Key skills and expertise

With 16 years of experience, the expert is a Senior Livestock Scientist specializing in animal science, tropical livestock production systems, and ruminant nutrition. Responsibilities have included managing complex agricultural development programs and leading projects funded by USAID and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Career highlights include project coordination, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. The expert has published over 35 peer-reviewed articles and supervised numerous graduate students. Accomplishments include leading the Equip project and implementing innovations in livestock feed analysis and greenhouse gas emissions measurement.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors such as USAID, the European Union, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, BMZ/GIZ, and the Volkswagen Foundation. Worked across diverse projects involving project implementation, capacity building, and technical assistance in areas like livestock systems, climate change adaptation, and food security. The projects have been regional and national in scope, focusing on the Sahel and West Africa, including Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and Kenya. These efforts have aimed to enhance resilience and sustainability in pastoral and agro-pastoral systems.

Sectors and geographic focus

The expert has worked across sectors including rural development, food security, poverty reduction, training, science and innovation, and research. Previously held roles such as senior livestock scientist and director general, with responsibilities in project coordination, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. The expert's interdisciplinary knowledge spans livestock systems, climate change adaptation, and agricultural research. Geographic work has primarily focused on West Africa, with significant contributions to regional development and resilience-building in pastoral and agro-pastoral systems. The expert has extensive geographic experience in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Germany, Niger, Senegal, and the USA, with significant involvement in West African countries. This experience has been pivotal in addressing climate change adaptation, livestock systems innovation, and food security.

Languages and education

Bringing a strong linguistic background, the expert is fluent in French, English, Dioula, and Bissa, with fair proficiency in Hausa. These language skills have been utilized in various professional contexts, including international collaboration and project coordination in multilingual teams. The expert's linguistic capabilities have facilitated effective communication and reporting in both local and international settings, contributing to successful project implementation and stakeholder engagement across diverse regions. With a background in education, the expert holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences with a focus on Animal Production Systems in the Tropics and Subtropics from the University of Kassel, Germany. Additionally, a Master's degree in Ruminants Nutrition and an Engineer Degree (MSc) in Animal Science were obtained from the Polytechnic University of Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. These qualifications provide a strong foundation in animal science and livestock production systems.