Key skills and expertise

With over 25 years of experience in marketing systems development, agricultural inputs, and program management, the expert excels in providing technical training to agro-input dealers and associations. Previously held roles such as Market Systems Development Director and Chief of Party, the expert has successfully managed USAID and AGRA-funded projects, enhancing market access and credit for farmers. Career highlights include establishing a guarantee fund and generating cumulative sales of over $2 million. Responsibilities have included capacity building, project coordination, and fostering partnerships in West Africa.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors such as USAID, AGRA, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and Oxfam Belgium. Worked across diverse projects involving project implementation, capacity building, and technical assistance in agricultural inputs, market systems development, and rural development. Projects were executed on national and regional scales across West Africa, particularly in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The expert has led initiatives to enhance agricultural input distribution networks and improve market access for farmers, aligning with donor objectives in sustainable agriculture and economic growth.

Sectors and geographic focus

Background includes positions at the intersection of key sectors such as rural development, agricultural inputs, and market systems development. Responsibilities have included leadership positions like Market Systems Development Director and Chief of Party, focusing on capacity building and technical training. The expert's interdisciplinary knowledge encompasses the integration of agricultural inputs and market access strategies. The geographic scope of work is primarily regional, covering West Africa with significant experience in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Bringing over 25 years of involvement in these regions, the expert possesses a deep understanding of local governance, cultural dynamics, and regional development issues.

Languages and education

With a background in multilingual communication, the expert is fluent in French, English, Dioula, and Mooré. These language skills have been utilized extensively in professional settings, including in-country work and collaboration with multilingual teams across West Africa. The expert's proficiency in these languages has facilitated effective communication and coordination in diverse international development projects. The educational background includes a Master’s degree in Agricultural Sciences Engineering and Rural Economics and Management from the National Institute of Higher Education in Agronomy (INFSA) in Mostaganem, Algeria, and a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Mathematics and Natural Sciences from Ouézzin Coulibaly (LOC) in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. These academic qualifications underscore a strong foundation in agricultural sciences and related disciplines.