Irene Oroko

I am Irene Kwamboka Oroko, an experienced agricultural professional specializing in agronomy, crop protection, and project management. My journey in agriculture began with a Bachelor's degree in Crop Protection from Meru University of Science and Technology, where I delved into various aspects of crop production, pest and disease management, and pesticide application techniques. Over the years, I have developed strong communication skills through presenting reports, administering questionnaires, and effectively engaging with farmers and stakeholders.

In my roles, such as serving as a Rose Scout at AAA Growers Limited and volunteering at the Trans-Nzoia Sub-county agriculture office, I have been dedicated to advancing sustainable farming practices and improving agricultural livelihoods. I have been a champion for climate-smart agricultural practices, advocating for techniques that mitigate the impacts of climate change while enhancing productivity. Additionally, my experience conducting efficacy trials at Vick Agricare Limited has equipped me with the skills to evaluate the effectiveness of agricultural interventions, ensuring that farmers adopt practices that are both efficient and environmentally friendly. My commitment to ensuring the success of agricultural initiatives, combined with my attention to detail and passion for agricultural development, drives me to continue making meaningful contributions to the field.

WORKING EXPERIENCE.

September 2023-To date Rose Scout at AAA Growers Limited

• Scouting for the pests and diseases that are on the roses 
• Preparation of daily reports on the scouting activities to ensure timely measures are taken to improve the condition of Roses.
• Placement of flags to ensure areas affected are easily identified to ensure effective mitigation.
• Placement of traps to initiate biological pests and disease control where applicable 

 May- August 2020, April- June 2022, and May- August 2023: Kenya cereal enhancement program- Climate resilient agriculture livelihood window in Trans- Nzoia County. 

• Collection of data on the progress of the maize, beans, and potatoes value chain from inception to marketing and selling their produce to the market.
• Developed an understanding of the financial stakeholders involved and the terms of engagement for the betterment of agribusiness within the targeted community.
• Incorporated proper interpersonal and communication skills during interaction with the targeted groups. Through this interaction, my listening and problem-solving skills improved.
• Had the opportunity to fully grasp the requirements of the value chain from a financial point of view and the role it plays in eradicating poverty through the financial literacy program.
• Hands-on experience with the benefits of the warehouse system developed by the project to improve the profitability of the smallholder farmer. This provided a critical linkage between the farmer and the market.

2020 January to 2022 January: volunteer at the Trans- nzoia Sub-county agriculture office.

• Coordinate field-level activities with farmers for improvement of yields and reduction of effects of pests and diseases on targeted crops through the implementation of GAP.
• Enrollment of farmers into the input subsidy program under the Kenya Cereal and Produce Board.
• Building the capacity of farmers through training and field-level demonstrations.
• Working together with farmers to implement push and pull technology.
• Coordination and organization of farmers into groups to make it easy for meetings, training, and distribution of key information.
• Implementation of low input method with established groups to minimize the effects of farm inputs on the environment.
• Sensitization of the youth on the benefits of implementation of GAP and how agriculture can be a key element in food security and eradication of poverty.
• Linking youth groups with key stakeholders and guiding the different stages of the agricultural value chain.
• Promoting gender inclusivity in all activities for holistic community development and growth.
• Participate in project implementation with key stakeholders to enable community development and food security within smallholder households

2020 February: The National Agricultural and Rural Inclusive Growth project. 

• Coordination and building capacity among youth and women within the targeted community to boost community-driven development.
• Strengthening producer organizations to enable profitability.
• Management and coordination of projects within targeted producer groups.

January 2018 up to August 2018: Field Technician at Vick Agricare Limited.

• Management of the farm for efficacy trial and implementation of the set guidelines to prevent contamination.
• Identification of pests and diseases through scouting at different stages in the control and test plots.
• Training of involved farmers to impart relevant skills for the implementation of good agricultural practices (GAP).
• Coordinate with the station manager to ensure timely preparation of land for plot planting and inputs application.
• Ensure proper spraying guidelines are adhered to, ensuring minimal effects on the personnel and environment.
• Writing reports with reference to the data collected from the start to the harvesting point and thereafter submitting them to the Pest Control Product Board (PCPB) for approval.
• Collection of accurate data from targeted plots using recommended data collection methods and use this data to write reports.
• Supervision of field activities to ensure all standards are upheld and protocols followed accurately.
• Ensure business processes, standards, and guidelines are effectively applied in a timely manner in project implementation.

May 2017 up to December 2017: RONAK AGRO VET IN KITALE.

• Oversaw day-to-day business operations on the sales floor by fostering deep professional relationships with wholesale contacts and clients.
• Developed and cultivated lucrative relationships with both new and existing clients through effective communication and exemplary interpersonal skills.

2012-2016 BSc crop protection (Honors) second class upper division, Meru University of Science and Technology.

Studies include:

• Agronomy which involves the production of crops, plant pathology, insect and pest management techniques, pesticide applications, and safety measures to undertake.

• Project on the production of crops hydroponically and how it helps to reduce the chances of crops being attacked by pests and diseases.

• Field excursions to different institutions such as KEPHIS Muguga and Embu, KALRO Makueni, Flamingo Flower Farm, and Kisima Farm.