User profile picture

Itai Makanda

Chief of Party, Technical Director, Resilience and Livelihoods Team Leader, Researcher

Doctoral DegreeUniversity of KwaZulu-Natal

Lusaka, Zambia

Summary

International agriculture, livelihoods and resilience executive with 20+ years of experience leading large, complex USAID and donor-funded programs across Africa, including portfolios exceeding US$115 million. Proven Chief of Party and regional leader managing multi-country teams, consortium partners, and high-risk operating environments. Expertise in seed systems, inclusive market systems development, agricultural policy reform, grants management, and institutional capacity strengthening. Track record of delivering measurable food security, trade expansion, and resilience outcomes while building trusted partnerships with governments, donors, private sector, and local organizations. Recognized for strategic leadership, adaptive management, and driving sustainable, market-led impact at scale.

Experience

  • farming / crops
  • africa
  • capacity building
  • public administration
  • research & development
  • rockefeller foundation
  • united states
  • mozambique
  • malawi
  • south sudan
  • zimbabwe
  • Sectors
  • Funders
  • Countries

Interested in learning more about this Devex member?

With a Recruitment Account, you can view the full profile & CV for this member and other professionals around the world. Click here to know more!

People Also Viewed