BERNARD LIHASI OMEGA
Horticulturalist/Agronomist
Nairobi,Kakamega
Summary
Experienced horticulturist and agronomist adept at driving agribusiness development, and devising seed strategies, with a track record of identifying and capitalizing on new revenue streams, creating value through strategic initiatives, and fostering strong stakeholder relationships. Proven ability to lead multifunctional teams and manage complex projects to successful outcomes. Proficient in cost negotiation and supply chain logistics. Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Technical Project Expert and Seed Specialist
Natural Products Industry Initiative {NPI} for Kenya project — a Vision 2030 Flagship project
01.2019 - 12.2023
- Led the Project Implementation Team in driving the strategic vision for unlocking the potential of African Indigenous vegetables (AIVs) among smallholders in rural Kenya for sustainable food security and wealth generation
- Oversaw the identification, selection, onboarding, and training processes of smallholders across all stages of the Vegetable value chain, from quality seed identification, best agronomic practices, post-harvest handling, cookery, market linkage, and consumption
- Established and nurtured collaborative relationships with county governments, smallholders, agriculture extension officers, universities, seed companies, NGOs, agricultural input dealers, marketers, off-takers, and other strategic partners for the project
- Trained Agriculture Officers, farmer group leaders, and other stakeholders as trainers of trainers (TOTs) to facilitate the successful implementation and scale out of the project
- Designed and developed relevant tools for monitoring and evaluating the impact of the project in collaboration with independent teams from relevant government departments and institutions
- Developed a comprehensive strategic plan for scaling out the project's successes to all targeted counties to ensuring the maximization of positive impact on smallholder farmers
- Maintained an accurate record of all project activities, achievements, challenges, and lessons learned for reporting purposes and future reference.
Technical Director
GAVIC Seeds — Kampala, Uganda
01.2014 - 12.2018
- Successfully executed a seed marketing and distribution strategy, maintained supplier relationships, and natured an effective business partnership between GAVIC Seeds and Uganda Prisons Farms
- Organized and conducted 20 training sessions on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to educate and train over 1000 young farmers in Uganda contributing to improved farming techniques and practices
- Led the establishment of more than 100,000 hybrid vegetable seedlings in portable seed trays and/or nurseries in western Kenya and Eastern Uganda
- Designed, developed, and successfully natured GAVIC Seed Company in Uganda unto profitability
- Created a comprehensive strategic Business plan for GAVIC Seed Company in Uganda unto profitability through enhanced market presence.
Chief Sales and Marketing Officer
Simlaw Seed Company — Nairobi, Kenya
09.2012 - 12.2013
- Achieved a remarkable 56% increase in sales for the 2012/13 financial year as compared to the previous year (2011/12)
- Led the Kenya Seed/Simlaw Seeds in achieving the Best Large Stand Company award at the Nairobi International Agricultural Show 2013
- Initiated the signing of long-term supplier agreements with the most loyal suppliers and implemented a cost-reduction strategy for Simlaw Seeds
- Introduced new products to cater for the lost revenues as a result of focusing efforts on vegetables seed sales while reducing on cereal sales.
Regional Technical Manager
East African Seed Company — Kampala, Uganda
03.2008 - 07.2012
- Identified, recruited, and trained the sales and technical teams for the Great Lakes Region
- Guided Uganda team in achieving the overall award out of a total of 156 participants at the Nile International Agricultural Show at Jinja in July 2009
- Identified, tested, and demonstrated new hybrids for horticultural and field crops in Uganda
- Initiated the process of identifying, testing, trialing, demonstrating, and registering agricultural chemicals for Uganda Branch of Agriscope Africa Limited
- Significantly increased the presence of EASEED Brands in multiple countries such as Rwanda, Burundi, DRC, and the Republic of South Sudan, and suggested the purchase of a seed production Land (1200 Square Miles) in Uganda.
