Itai Makanda is an international agriculture, livelihoods, and resilience leader with more than 20 years of experience directing complex, donor-funded programs across Africa. He has led large-scale U.S. Government and other donor-funded portfolios totaling more than US$130 million, bringing extensive experience in strategic leadership, program management, and regional operations.
Throughout his career, Itai has specialized in strengthening seed systems, advancing inclusive and gender-responsive agricultural production, promoting market-driven approaches, and supporting agricultural policy reform. His expertise also includes grants management, consortium coordination, and institutional capacity strengthening in complex operating environments.
Itai is a proven Chief of Party and regional leader and has a strong record of delivering results in food security, agricultural trade, and resilience while building effective partnerships with governments, donors, private sector stakeholders, and local organizations. He brings a collaborative, adaptive approach to leadership focused on strengthening agricultural systems and advancing sustainable impact at scale.
