Darryn Tendai Chakuringa

Results-driven Agronomist with a BSc (Honours) in Agronomy and over 5 years of experience in crop production, agronomic advisory services, agricultural operations, farmer training, and field research across commercial and smallholder farming systems in Southern Africa. Experienced in crop management, soil health assessment, crop nutrition, fertilizer recommendations, irrigation strategies, plant tissue analysis, and integrated pest and disease control. Skilled in conducting field assessments, coordinating agronomic research trials, interpreting soil testing results, and implementing sustainable farming practices that improve crop yields, quality, and resource utilization.

Strong background in agricultural operations management, technical support, stakeholder collaboration, training and development, and regulatory compliance aligned with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). Adaptable and knowledgeable professional committed to continuous learning, innovation, environmental stewardship, and productivity improvement within modern agricultural systems.

Technical Support Agronomist and Facilitator at CSP Group (2023-01 – 2025-09)

• Provided agronomic technical support and advisory services to smallholder farmers across diverse crop production systems.
• Developed crop nutrition and fertilizer recommendation programmes that improved crop performance, soil fertility, and crop yields by up to 20%.
• Conducted field assessments, crop monitoring, and farm visits to identify nutrient deficiencies, pest pressure, disease outbreaks, and environmental risks.
• Performed soil testing, soil sampling, and interpretation of laboratory analyses to support nutrient management and sustainable farming practices.
• Assisted growers with preventative crop protection measures, and resource utilization optimization.
• Coordinated agronomic research trials including trial establishment, monitoring, data analysis, reporting, and evaluation across maize, soybeans, and horticultural crops.
• Promoted regulatory compliance and implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) within farming operations.
• Delivered farmer training and development workshops focused on crop management, environmental considerations, soil health, and modern agronomic practices.
• Collaborated with farmers, suppliers, and agricultural stakeholders to improve farm productivity and operational efficiency.

Operations Manager – Agribusiness, Education and Security at CSP Group (2019-02 – 2022-12)

• Managed day-to-day operations across commercial farming, education, and security business divisions.
• Coordinated crop and livestock production activities including broiler, pig, cattle, and vegetable production systems.
• Implemented operational planning strategies that improved productivity, quality improvement, and efficient resource utilization.
• Oversaw procurement, budgeting, stock control, supplier management, and logistics coordination across multiple operational units.
• Maintained approximately 95% inventory accuracy through structured stock management and preventative control systems.
• Supervised staff recruitment, onboarding, training and development, scheduling, and performance management.
• Demonstrated strong adaptability and problem-solving skills in fast-paced operational environments.

Sciences Educator (Seasonal) at Jenn Training Centre (2021-01 – 2024-12)

• Facilitated Agricultural Sciences, Life Sciences, and Physical Sciences programmes for Grade 12 learners.
• Supported learner development through effective communication, collaboration, and technical knowledge transfer.
• Maintained learner assessments, attendance records, and academic performance reports.
• Assisted learners with digital literacy and computer competency development.
• Encouraged continuous learning and academic improvement through practical and interactive teaching approaches.

Assistant Agricultural Research Officer (Intern) at Department of Research Specialist Services (2013-07 – 2014-07)

• Assisted with agronomic research activities including crop monitoring, field assessments, and agricultural trial management.
• Collected, analyzed, and reported agricultural research data to support research collaboration initiatives.
• Prepared and presented trial findings and technical reports to agricultural stakeholders.
• Assisted with enterprise trial budgeting, regulatory compliance, and Good Agricultural Practices monitoring.
• Supported farmer advisory programmes and agricultural extension services focused on sustainable crop production practices.

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agronomy – Midlands State University