Terms of Reference Consultant for Soil Organic Carbon and Animal Manure & Compost Nutritive Value/Content Tests Mudzi and Tsholotsho Districts
Consultancy, Research Jobs
- Community Technology Developm…
- Expires 13 Feb 2026
- Harare
- Full Time
Job Description
Community Technology Development Organisation (CTDO) in partnership with NIRAS A/S and the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), with funding support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is implementing the Markets and Seeds Access Project (MASAP) in 10 wards, 5 in each of Mudzi and Tsholotsho districts.The overall goal of the program is to improve resilience in food security of smallholder households (especially women and youth) by increasing adoption and utilization of improved open and self-pollinated varieties of traditional grains (sorghum and pearl millet) and legumes (cowpeas and groundnuts) through strengthening the seed and commodity value chains and the market system in Zimbabwe. The long-term goal of MASAP is to establish a thriving, locally driven seed and commodity market system that will provide smallholder farmers with opportunities for income and resilience, particularly women and young people, supported by strong institutions, national and regional policies, and creative private sector actors.
CTDO seeks to engage a consultant to conduct Soil Organic Carbon and Animal Manure & Compost Nutritive Value/Content Tests in 5 wards in Mudzi and 5 wards in Tsholotsho districts of Zimbabwe respectively. The consultancy services will involves the determination of the soil organic carbon content in representative samples across targeted wards in Mudzi and Tsholotsho districts; analysing the nutritive value and content of animal manure and composts used by farmers in both districts; and provide recommendations based on test results for improving soil health and crop productivity.
Duties and Responsibilities
OBJECTIVE OF ASSIGNMENT
The main objective of this assignment is to carry out Soil Organic Carbon and Animal Manure & Compost Nutritive Value/Content Tests in Farmer Fields in Mudzi and Tsholotsho district to inform the soil health and nutrition improvement practices to enhance crop productivity. The specific objectives include:
• To determine the soil organic carbon content in representative samples across Mudzi and Tsholotsho districts.
• To analyse the nutritive value and content of different animal manure and composts used by farmers in both districts, including recalcitrant matter that can affect biological, chemical, or physical decomposition
• To provide an in-depth interpretation based on test results on actions targeted farmers can take in improving soil health and crop productivity, including manure treatments
• To provide recommendations based on test results for improving soil health and crop productivity, including manure treatments for best results.
SCOPE OF WORK
• Collect soil, animal manure, and compost samples from designated sites in Mudzi and Tsholotsho. During soil collection educate farmers and agriculture extension staff on the importance of the process to soil health, conservation and management.
• Conduct laboratory analyses to quantify soil organic carbon and assess key nutrients (N, P, K, etc.) in manure and composts.
• Document sampling methodologies and analytical procedures for transparency and replicability.
• Compile and interpret test results, highlighting implications for local agricultural practices.
• Prepare a comprehensive report and presentation outlining findings, recommendations, and potential interventions.
Qualifications and Experience
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
• Advanced degree in soil science, agronomy, or related field.
• Proven experience in soil and organic amendment analysis, preferably in Zimbabwe or similar contexts.
• Demonstrated capacity to communicate technical findings to stakeholders at various levels.
DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT.
The consultant will be recruited for 30 working days. The consultant will work closely with the project team and s/he will be expected to travel to Mudzi and Tsholotsho to undertake the action. The Consultant shall submit a completion report to the project manager
FINAL DELIVERABLES
The key deliverables of this assignment are;
• A detailed methodology and work plan.
• The Consultant shall submit a detailed report, including the recommendations from the Soil Organic Carbon and Animal Manure & Compost Nutritive Value/Content Tests.
• The Consultant shall discuss the results with the project team through a summarised presentation
• The consultant shall give recommendations on soil health and nutrition management
How to Apply
RECOMMENDED PRESENTATION OF OFFER
The consultant should submit the following documents:
1. Duly signed Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability;
2. Personal CV (and of other team members if any), indicating all experience in similar
projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate
and at least three (3) professional references
3. Cover letter (maximum of 1 page).
4. Technical and Financial proposal indicating an all-inclusive Lumpsum contract price,
supported by a breakdown of costs
SUBMISSION DATES
Please send application to admin@ctdt.co.zw and copy tinashe@ctdt.co.zw
Applications should be sent by 13 February 2026
