TAKAYI ONESIMO ZIYANDA
53633 Sinebongo East London
Summary
Multi-faceted Agricultural Advisor with background in agricultural extension and production management. Delivered technical support and practical guidance to enhance farming practices, maximising crop and livestock productivity. Focused on community engagement and sustainable agriculture to support rural development.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Agricultural Advisor
Department of Agriculture
05.2023 - Current
- Demonstrated improved farming practices to smallholder farmers, including soil preparation, planting techniques, pest and disease management, and livestock husbandry.
- Facilitated transfer of agricultural knowledge and skills to farming households via demonstrations and educational sessions, empowering farmers to adopt improved practices.
- Supported agricultural extension activities through technical support and practical farming guidance during field visits, enhancing farmers' knowledge and skills.
- Conducted farm assessments and collected agricultural data to support crop and livestock production planning.
- Coordinated agricultural development activities and community outreach programmes, fostering collaboration and engagement among stakeholders.
- Worked under the supervision of senior agricultural professionals to implement extension programmes and support rural agricultural development.
- Collaborated with government officials, researchers, agricultural suppliers, and community stakeholders during field activities.
- Applied relevant agricultural policies, sustainable farming practices, and climate-smart agriculture principles in practical situations.
- Maintained accurate records and prepared weekly and monthly reports on field activities.
- Used Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to prepare reports, analyse data, and deliver presentations.
- Demonstrated strong planning, communication, teamwork, customer service, and problem-solving skills while working with farming communities.
- Created procedures and techniques for solving agricultural problems, maximising production efficiency.
Production Supervisor( Abattoir)
SOVEREIGN FOODS
04.2022 - 05.2023
- Supervised daily production activities, monitored employee performance, and resolved inefficiencies to optimise workflow and enhance team effectiveness.
- Achieved production targets with adherence of product specification as per customer requirements.
- Coordinated workflow among team members, maximizing efficiency and minimizing downtime.
- Coordinated workflow among team members to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime.
- Captured and analysed production data to provide visual insights on daily performance.
PIMS Intern
DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND AGRARIAN REFORM
06.2019 - 06.2021
- Contributed to project management tasks, tracking progress and coordinating with team members for timely completion.
- Assisted managers in project planning, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
- Shadowed office staff to understand workflow and project requirements.
- Maintained organised file systems, improving accessibility for staff.
- Filed physical and digital copies of important documents to maintain accurate and consistent records.
Learnership Student
PG Bison NECF
08.2017 - 07.2018
- Directed daily operations to ensure effective animal management. the detection, prevention, and control of controlled notifiable animal diseases and zoonosis.
- Executed activities to eradicate animal disease spread, focusing on disease control, reproduction, and production advancement.
- Performs all cattle general activities such as vaccinating, dehorning, castrating, dipping, dosing, grassland management and stock counts.
- Supervised farm staff to ensure operational standards compliance, coordinating weekly and monthly farm plans and monitoring fodder flow.
Education
Post Graduate Diploma - Sustainable Agriculture
University of the Free State
01-2025
B-tech - Agricultural Management
Nelson Mandela University
01-2018
National Diploma - Animal Production
Fort Cox College of Agriculture and Forestry
01-2016
Skills
- Agricultural knowledge
- Agricultural extension
- Data analysis
- Project management
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Team collaboration
- Time management
Custom
- Mark Makashane, Extension Assistant Director, Department of Agriculture, mark.makashane@ecagriculture.gov.za, 0718538248
- Siyabulela Nomandla, Extension Assistant Director, Department of Agriculture, Siyabulela.Nomandla@ecagriculture.gov.za, 0795001633
- Zonke Sonjani, PIMS Deputy Director, Department of Agriculture, zonkesonjani@drdar.gov.za, 0609890742
Accomplishments
- Recognised by management for best Agricultural extension for 2025 Joe Gqabi District Awards.
Timeline
Agricultural Advisor
Department of Agriculture
05.2023 - Current
Production Supervisor( Abattoir)
SOVEREIGN FOODS
04.2022 - 05.2023
PIMS Intern
DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND AGRARIAN REFORM
06.2019 - 06.2021
Learnership Student
PG Bison NECF
08.2017 - 07.2018
Post Graduate Diploma - Sustainable Agriculture
University of the Free State
B-tech - Agricultural Management
Nelson Mandela University
National Diploma - Animal Production
Fort Cox College of Agriculture and Forestry