Nester Mashingaidze

Agronomist with over 10 post-doctoral years of progressively responsible experience in agricultural development research, educational, training, and extension activities to drive sustainable agricultural intensification and livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa. Demonstrated ability to build capacity of development practitioners in research, extension and scaling of technologies and interventions suited to the end users' local biophysical and socioeconomic context. Excellent skills in developing training curricula for field staff, farmers, and other stakeholders and promotion of the use of various learning strategies and approaches. Able to synthesize and simplify complex technical information for a variety of audiences in order to facilitate the promotion and adoption of agricultural and livelihood interventions. Proficient at managing project teams, using mixed research methods to study both technical and social issues, and synthesizing and analyzing large data sets. Proven ability to provide oversight across projects, work in multidisciplinary teams, and across the length of the value chain. Highly detail-oriented with excellent time management, problem solving, communication, and collaboration skills. Actively pursues personal learning and development in modern data analysis and digital tools so as to apply the skills to improve the experience of the end users and contribute to resilient agri-food systems. Adaptable with sound knowledge in designing and coordinating activities on optimizing farming systems, livelihoods and use of agribusiness approaches and data. Worked for Canadians Foodgrains Bank / Tearfund UK, One Acre Fund, IITA and Wageningen University, ICRISAT, and consulted for IFAD and CASA. Fostered partnerships with International Research Centres, NAREs, and advanced research institutes. Leads research-for-development projects funded by donors including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and FCDO.