CAR: National Agronomist Expert (Cassava Production)

Feb 7, 2022 | Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN
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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security. 

The Central African economy is largely dependent on the agricultural sector, which represents more than 54% of the gross domestic product (GDP) and supports around 80% of the country's population. Of all the food crops, cassava is the main crop and the main staple food for the Central African populations, contributing greatly to food security. In the Central African Republic, cassava is primarily grown for its roots, but the entire plant can be used: the wood as fuel, the leaves and peelings for human and animal food and even the stems as edible salt. However, multiple constraints weigh on cassava production. Among these constraints, we could cite:

  1. The low production yield, due in part to the insufficient supervision of producers for the dissemination of technical itineraries recommended for production and post-harvest;
  2. Phytosanitary problems related to diseases and pest attacks;
  3. Weak coordination of activities related to diagnostics and integrated management of diseases and pests (African mosaic and brown streak disease), etc.

In view of the extent of the damage reported on cassava crops, the sharp rise in market prices and the threats to household food security, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development had submitted to the FAO a request for technical assistance. This project is a pilot initiative for the collection/introduction and multiplication of improved cassava cuttings resistant to both African mosaic virus and cassava brown streak disease .

The Central African Republic (CAR) has a great natural potential represented by 15 million hectares (Mha) of arable land, 16 Mha of pastures, a dense hydrographic network, to ensure its food self-sufficiency. Despite this strong natural potential, the performance of agriculture remains weak due to a lack of suitable resources and technologies for its development.

Cassava is the leading food crop with a production of 2,900,000 tons of fresh tubers, i.e. 725,000 tons of cossette ahead of yam 476,000 tons and 90,000 tons of maize (FAOSTAT, 2017) . This crop presents various constraints: decreases in yield and production at harvest; crucial lack of high-yielding, healthy plant material; threats of plant pests and diseases (mosaic and brown streak) across the country with an average incidence of 84% and contamination resulting mainly from the use of virus-infected cuttings (79%) when replanting plots.

As part of the response to the alert launched by the food security cluster on July 18, 2019, when mention was made of the presence of a cassava disease on the Dekoa-Kagabandoro axis, FAO commissioned a joint mission with the Laboratory of Biological and Agronomic Sciences for Development (LASBAD) of the University of Bangui in order to explore and assess the situation.

This assessment mission noted that: (i) suspicion of cassava brown streak disease (for which the pathogen is still unknown) appeared in the region two years ago; (ii) It is manifested by the curling of the leaves; (iii) The presence of black spots on the stems; (iv) Multiform tuber rots ranging from yellowish to black; (v) Gooey, foul-smelling appearance; (vi) Symptoms increase as the second year of the production cycle approaches.

On the mosaic side, joint studies (FAO and University of Bangui) between 2008 and 2011 led to a varietal selection and led to the identification of 11 varieties resistant to mosaic with high yield potential and better suited to the culinary habits of the population (Zinga et al. 2016). But very few of these varieties have been released to the population, but with very limited means.

More recently in terms of response, in July 2018 the ICRC introduced varieties of resistant cassava cuttings tolerant to these two diseases through the installation of wood parks with multiplier farmers. Other local resistant varieties exist but are insufficient given the high demand for cassava cuttings in the regions beyond Dekoa and Kaga-bandoro.

In view of the extent of the damage reported on cassava crops, the sharp rise in market prices and the threats to household food security, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for technical assistance. This project is a pilot initiative for the collection/introduction and multiplication of improved cassava cuttings resistant to both African mosaic and brown streak disease .

The project will directly benefit 1,000 producers (50% men and 50% women) organized into groups in the targeted areas in the prefectures of Lobaye (Pissa), Ombella Mpoko (Damara) and Kémo (Sibut). The main areas concerned are: (i) identification of healthy cuttings and their multiplication in research stations ; (ii) Technical support, based on the Farmer Field School (CEP) approach for the training of producers and multipliers of cassava cuttings on knowledge of diseases and pests and integrated control techniques; (iii) distribution to 1,000 producers of healthy cassava cuttings.

This project is in line with the government's priorities and calls on the main players in the sector, including humanitarian and development partners (WHH, ICRC, etc.) to gain synergy. Its pilot character also includes advocacy actions and it will also encourage donors to join this dynamic for the strengthening of the resilience of vulnerable populations affected by armed conflicts and the integration of young people into working life.

Hierarchical position

The National Agronomist Expert will have to report on the activities to:

Area of ​​specialization

  • Agronomy

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Plan, organize, manage and monitor all activities of product 1 as well as all other activities concerning the multiplication and distribution of seeds, on the technical, logistical and management levels in the other products (2 and 3).
  • In conjunction with ICRA and ACDA, sensitize agro-multiplier groups (GAM), Networks of Seed Producers, local NGOs and Performing Producers (PP) on the project's cassava cuttings multiplication system;
  • Assess the existing seed multiplication infrastructure in the project area and make recommendations for the rehabilitation of the improved seed distribution system and methods;
  • Prepare requests for the purchase of inputs and kits with technical specifications for cassava production in accordance with identified needs with the participation of beneficiary groups and national institutions;
  • Monitor the multiplication system put in place and assess the seed dissemination and distribution system;
  • Organize joint training workshops for GAMs, REPROSEM, NGOs and PPs on the technical itineraries of cassava cultivation (land preparation, selection of cuttings, planting, cultural care) with national staff;
  • Develop and discuss with national institutions a plan for the dissemination of improved varieties of seeds produced, together with technical specifications;
  • Organize training workshops for groups on the principles of the peasant field (structuring and learning plots);
  • Ensure jointly with ICRA and ACDA as far as possible the follow-up of the system set up with GAM, REPROSEM, NGOs and PPs  ;
  • Organize training workshops for trainers on the management of cassava tissue seedlings;
  • Prepare a large-scale project document to be submitted to TFPs for the capitalization of project achievements;
  • Prepare and submit quarterly project reports to management;
  • Contribute to the preparation of the final project report;
  • Undertake any other tasks deemed necessary to accomplish the objectives of the project .

Candidates will be selected based on the following criteria:

Minimum conditions to be met

  • Higher degree in Agronomy, specialist in seed multiplication, with at least five years' experience in the field of Farmer Field School Management;
  • Field experience in the management of GAM, REPROSEM, NGOs and PPs ;
  • Demonstrated experience in project management and implementation;
  • Have an excellent command of the computer tool, Word, Excel and Outlook;
  • Have an excellent command of the computer tool, Word, Excel and Outlook;
  • Good writing skills and good command of French and good knowledge of English.
  • Nationality of the Central African Republic or resident in the country with a regular work permit.

FAO General Skills

  • Be result-oriented
  • Team spirit
  • Communicate
  • Build constructive relationships.
  • Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement

Further Information

  • FAO does not charge fees at any stage of recruitment (application, interview, application processing).
  • Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. For any questions or requests for assistance, please contact Careers@fao.org  : .
  • Applications received after the closing date of the notice will not be accepted.
  • Please note that FAO only considers degrees and diplomas issued by recognized institutions listed in the World Higher Education Database, the list maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO . To access the list, please click here   www.whed.net/ 
  • For other questions, please consult the Employment at FAO webpage: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/

 How to Apply


To apply, please complete the online application form on FAO's recruitment website, Jobs at FAO . Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Only applications received through the recruitment portal will be considered.


Candidates are encouraged to register their application, allowing ample time before the deadline.

For assistance, write to:  Careers@fao.org .