SHADRACK KOTONTO
Customer Agronomist Representative.
Summary
A Detail-oriented Agronomist with over 7 years of experience in demand generation, training, marketing , positioning and launching of products to small scale farmers and dealers. I assist teams in developing basic and advanced agronomic knowledge to add value to customers. Versed in customer relationship development and personnel growth while keeping current on industry agronomic practices to drive short- and long-term planning. Consistently identifies and implements productivity-increasing strategies and activities.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Customer Agronomist Representative
BAYER EAST AFRICA LTD
Coast Region, Narok County
01.2020 - Current
- Conducted field visits regularly to monitor crop progress, identify issues early on, and provide expert guidance for optimal growth conditions.
- Provided guidance and recommendations regarding planting and cultivation methods.
- Collaborated with other Agronomists and extension agents to address complex problems impacting regional agricultural communities.
- Enhanced the efficiency of irrigation systems for better water conservation and crop growth.
- Prepared detailed reports on agronomic findings, contributing valuable data for use in decision making processes.
- Supervised fertilizer and pesticide applications.
- Conducted comprehensive research on pest control methods to reduce crop losses due to infestations.
- Implemented pest and weed control measures.
- Assisted farmers in implementing improved cultivation techniques, resulting in increased productivity and profitability.
- Developed strong professional relationships with clients, earning their trust and ensuring ongoing opportunities for collaboration in the future.
- Monitored field trials, collected data, and analyzed results to assess the effectiveness of various agronomic interventions.
- Maintained and populated CRM database to capture market knowledge and relevance of farm and retail contacts.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop sustainable farming practices for long-term agricultural success.
- Trained and instructed staff on products and agronomic principles.
- Served as bridge between sales, agronomics, data and technology to increase grower's ROI.
- Stayed current on industry trends through attending conferences, workshops, and continuing education programs relevant to agronomy.
- Created and maintained scalable approach to agronomic knowledge.
- Built product and market knowledge to add understanding and credibility.
- Advised clients on the proper selection of seed varieties based on their unique requirements and environmental factors.
- Developed training schedule, plan and curriculum to educate staff and customers.
- Organized workshops and training sessions for local farmers to share best practices in sustainable agriculture.
- Assisted in creating marketing materials to promote the adoption of new agricultural technologies among local farmers, resulting in increased awareness and uptake.
- Evaluated soil conditions and recommended appropriate crop varieties based on regional climate, topography, and soil composition.
- Provided timely advice on weather-related threats to crops, enabling farmers to take preventative measures against potential damage.
- Researched composition of soil to determine effects on plant growth.
- Advised food growers on ways to best use land and most advantageous crops to grow.
- Communicated with clients and customers to gather, provide and share updated information on products and services.
- Handled customer complaints quickly and professionally to restore customer confidence and prevent loss of business.
- Increased customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving complaints in a timely manner.
- Exceeded performance targets through diligent work ethic and focus on results-driven tasks.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of clients, ensuring that each received tailored solutions aligned with their specific requirements.
- Enhanced company reputation by providing exceptional customer service and support.
- Built relationships with industry stakeholders to stay informed on industry trends and developments.
- Improved client retention rates by building strong relationships and offering personalized solutions to their needs.
- Contributed to team sales goals by upselling products and services to customers.
- Learned and followed all organizational policies and procedures to maintain safe and professional working environments.
- Generated reports and provided feedback to management on tradefair turnouts to inform decision-making on future involvement in events.
- Implemented innovative marketing strategies that led to an increase in brand awareness and customer engagement.
- Cultivated lasting partnerships with industry professionals, ultimately increasing referral business as well as long-term client retention rates.
- Developed comprehensive reports, enabling management to make informed decisions based on accurate data analysis.
- Delivered presentations at industry events, showcasing company offerings and demonstrating subject matter expertise to enhance credibility and generate new business opportunities.
- Provided valuable input during team meetings, resulting in the identification of new opportunities for growth and development within the organization.
- Planned and executed company participation in trade shows and conferences to initiate relationships with potential clients and promote products and services.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop new strategies for increased revenue generation.
Field Agronomist
Syngenta East Africa LTD
Narok County
2 2017 - Dec.2019
- Field agronomy, stock level checking and collecting order at distributor level, marketing company product at both dealer and farmer level
- Organizing and training both dealers and farmers on products stewardship , technical assistance on products (both horticultural and cereals crops) and maize seeds trials plots.
- Planning and conducting of field days where I trained farmers.
Education
Bachelor of Science Horticulture -
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
01.2012 - 12 2016
KCSE Njoro Boys High School
Nakuru, Nakuru District, Kenya 1 2007 - 12 2011
Kenya Certificate of Primary Education -
Ole Ntutu Arid Zone Boarding Primary School
01.2001 - 11.2006
undefined
Kuntai Primary School
01.1998 - 12 2000
Skills
Microsoft Office Professional
Driving (A1,A2,A3,B,C1,C)
Horticultural Agronomic Knowledge
Teamwork and Collaboration
Time Management
Professionalism
Self Motivation
Adaptability and Flexibility
Personal Information
- ID Number: 31371858
- Date of Birth: 11/20/93
- Gender: MALE
- Nationality: KENYAN
- Marital Status: MARRIED
Other Relevant Information
- Secretary General: JKUAT Horticultural Students Association(HOSA)
- Team Captain: Njoro Boys High school Hockey captain-2011
References
- David Kipyego Lelgut. Senio Horticulturalists , KALRO(MUGUGA), 0722219075, lelgut@yahoo.com, NAIROBI, 30148-00100
- Prof. Losenge Turoop, Associate Professor , Department of Horticulture, JKUAT, 0723150658, losenge@agr.jkuat.ac.ke, Nairobi, 62000-00100
- Annah bahati mwangangi, bayer crop science, 0715407305/0729247236, annah.mwangangi@bayer.com
- DANIEL KAMAU NJOROGE, AREA MANAGER-CENTRAL RIFT, SYNGENTA EAST AFRICA, 0721350796, daniel.njoroge@syngenta.com
- JENINAH MBOGOH, SENIOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, SYNGENTA EAST AFRICA, 0723169197, Jenninah.Mbogoh@syngenta.com
Languages
Swahili
Native language
English
Timeline
Customer Agronomist Representative
BAYER EAST AFRICA LTD
01.2020 - Current
Bachelor of Science Horticulture -
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
01.2012 - 12 2016
Kenya Certificate of Primary Education -
Ole Ntutu Arid Zone Boarding Primary School
01.2001 - 11.2006
undefined
Kuntai Primary School
01.1998 - 12 2000
Field Agronomist
Syngenta East Africa LTD
2 2017 - Dec.2019
KCSE Njoro Boys High School
1 2007 - 12 2011