Fortunate Nyakanda

Provided long-term advisory support to the Organic Knowledge Hub in Southern Africa, focusing on policies and global initiatives aligned with organic agriculture principles. Facilitated the sector's contributions to key international frameworks like the SDGs and UNFCCC.

Conducted a scoping study on off-farm production, marketing, and use of organic and biofertilizers in Africa, assessing quantities and demand. Identified challenges and opportunities for sector scaling, culminating in a policy brief with recommendations for key international bodies.

Led awareness and capacity-building initiatives focused on organic agriculture, fisheries, and beekeeping to enhance ecosystem resilience. Promoted sustainable harvesting practices and integrated bees into broader ecosystems for environmental resilience.

Developed and implemented organic internal control systems for pineapple projects in Zimbabwe. Trained personnel and farmers to prepare for organic third-party certification, ensuring compliance with organic standards.

Conducted training for teams of trainers in Zimbabwe and Zambia, focusing on promoting sustainable livelihoods through organic farming. Enhanced the capacity of participants to effectively teach organic agriculture practices.

Conducted research on gender mainstreaming in organic agriculture in Southern Africa and developed a comprehensive handbook. This resource highlights women's roles in environmental stewardship and advocates for equitable access to resources to strengthen sustainable agricultural systems.

Led organizational strategy and program implementation, overseeing project planning, management, and fundraising. Coordinated farmer training in sustainable and organic agriculture techniques, while also engaging in lobbying and advocacy efforts.

Conducted an organic sector analysis for a GIZ project, specifically examining how organic agriculture supports climate change mitigation and adaptation. Focused on the Southern African region, providing insights into sustainable agricultural practices.

Supported honey producers in Buhera, Zimbabwe, to access the organic export market through training in sustainable beekeeping and organic certification. This initiative enhanced ecosystem resilience and promoted sustainable livelihoods while ensuring compliance with international standards.

Conducted training for Marula nut-collecting communities in Zimbabwe, focusing on organic knowledge, standards, and sustainable resource management. Developed a comprehensive handbook on organic Marula collection, sorting, and processing to support sustainable practices.

Provided capacity-building training to organic pea producers in Makoni, focusing on organic standards and compliance. Facilitated the establishment of a local organic guarantee scheme for UK-exported produce, enhancing climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods.

Trained trainers on organic standards and compliance, and established a local organic guarantee system for local markets. Promoted environmentally friendly agriculture, reduced degradation, and improved natural resource management, contributing to Sustainable Development Goals.

Developed organizational strategies and coordinated programs, overseeing the day-to-day operations. Managed key initiatives to advance organic research and training objectives.

Built farmer capacity in participatory research for resilient ecosystems and organic agriculture development. Trained farmers and trainers on organic cotton production techniques across multiple African countries. Developed internal control systems for organic cotton compliance.

Provided consultancy to smallholder organic producers in Zimbabwe, ensuring their alignment with new EU Organic Regulations (2018/848). Strengthened governance, organic standards compliance, and coached on record-keeping and traceability systems.

Mobilized communities and trained farmers in organic cotton farming techniques. Focused on essential practices such as soil fertility management and effective pest and disease control.

Obtained a National Diploma in Agriculture. This foundational program provided comprehensive knowledge in agricultural practices and principles.

Completed a Master’s Degree in Rural Development with a focus on farmers' field schools as a learning process for resource-poor farmers. Dissertation focused on a case study of Zambezi Valley organic cotton farmers.

Obtained a Certificate in fighting poverty through sustainable food security and rural development. This part-time program focused on managing development agencies in Southern Africa.

Earned an International Certificate in Organic Agriculture. The program focused on environmental auditing and sustainable development practices.

Completed a part-time Certificate in Environmental Education. This program enhanced knowledge and skills in environmental conservation and awareness.