Key skills and expertise

With over 21 years in agriculture, the expert specializes in plant breeding, seed systems, and agroforestry value chains. Leadership roles have included managing projects in climate-smart agriculture and seed certification, implementing OECD, COMESA, and SADC seed schemes. Experience includes coordinating regional and international initiatives, such as the Drought Tolerant Maize for Africa Project. Achievements encompass releasing multiple crop varieties and developing seed delivery systems. Responsibilities have included managing teams, engaging in capacity building, and providing technical assistance to enhance agricultural practices. Career highlights include authoring technical publications and contributing to policy development.

Project experience and donor exposure

Bringing extensive project experience, the expert has collaborated with international donors such as USAID, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, KAFACI, AGRA, and FAO. Involvement includes project implementation, capacity building, and technical assistance in agriculture, focusing on seed systems and climate-smart agriculture. Worked across regional projects in Southern, Western, and Eastern Africa, contributing to initiatives like the Drought Tolerant Maize for Africa Project and the Enhancement of High Yielding Rice Cultivars in Africa. Geographic scope includes Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, and Senegal, reflecting a broad engagement with donor-funded projects.

Sectors and geographic focus

The expert has worked across key sectors including agriculture, rural development, food security, and poverty reduction. Previously held roles such as Plant Breeder, Coordinator, and Senior Research Scientist, focusing on seed systems and climate-smart agriculture. Interdisciplinary expertise includes project management, policy development, and capacity building. Engaged in regional and country-specific initiatives, primarily in Zimbabwe, with additional experience in Southern, Western, and Eastern Africa. Work integrates digitalization in agriculture and infrastructure development in rural settings, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and regional development. Extensive geographic experience in Zimbabwe includes long-term assignments and short-term collaborations in Senegal, involving a deep understanding of local governance, cultural dynamics, and regional development issues.

Languages and education

Fluent in English and Shona, the expert uses these languages extensively in professional contexts, including in-country work in Zimbabwe and collaboration with multilingual teams. Basic proficiency in Ndebele and Swahili supports communication in regional projects across Southern Africa. Educational background includes a current pursuit of a DPhil in Plant Breeding at Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology in Zimbabwe. Holds an MPhil in Agronomy and Plant Breeding from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Zimbabwe, completed in 2014, and a BSc Honours in Agriculture – Crop Science from the University of Zimbabwe, earned in 2004.