Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
References
Timeline
TruckDriver
Pungashe Manda

Pungashe Manda

Ndola

Summary

Highly-motivated and experienced agricultural professional with over 7 years background in climate smart agriculture (CSA) and livelihood activities. Knowledgeable about climate change adaptation and mitigation measures, crop management and financial literacy. Outstanding experience working on a USAID funded project with traceable achievements and meeting targets.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

District Technical Officer

USAID Scaling Up Nutrition Technical Assistance (SUNTA)
Ndola & Kitwe
09.2021 - Current
  • Conducted research to evaluate new farming methods and technologies.
  • Conducted field visits to assess the quality of crops, soil and other environmental conditions.
  • Provided technical advice to farmers on best practices for crop cultivation, pest control, irrigation systems and land use.
  • Organized field days for farmers in order to demonstrate new products or services related to agriculture.
  • Facilitate formation of saving groups to women of reproductive age.
  • Conduct financial literacy training to women of reproductive age
  • Organized training programs for farmers on the latest techniques in crop production and livestock management.
  • Developed strategies to engage community members in conversations about the effects of climate change.
  • Provided technical assistance to farmers and rural communities in the development of sustainable livelihoods.
  • Responsible for the implementation of the environmental mitigation and monitoring plan (EMMP) in the district under agriculture and livelihood
  • Train Government staff, extension agents and farmers in Good
    Agricultural Practices (GAP) [appropriate land use; agronomy practices; compliance with land use restrictions; least-risk practices for each technology compatible with farmers short and long-term interests including land preparation, pest control, and production systems; conservation measures (retaining natural vegetation, tree cover and other conservation farming measures); pesticide use; use of fertilizer
    and other appropriate soil amendments; seed inoculants]
  • Organized capacity building activities, such as training workshops and seminars, for local stakeholders.
  • Developed innovative strategies to increase access to financial resources for smallholder farmers.
  • Engaged closely with beneficiaries in order to ensure their active participation in program activities.
  • Provided guidance on best practices for natural resource management.
  • Supported efforts towards diversification of income generating activities among rural communities.

Agricultural Officer - Extension Methodology

Ministry of Agriculture
Samfya
01.2018 - 09.2021
  • Provided technical advice and support to farmers in order to increase crop yields.
  • Organized field visits and demonstrations for farmers on the latest farming techniques.
  • worked in multisectoral team under Transforming Landscapes for Resilience and Development (TRALARD) project to facilitate a holistic and integrated approach to reducing deforestation by addressing the drivers of deforestation
  • Spearheaded the implementation of climate smart agriculture practices under TRALARD project in Samfya District.
  • Conducted research on various agricultural topics, such as soil management, pest control, and water conservation.
  • Assisted in the development of educational materials for farmers regarding best practices in agriculture.
  • Educated local communities about sustainable agriculture methods through public events and presentations.
  • Developed strategies to promote better land use and reduce environmental impacts of farming activities.
  • Collaborated with other extension officers to develop programs that provide assistance to small-scale farmers in rural areas.
  • Participated in workshops and seminars aimed at increasing knowledge of modern farming technologies.

Seed Inspector /Field Supervisor

Good Nature Agro
Chipata
01.2017 - 01.2018
  • Provided technical support for the development and implementation of quality control systems and procedures.
  • Ensure compliance with SCCI regulations in the engagement and management of growers.
  • Inspecting seed growers fields and making sure standards are followed.
  • Register seed growers with SCCI as required.
  • Making sure that all seed certification control institute standards are followed.
  • Carry out annual grower evaluation to ensure that compliant and high performing growers are retained on the grower register.
  • Supervise 10 private extension agent (PEAs), who are leaders of 40 growers each.
  • Train seed grower in improved farming practices like use of manure, inoculum, crop rotation.
  • Supervise land preparation, planting, crop development, harvest, and post-harvest activities to ensure quality.
  • Make sure that roughing is done
  • Ensure that the seed is harvested, cleaned and certified.
  • Approve or reject raw materials with respect to quality standards and record grower performance
  • Inspect procedures of the entire production cycle to ensure they are efficient and comply with safety standards
  • Monitor the use of equipment to ensure it is safe and well-maintained and discard any that does not meet requirements.

