Agriculture Irrigation Management GLOBALGAP Compliance
Procurement & SCM: Strategic Sourcing Vendor & Supplier Relations Supply Chain Coordination Inventory Management Cost Reduction
Project Management: Stakeholder Engagement Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Reporting NGO Partnership Development Livelihoods Programs
Technical Skills: Data Analysis (Genstat, SPSS, Croptracker) Financial Literacy Coaching Team Leadership & Training Sage ERP
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Agronomist / Procurement Assistant - Cashel Valley (Cairns Foods Ltd)
08.2023 - Current
Agricultural Extension Officer - Cashel Valley (Cairns Foods Ltd)
08.2021 - 07.2023
Assistant Agronomist - Africa University Farm and Laboratory
02.2018 - 02.2021
Agriculture Field Officer - Best Fruit Processors (Schweppes Africa Limited)
01.2017 - 01.2018
Catholic University of Zimbabwe - Executive Certificate, Project Management, Monitoring & Evaluation
Chinhoyi University of Technology - Bachelor’s Degree, Crop Science And Technology
Women’s University of Africa - Masters, Agribusiness Systems Development and Management