Key skills and expertise

With 52 years of experience, the expert possesses advanced skills in agricultural economics, rural development, and international development cooperation. They have led projects in crop economics, farm policy, and agribusiness, holding roles such as Professor Emeritus and Project Director. Successfully managing large-scale international projects, including a $5 million annual budget in Armenia, the expert has coordinated initiatives in over 20 countries, contributing to capacity building and economic improvement. Leadership in extension services and agribusiness development has resulted in significant advancements in agricultural education and policy.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors such as USDA, USAID, CNFA, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation. Involvement includes project implementation, technical assistance, evaluations, and capacity building in areas like agriculture, education, and economic development. Projects have been regional and sector-specific, occurring in locations such as Afghanistan, Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Poland, Indonesia, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. Work has focused on agribusiness development, extension services, and rural community economic improvement.

Sectors and geographic focus

With extensive professional experience across sectors such as rural development, education, food security, agriculture, and finance, the expert has held roles including Professor Emeritus, Project Director, and Agribusiness Advisor. Focus areas include crop economics, farm policy, and commodity marketing. Interdisciplinary expertise integrates agribusiness with rural economic development and extension services. The expert's work spans multiple countries, emphasizing regional and country-specific projects in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Africa, contributing to significant advancements in agricultural policy and education.

The expert has extensive geographic experience across numerous countries, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Poland, Indonesia, Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China, Romania, Belarus, Moldova, Bulgaria, Poland, and several African nations. Demonstrating deep familiarity with regional development issues, particularly in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, through recurring involvement and long-term assignments, the expert's work has focused on agribusiness development, extension services, and rural economic improvement, contributing significantly to local governance and cultural understanding in these regions.

Languages and education

The expert is fluent in English and has utilized this language extensively in international development projects and academic settings. Work has involved collaboration with multilingual teams across various countries, enhancing communication and project implementation in diverse cultural contexts.

The expert holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University, USA. They also obtained an M.S. in Agricultural Economics and a B.S. in Agricultural Education from Cornell University, USA. Academic focus has been primarily in the field of agricultural economics.