Regional Sales & Marketing Manager
East African Seed Company — Nairobi, Kenya
01.2005 - 02.2008
- Achieved the sales, marketing, and field activities targets for the region in three consecutive years (2005, 2006, and 2007)
- Developed and executed the sales and marketing strategic plan for Rift Valley, Nyanza, and Western regions
- Identified, recommended recruitment, and trained frontline/promoter staff to effectively increase the market presence of EASEED Brand presence.
Sales and Field Agronomist
East African Seed Company - Nairobi, Kenya
03.2003 - 12.2004
- Achievement the yearly sales and marketing targets for vegetables, and cereals
- Promoted Pannar Maize hybrids effectively across all medium Agro-ecological zones of Kenya, ensuring proper placement of trials and demonstrations to unlock their potential
- Collaborated with key stakeholders such as KARI, MOA, KEPHIS, and others to successfully disseminate elite and innovative agricultural technology to farmers.
Sales Agronomist
FarmChem Company - Nairobi, Kenya
01.2001 - 02.2003
- Planned and executed a promotion campaign strategy for Pioneer Hi-Bred hybrids and other Du-Pont products at FarmChem Limited
- Trained farmers, agriculture officers, and other stakeholders on how to effectively unlock the potential of Pioneer Hi-Bred Seeds
- Achieved the yearly set targets by 339% and received an award as the Best Sales Agronomist for the year 2001.
Education
Bachelor of Science (BSc.) in Horticulture - undefined
Egerton University
Skills
Project Management and coordination
Supplier Relationship Management
Sales and Marketing Leadership
Stakeholder Engagement dynamics
Strategic Planning and Development
Agribusiness Development
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Strategic Value Chain Management
Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives
Communication and Collaboration
Go-to-Market strategy development
Research and learning support systems
Development of Request for Proposals
Key Performance Indicators
Websites
References
- Robert W. Musyoki, Director, KALRO SEEDS, robert.musyoki@kalro.org, +254 722 281 132
- Evans Taracha, National Coordinator-Kenya, Natural Products Industry Initiative for Kenya (NPI), evans.taracha@gmail.com, +254 725 173 124
- Anthony M. Kioko, CEO, Cereal Growers Association of Kenya (CGA), akioko@cga.co.ke, +254 722 236 175
Training
- 2024, Grassroots Business Fund, Prudent Business Financial Management Training Programme
- 2023, African Management Institute, Business Growth Training Programme
- 2023, African Food Change Makers, Scaling Export Training Programme
- 2022, LOGYTALKS, The Role of Agriculture Technology for Better Food Security
- 2020, Strathmore University, Success in strategic Startup’s business development journey
- 2019, Google, Digital Skills for the African Agribusiness Management
- 2014, KALRO Kiboko, Commercialization of TEGO hybrids in Africa
- 2013, Sakata Seeds-South Africa, Quality and reliable service delivery for seed business
- 2010, NOVATEK, Operation Manual & Performance Management System Course
- 2009, World Vegetable Centre, Strategic Seed Business Development & Market Management
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Technical Project Expert and Seed Specialist
Natural Products Industry Initiative {NPI} for Kenya project — a Vision 2030 Flagship project
01.2019 - 12.2023
Technical Director
GAVIC Seeds — Kampala, Uganda
01.2014 - 12.2018
Chief Sales and Marketing Officer
Simlaw Seed Company — Nairobi, Kenya
09.2012 - 12.2013
Regional Technical Manager
East African Seed Company — Kampala, Uganda
03.2008 - 07.2012
Regional Sales & Marketing Manager
East African Seed Company — Nairobi, Kenya
01.2005 - 02.2008
Sales and Field Agronomist
East African Seed Company - Nairobi, Kenya
03.2003 - 12.2004
Sales Agronomist
FarmChem Company - Nairobi, Kenya
01.2001 - 02.2003
Bachelor of Science (BSc.) in Horticulture - undefined
Egerton University