Key skills and expertise

With 22 years of experience in sustainable agriculture, the expert specializes in project management, sustainable value chain development, and climate-smart agricultural practices. They have led initiatives funded by FAO, EU, and DFID in Zimbabwe and the Netherlands. Career highlights include managing the SNV-funded dairy subsector revitalization, integrating green technology into agriculture, and enhancing smallholder participation in value chains. Responsibilities have included technical leadership, capacity building, and resource mobilization, demonstrating expertise in livestock emergency response and institutional strengthening.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors such as FAO, Red Cross, Practical Action, SOS, EU, Dutch Royal Embassy, DFID, and DANIDA. Their involvement includes project implementation, technical assistance, and capacity building in sustainable agriculture and value chain development. The projects, which are sector-specific, have focused on agriculture and climate resilience, occurring at both national and regional levels in Zimbabwe and the Netherlands. Notable projects include the dairy subsector revitalization and goat value chain development for climate resilience.

Sectors and geographic focus

The expert has worked extensively in the sectors of disaster reduction, humanitarian relief, and agriculture and rural development. They have held roles such as project manager, livestock officer, and agricultural advisor, focusing on sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and value chain development. Their interdisciplinary expertise includes integrating green technology and climate-smart practices into agriculture. The expert's work primarily spans Zimbabwe, with additional experience in the Netherlands, demonstrating a strong regional focus on enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience. The expert has extensive geographic experience in Zimbabwe, with significant involvement in sustainable agriculture and value chain development projects. They have also worked in the Netherlands, contributing to international development initiatives. Their work in Zimbabwe includes deep familiarity with local governance and cultural dynamics, particularly in the agricultural sector, where they have led projects funded by international donors. This experience underscores their expertise in regional development issues and climate resilience.

Languages and education

The expert is fluent in English, an official UN language, with excellent proficiency in reading, speaking, and writing. Additionally, they have excellent proficiency in Shona. These language skills have been utilized in various professional contexts, including international projects and collaborations in Zimbabwe and the Netherlands. The expert holds a Master of Science in Agricultural Production Chain Management from Van Hall Lareinstein University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands. Additionally, they earned a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Agriculture, specializing in Animal Science, from the University of Zimbabwe, located in Harare, Zimbabwe.