Key skills and expertise

With 15 years of experience in agriculture and natural resource management, the expert has demonstrated expertise in agronomy, agricultural extension, and project implementation. Career highlights include leading initiatives in collaboration with international partners like USAID, focusing on improving agronomic practices. Responsibilities have included training field technicians and managing contract tobacco production schemes while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Known for strong facilitation, report writing, and interpersonal skills, the expert has effectively built capacity within local farming communities.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has been involved in a project with the Peanut Innovation Lab, funded by USAID under the Feed the Future initiative. This collaboration focused on evaluating the effectiveness of Aflasafe and agronomic practices in groundnut cultivation in Malawi. The project was a national-level initiative conducted in partnership with PIXUS Agriculture Malawi, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the University of Georgia. The expert’s role involved project implementation and technical assistance in the agriculture sector.

Sectors and geographic focus

The expert has worked across several sectors including agriculture, environment and natural resource management, food security, and disaster reduction. Previously held roles such as MTP Trainer, Leaf Technician, and Agricultural Extension Development Officer, focusing on training, project implementation, and capacity building. Their interdisciplinary expertise includes digitalization in agriculture through data collection and surveys using mobile applications. The expert's work is primarily country-specific to Malawi, with additional experience in Mozambique, contributing to regional development and sustainability initiatives. Extensive geographic experience in Malawi has involved various agricultural and natural resource management projects. In Mozambique, specifically in the Sofala Province, the expert managed agricultural operations, bringing a deep familiarity with local governance, cultural dynamics, and development issues.

Languages and education

Bringing a multilingual capability, the expert is fluent in Chichewa, English, Portuguese, and Swahili. These language skills have been utilized in various professional contexts, including international and local agricultural projects and collaborations across multilingual teams. The expert's proficiency in these languages supports effective communication and coordination in diverse cultural and linguistic environments. With a background in agronomy, the expert has pursued a Master of Science in Agronomy from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Malawi. They hold a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, at the Malawi Adventist University Campus in Kenya. Additionally, they completed a Diploma in Agriculture and Natural Resources Management from the Natural Resources College in Malawi. The expert has also obtained a Certificate in National Adaptation Plan: Building Climate Resilience in Agriculture from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, FAO, and UNDP.