Education

Master of Science - MS Project Management

Cavendish University Zambia
Lusaka, Zambia
10-2019

Bachelor of Science - BS Agriculture Extension

The University Of Zambia
Lusaka, Zambia
12-2015

Skills

  • Pest Control
  • Sustainable Agriculture
  • Crop Management
  • Crop Rotation
  • Relationship Building
  • Written Communication
  • Task Prioritization
  • Multitasking
  • Self Motivation
  • Problem-Solving Abilities
  • Team Building
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Effective Communication
  • Capacity Building
  • Reliability
  • Goal Setting

Accomplishments

  • Recognized twice by senior management for outstanding performance and team contribution - USAID Scaling Up Nutrition 2022 and 2023
  • Managed to link over 3500 women of reproductive age to saving groups surpassing and achieving the annual target within the first three quarters of the year 2023 (Ndola and Kitwe)
  • Facilitated establishment of over 5000 backyard gardens in Kitwe and Ndola. also trained all the 5000 women of reproductive age in improved farming technologies 2023.
  • Because of good performance, was recommended to support and give technical assistance to two other districts (Kabwe and Kapiri Mposhi) 2023
  • Managed to link over 1200 women of reproductive age to saving groups surpassing and achieving the annual target within the first two quarters of the year 2022 (Kaputa)
  • Created highly effective new reporting system in the district that significantly impacted efficiency and improved operations - Ministry of Agriculture Samfya District 2018.
  • was endorse and selected as a focal point person for Scaling Up Nutrition Technical Assistance (SUNTA) and Transforming Landscape for Resilience and Development (TRALARD) 2019 and 2020 Respectively.

Certification

  • Seed Inspection 2017
  • S.P.S.S, E-VIEWS & NVIVO 2015
  • Monitoring and Evaluation 2015
  • Management Strategies for People and Resource 2021

Languages

Chichewa/Nyanja
First Language
English
Advanced (C1)
C1
Bemba
Intermediate (B1)
B1
Nsenga
Advanced (C1)
C1

References

  • Alice Namuyamba
    Agriculture and Livelihood Expert
    Mobile: +260971255891
    Email: alilovejesus@yahoo.com
  • Florence Mbewe
    Livelihood specialist
    Mobile: +260973402381
    Email: florencembewe86@gmail.com
  • Robert Mwale
    District Nutrition Support Coordinator
    National Food and Nutrition Commission of Zambia
    (NFNC)
    Mobile:+260 973 669 093
    Email: mwaleprosper@gmail.com
  • Botany Hangombe
    Regional Agronomist Plant Catalyst (Then Regional Hub Manager
    Good Nature Agro)
    Mobile: +260 963 040 680. +260 977 966 927
    Email: hmbotany@gmail.com
  • Austine Nakanga
    Senior Agricultural Officer
    Ministry of Agriculture
    Mobile:+260 969399333, +260 978700969
    Email: austine2015nakanga@gmail.com

Timeline

District Technical Officer

USAID Scaling Up Nutrition Technical Assistance (SUNTA)
09.2021 - Current

Agricultural Officer - Extension Methodology

Ministry of Agriculture
01.2018 - 09.2021

Seed Inspector /Field Supervisor

Good Nature Agro
01.2017 - 01.2018

Master of Science - MS Project Management

Cavendish University Zambia

Bachelor of Science - BS Agriculture Extension

The University Of Zambia
  • Seed Inspection 2017
  • S.P.S.S, E-VIEWS & NVIVO 2015
  • Monitoring and Evaluation 2015
  • Management Strategies for People and Resource 2021
Pungashe Manda