In this article, we\’d be exploring 20 amazing careers options you can explore if you intend to venture into agriculture. Agriculture is, of course, more than just going to farm and planting/harvesting your crops or fending for your livestock. If you\’ve been considering pursuing a career in agriculture, we\’ve outlined a wide range of jobs cutting across a various variety of fields.
Career Opportunities in Agriculture
According to Dictionary.com, agriculture is defined as the science, art, or occupation concerned with cultivating land, raising crops, and feeding, breeding, and raising livestock; farming. In a nutshell, it involves the production of crops, livestock, or poultry plus the science of soil management.
Agriculture careers on the other hand are professional career paths relating to the cultivation of crops or animal husbandry. It involves everything; from the nurturing of soils to growing crops to raising livestock like chickens, pigs, goats and cattle. It also incorporates manufacturing, marketing and selling the products that result from crops and livestock as well as providing support and assistance throughout the field.
Types of Agricultural Jobs in Nigeria
Before we list the different agricultural jobs, let\’s explore the types of agricultural jobs in Nigeria:
- Administrative jobs: These workers provide support to workers in the agricultural industry. Their tasks include, but are not limited to; speaking with clients, answering phone calls, assisting an employer, general office management, clerical work amongst other tasks.
- Labour jobs: These are the people that perform manual tasks such as caring for animals, planting/harvesting crops and maintaining the equipment.
- Science jobs: Scientists use the principles of chemistry, geology, zoology, physics, biology and other focus areas to research issues, monitor situations, design solutions and develop products and systems.
- Engineering jobs: Engineers in the agricultural sectors will leverage high-level science and math to solve complex problems. Their tasks include, but are not limited to the evaluation, designs, testing and installations of various equipment to aid the whole system. They also oversee manufacturing and maintenance processes.
- Sales jobs: Last but not least in our list of the different types of agricultural jobs are the sales professionals. They are responsible for marketing the agricultural products to the customers. They assess the customers\’ needs and design solutions that meet budgetary requirements while also contributing to clients\’ goals.
Top 20 Careers in Agriculture
Have you been looking to work in the agricultural sector but don\’t know the options available? Join us as we explore the top careers in agriculture today:
Farm manager
Farm managers are responsible for deciding on the crops to plant for obtaining better yield and profitability, livestock management and production, planning farming activities, supervising other staff, planting, spraying crop protection chemicals, harvesting the crops, marketing and selling crops. Their duty will also include the documentation of all details including financial aspects of the farm and strategic planning.
Farmworker
Farmworkers are responsible for planting, seeding, pruning, irrigating, and harvesting crops. They also do the packing and loading of the farm products for shipment. Farmworkers also apply fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides to crops under the supervision of the farm manager.
Agricultural equipment technicians
They repair, overhaul and maintain agricultural equipment including tillage equipment, tractors, seeding equipment and harvesting equipment.
Sales representative
Sales representatives in the agricultural sectors are responsible for marketing the various farm products. They assess the customers\’ needs and design solutions that meet budgetary requirements while also contributing to clients\’ goals.
Soil and plant scientists
Soil and plant scientists study the different compositions of soil and the effects they have on plant life and crops.
Purchasing agent
Purchasing agents are responsible for evaluating suppliers, negotiating contracts, and reviewing the quality of products.
Grain elevator operator
A grain elevator worker assists in the operation of a grain elevator, where grains are transported from a farmer and stored in bulk until someone makes a purchase. Their duties will include; loading and unloading trucks and rail cars, running tests, cleaning the facilities, monitoring the condition of stored grain, and completing equipment maintenance as needed.
Agricultural economists
Agricultural economists are responsible for making profitable decisions. They conduct financial analysis, develop marketing plans, and set up optimal production schedules in agribusiness firms.
Warehouse manager
S/he is responsible for supervising the various activities in the agric firm facility. These activities include, but are not limited to overseeing team performance, expediting the receiving and shipping of goods, and ensuring efficient, organized storage.
Commercial horticulturalist
Commercial horticulture involves the production and management of ornamental plants and turfgrass, as well as fruits and vegetables for profit.
Conservation planner
Conservation planners provide environmental resource management advice, consult about land use and protection, and engage with multiple stakeholders. They are responsible for determining the environmental and ecological value of land, to decide whether it should be preserved or whether it can be built on.
Research scientists
They are responsible for designing, undertaking and analysing information from controlled laboratory-based investigations, experiments and trials.
Agriculture specialist
Agriculture specialists often specialize in a specific area, for example animal science, agricultural mechanics, economics, soil science, or field crops. They provide assistance and advice to farmers and livestock producers.
Grower
Growers are responsible for raising crops, which involves managing their growing environment to keep them healthy. They plant seeds, fertilize and irrigate crops and devise schedules that allow them to achieve maximum yield.
Crop manager
Crop managers are in charge of everything that has to do with growing crops; from finding the land to planting, fertilizing, controlling weeds, harvesting, grading, and record keeping. They may also be in charge of employee activities and payroll.
Agriculture teachers
They educate students about agriculture, food and natural resources.
Human resource manager
The HR Manager is responsible for managing activities such as job design, recruitment, employee relations, performance management, training & development and talent management.
Environmental engineer
An environmental engineer uses the principles of engineering, chemistry, biology and soil science to develop solutions to environmental problems. They work to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and air pollution control.
Agricultural engineer
Agricultural engineers integrate technology with farming. They apply engineering science and designs principles to agriculture, combining the various disciplines of mechanical, civil, electrical, food science, environmental, software, and chemical engineering to improve the efficiency of farms and agribusiness enterprises.
Feed mill manager
Feed Mill Managers oversee the production, quality, costs and safety of the mill that produces feed for animals.
Other Careers in Agriculture
- Computational biologist/bioinformaticist
- Environmental compliance manager
- Biochemist or biophysicist
- Enzymologist
- Real estate analyst
- Retail buyer or purchasing consultant
- Public relations specialist
- Large animal veterinarian
- Weather and crop production analyst
- Food scientist, technologist or engineer
- Construction manager or architect
- Genetic researcher
- Peace Corps volunteer with expertise in agriculture or environmental science
- Environmental engineer or scientist
- Molecular biologist
- Stream research technician
- Supply chain manager
What more? We have outlined the various agricultural careers available to Nigerians. What did we miss? You can drop your opinions as in the comment boxes below.