Key skills and expertise

With 40 years of experience, this seasoned agronomist specializes in plant protection and integrated pest management (IPM). Extensive technical expertise covers sustainable agriculture, including crop production, organic agriculture, and post-harvest technology. The professional has led and managed international projects, collaborating with NGOs, UN agencies, and private companies. Accomplishments include authoring 72 publications and spearheading initiatives that have significantly improved agricultural practices and food security. Known for strong organizational and team-building skills, the expert has successfully developed and implemented IPM strategies and provided capacity building across diverse geographical regions.

Project experience and donor exposure

Bringing a wealth of experience, the expert has collaborated with international donors such as USAID, FAO, the European Commission, and UNDP. Involvement includes project implementation, technical assistance, evaluations, and capacity building in sustainable agriculture, food security, and pest management. Projects have been regional and national in scope, taking place in countries like Cuba, North Korea, Sri Lanka, and Turkmenistan. Contributions have enhanced agricultural practices, developed IPM strategies, and improved food security through donor-funded initiatives.

Sectors and geographic focus

Worked across diverse sectors, including rural development, food security, pollution and waste management, research, and agriculture. Previously held roles such as project manager, consultant, and technical advisor, focusing on sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management. Cross-cutting expertise includes innovation and technology transfer in agriculture. The expert has managed projects with both regional and country-specific scopes, contributing to initiatives in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Interdisciplinary knowledge extends to urban agriculture, soil fertility management, and post-harvest technology. Extensive geographic experience includes long-term assignments in countries such as Cuba, North Korea, Sri Lanka, and Italy, with work involving deep familiarity with local governance and cultural dynamics.

Languages and education

With a background in languages, the expert is a native Italian speaker and fluent in English and Spanish, holding C1 level certifications in both languages (IELTS for English and SIELE for Spanish). These languages have been utilized extensively in international projects and collaborations with multilingual teams. Additionally, there is basic proficiency in French, applied in various professional contexts. The educational background includes a first-class honors degree in agricultural sciences with a major in crop protection from the University of Bologna, Italy, and a diploma from the Agricultural College “A. Zanelli” in Italy. This is further supported by various international certificates and diplomas related to crop protection, earned between 1993 and 2014.