Cris is proficient in training and facilitating agribusiness models, climate-smart agriculture, and Integrated pest management. Skilled in stakeholder engagement, market linkage facilitation and disaster risk reduction.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Agriculture Consultant March 2025 – Dec 2025
LEAD Consultancy- SACP Project
- Successfully, trained and mentored over 1500 Agriculture Producer groups and MSEs in business development and financial literacy, resulting in improved productivity and business sustainability.
- Developed and guided 50 APGs and 8 MSEs in creating bankable business plans, enabling them to secure funding from AFC Bank for their agriculture enterprises.
Program Assistant (Mar 2024 - Nov 2024)
Mercy Corps Zimbabwe- WFP Urban Cash Assistance, Mutare Urban
- Coordinated cash assistance activities for 8,500 beneficiaries, achieving a 100% redemption rate in 4 out of 9 cycles, the first and highest in WFP domains since the program inception in 2019.
- Supported the M&E team in preparing detailed progress reports including weekly situation reports and monthly reports, contributing to improved communication and transparency.
Program Assistant (Feb 2023 - Jan 2024)
Mercy Corps- USAID/BHA-ELEVATE Program
- Conducted training sessions on agribusiness and resilience design, reaching over 2500 small holder farmers, improving their sustainable farming practices.
- Established and maintained 49 crop demonstration centers promoting sustainable farming methods that imphat improved Integrated pest management effectiveness by 30%.
- Conducted agronomic trainings on improved agronomic practices.
Product Development Assistant (May 2022 - Oct 2022)
SEEDCO
- Established and managed over 100 demonstration and trial sites
Business Development Officer (May 2021 - Mar 2022)
LEAD- Old Mutual Small Holder Farmer Support Program
- Trained over 1,000 farmers on farming as a business model leading to a 35% increase in crop yields among participants.
- Facilitated partnerships with 3 financiers, 10 suppliers, and markets to support sustainable farming resulting in improved access to resources.
- Worked with private sector firms to introduce new agricultural technologies to farmers which improved productivity by 40%.
- Coordinated workshops and field demonstrations for hands-on agricultural learning.
Field Officer (Feb 2019 - Dec 2020)
AFRICARE/ LEAD consortium- USAID- Feed the Future Zimbabwe Crop Development
- Mobilized 4,500 beneficiaries for training on sustainable crop production practices.
- Facilitated over 50 input/output market linkages for smallholder farmers increasing their access to markets by 45%.
- Awarded 1st Prize in the Old Mutual Partnership Award (2020), resulting in funding for a subsequent project.
Field Officer (Oct 2017 - Aug 2018)
CADS – BRACT Project: UNDP-ZRBF
- Trained farmers on climate-smart agricultural practices and small livestock production.
- Provided technical support on irrigation systems and small dam rehabilitation.
Agriculture Consultant (2015 - 2017)
Melia-Agro-Solutions
- Field consultancy, customer services management, market mapping and market development.
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
- Project Coordination:
- Managed agricultural programs for large groups.
- Training & Facilitation:
- Delivered training on agribusiness and crop protection.
- Stakeholder Engagement:
- Developed partnerships and facilitated field visits.
- Report Writing -prepared comprehensive progress reports for stakeholders.
- Market Linkages -connected farmers with suppliers and markets.
- Motorcycle Operation - experienced in field operations using a motorcycle.
- Problem-Solving: Skilled in addressing agricultural program challenges