Ejitola Azeez

Dedicated and results-driven Farm Manager with a proven track record of optimizing agricultural operations to achieve peak productivity and profitability. Adept at developing and executing innovative strategies, from crop planning to post-harvest, resulting in consistently high yields. Skilled in fostering collaboration among cross-functional teams and stakeholders to drive value-chain integration and enhance market reach.

Expertise in budget management, training, and quality control, deeply committed to implementing sustainable and environmentally responsible practices.

In-grower and Out-grower Manager at Agbeyewa Farm (2024-01 – Present)

• Oversee and monitor all aspects of in-house growing operations, ensuring optimal growth conditions and high-quality yield.
• Develop and implement effective crop management strategies, including planting, feeding, and harvesting schedules.
• Maintain rigorous quality control standards to ensure the health and consistency of crops, addressing any issues promptly.
• Provide regular reports to senior management on the status and progress of in-growing operations.
• Monitor and evaluate out-growers' performance, conducting regular site visits and inspections to ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with out-growers, addressing concerns and fostering a collaborative partnership.
• Promote sustainable farming practices among out-growers, aligning with the company's environmental goals.

Farm and Production Manager at Smart Agriculture Nigeria (2023-02 – 2024-01)

• Developed comprehensive planting and harvesting plans in collaboration with farm operators, optimizing agricultural activities for efficiency.
• Demonstrated exceptional budgeting skills, effectively managing farm operations within allocated budgets.
• Mentored and trained community farmers in advanced agronomy techniques, resulting in increased yields for Maize, soybean, cassava, sunflower, and vegetables.
• Conducted a thorough analysis of current operations, crops, and personnel, offering strategic recommendations that led to operational enhancements.
• Formulated a robust and sustainable business model for smallholder farmers, cooperatives, and farmer groups, driving economic and agronomic success.
• Established a seamless technical platform connecting various segments of the agriculture value chain, standardizing procedures and ensuring high-quality products.
• Enforced rigorous compliance with health and safety regulations, fostering a secure working environment for all staff members.
• Employed vigilant monitoring of crop quality and quantity, consistently meeting and exceeding production targets.

Agriserve Outgrower Project and Vegetable Manager at International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA-BIP) (2019-01 – 2023-01)

• Led comprehensive training initiatives for community farmers, imparting optimal agronomy practices in Maize, soybean, cassava, rice, and vegetable production within the Agriserve Outgrower project.
• Managed and optimized production activities across Oyo and Kaduna states in Nigeria for esteemed international seed companies, including Rijk Zwaan, contributing to global agricultural advancement.
• Pioneered the development of a robust business model that harmonized economic viability with sound agronomic principles, benefiting small holder farmers, cooperatives, and farmer groups.
• Directed the comprehensive Agriserve Outgrower production, spanning Vegetables, Plantain, Cassava, Rice, and Grains (soybeans/maize), while meticulously scheduling planting and harvesting operations.
• Spearheaded the production of uniform and high-quality vegetative multiplied plant material at three strategically located sites.
• Played a pivotal role in disseminating IITA-developed technologies across Africa, delivering tangible benefits to farmers across the region.
• Managed the Business Incubation Platform, framing production with pioneering technologies from IITA and external partners, including private sector entities and governmental bodies.
• Provided hands-on supervision for a dynamic workforce of 80 to 200 laborers, ensuring efficient and productive operations.

Farm Manager (consultancy) at Pally Agro Group of company (2022-02 – 2022-08)

• Devised strategic production layouts for cultivating 1000Ha of maize, 500Ha of soybean, and 500Ha of groundnut, optimizing land utilization and resource allocation.
• Provided meticulous oversight of all aspects of the production cycle, orchestrating land preparation, planting, pre/post-emergence activities, and harvesting to consistently achieve and exceed target yields.
• Offered expert advisory services to enhance the technical capabilities of on-site staff, fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing and skill development.
• Spearheaded the management of a sprawling 2000ha production site in Ijio, Oyo state, ensuring seamless operations and maximizing agricultural output.
• Formulated a robust and financially viable production model, integrating innovative approaches and strategies to drive profitability and sustainable growth.

Alluvial Project Manager at Alluvial Limited Partnership with (IITA-BIP) International Institution of Tropical agriculture (IITA) (2019-08 – 2020-04)

• Orchestrated comprehensive budget development, ensuring financial precision and effective resource allocation for project execution.
• Empowered women and youth in Benue State through specialized training in seeds and grain production, fostering skill development and economic empowerment.
• Directed and executed meticulous land preparation activities, encompassing both pre- and post-emergence phases, to establish a strong foundation for successful project outcomes.
• Strategically formulated both short- and long-term plans, meticulously outlining milestones and establishing stringent deadlines to drive project progression.
• Spearheaded task delegation among project team members, leveraging individual strengths to optimize productivity and ensure seamless execution.
• Maintained rigorous quality control measures throughout project development, upholding and exceeding expected standards to deliver exceptional results.

Agronomy Assistant at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Kano station (2018-03 – 2019-03)

• Innovated and refined planting, cultivation, and harvesting techniques, resulting in enhanced crop yield and effective problem-solving for clients.
• Managed and supervised key activities at the research farm, including land preparation, maintenance of trials, and the planting and harvesting of IITA mandate crops (Maize, soybean, Rice, cowpea).
• Maintained meticulous records encompassing fields, crops, and samples, ensuring accurate and organized documentation of critical information.
• Developed comprehensive planting and irrigation schedules, meticulously crafted budgets, and established timelines to streamline agricultural operations.
• Conducted thorough research and championed agricultural strategies to mitigate the impact of soil variations, climate shifts, weather conditions, and pest infestations.
• Pioneered the implementation of a quality control system, driving improvements in product quality and uniformity through systematic monitoring and evaluation.

Field Officer (Consultancy) at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Kano Branch (2015-01 – 2018-02)

• Conduct field assessments to evaluate crop health, soil quality, and pest management needs for optimal agricultural productivity.
• Develop and implement crop management plans tailored to specific environmental and economic conditions.
• Advise farmers on sustainable farming techniques, including crop rotation, irrigation, and fertilizer application.
• Monitor and report on agricultural trends and market data to assist clients in making informed crop production decisions.
• Coordinate with government agencies and industry partners to ensure compliance with agricultural standards and regulations.

Course in Challenges of Agribusiness Management – Universitä Commerciale Luigi Bocconi (Coursera) (2023-01 – 2023-01)

Course in Sustainable Agricultural Land Management – University of Florida (Coursera) (2022-12 – 2022-12)

Course in Agriprenuership; A Path to The Future – Yalinetwork (2020-02 – 2020-02)

Course in Human Resources Management – Open Universities of Australia (Virtual Class) (2018-11 – 2018-11)

Course in Understanding The Rights of Women and Girls – Yalinetwork (2018-07 – 2018-07)

Degree in Educational Management/Mathematics – University of Ibadan, Nigeria (2017-04 – 2017-04)