OUR TEAM
Our Team
Alice Asha Charo
Field Extension Officer Kenya
Alice Asha Charo
Field Extension Officer Kenya
I find profound fulfilment in uplifting farmers. and am passionate about community engagement, particularly empowering women and youth, as I believe they can be agents of change. Beyond work, I cherish travel, literature, and music, and am an avid dairy farmer.
Ashish Sharma
Finance & Operations Manager
ashish.sharma@eff.dev
Ashish Sharma
Finance & Operations Manager
With an MBA in Finance and over 9 years of experience, I’ve honed my skills at Walmart, Sarens, Accenture, and ETG. At EFF I’m the go-to person for finance and accounts, handling everything from book consolidation to budgeting. Outside of work, you’ll often find me enjoying a game of cricket.
Babette du Marchie Sarvaas
Digital and M&E Lead
babette.dmsarvaas@eff.dev
Babette du Marchie Sarvaas
Digital and M&E Lead
After graduating from Wageningen University with a degree in Agricultural Economics, I first set foot in Tanzania, over 30 years ago. Since then, I have worked with marginalised communities to help them seize opportunities, gain control over their resources, and be more resilient. At EFF I’ve effectively combined my experience in programme development and strategic planning with the more creative side of organising training events and communication materials.
Emily Matole
Finance & Admin Officer Kenya
emily.matole@eff.dev
Emily Matole
Finance & Admin Officer Kenya
With a Bachelor’s in Actuarial Science and IT, I’m also a Certified Investment and Financial Analyst (CIFA), I’m passionate about financial markets. I excel at developing innovative budgetary processes. Beyond numbers, I enjoy crocheting and cooking in my leisure time. As a Gemini, my flexibility and intellect enhance my contributions to EFF Kenya, where I’m dedicated to making a meaningful impact.
Emmanuel Mukua
Country Manager, EFF Zambia
emmanuel.mukua@eff.dev
Emmanuel Mukua
Country Manager, EFF Zambia
With over 20 years of regional experience spanning Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, Emmanuel brings a wealth of expertise in people management, business and financial planning, operations, and project management. At EFF, he leads and oversees the Zambia country chapter and team, driving the delivery of ongoing projects, attracting new opportunities, and ensuring operational excellence at all levels.
Esther Michael
Finance and Admin officer, EFF Tanzania
esther.michael@eff.dev
Esther Michael
Finance and Admin officer, EFF Tanzania
With 4 years of experience in financial management and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Accounting), Esther provides essential day-to-day administrative and financial support to EFF’s programs in Tanzania. Her role involves managing financial transactions and maintaining accurate records to ensure precision and compliance.
Francis Boma
Technical Advisor
francis.boma@eff.dev
Francis Boma
Technical Advisor
With roots in a cashew farming community, I’ve seen the transformative impact of cashew crops on farmers’ lives. My career spans decades, and I support the Foundation with shaping its cashew initiatives across regions. From my early days with the Government of Tanzania to my current role as a cross-country resource for field extension and GAP, I’m committed to promoting cashew farming for economic empowerment of our smallholder partners.
Francis Ndima
Field Extension Officer Zambia
francis.ndima@eff.dev
Francis Ndima
Field Extension Officer Zambia
I’m a passionate agricultural professional committed to community development. Before joining EFF in 2021, I contributed to projects with the Cotton Association of Zambia and Conservation Farming Unit (CFU). Now, as a Field Extension Officer at EFF, I provide technical extension services and training in agronomy, climate-smart agriculture, and market linkage. My expertise includes agronomy, cooperative development, and aquaculture. Beyond work, I’m a physical fitness trainer and a traveller.
Freddy Leonce
Programme Manager Tanzania
freddy.leonce@eff.dev
Freddy Leonce
Programme Manager Tanzania
As a holder of a master’s degree in project management, I joined EFF in 2015 as a field extension officer, focusing on smallholder producers in southern Tanzania. Prior to EFF, my volunteer work at the Tanzania Agriculture Research Institute honed my research skills and provided hands-on experience with rural communities. Now, as EFF’s program manager, I’m dedicated to empowering smallholder farmers through capacity building and fostering their transition to semi-commercial farming.
Lucas Mathole Haji
Field Extension Officer Kenya
Lucas Mathole Haji
Field Extension Officer Kenya
With a background as a field extension officer, I’ve transitioned seamlessly into the role of a dedicated nursery manager at EFF. My expertise lies in meticulous oversight, strategic recruitment, and training of nursery operators. I prioritize cleanliness, equipment availability, and safety. Passionate about nurturing growth in plants and travelling.
Jayshree Kangwa
Finance and Admin Officer, EFF Zambia
jayshree.kangwa@eff.dev
Jayshree Kangwa
Finance and Admin Officer, EFF Zambia
With over 15 years of experience in financial management, reporting, and compliance, Kangwa serves as the Finance and Admin Officer at EFF Zambia. In this role, she supports country operations through effective financial management and administrative oversight ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and strong financial oversight for the country chapter.
Juster Rwenyagila
Field Extension Officer Tanzania
juster.rwenyagila@eff.dev
Juster Rwenyagila
Field Extension Officer Tanzania
A dedicated Field Extension Officer at EFF Tanzania since November 2016 involved in diverse projects across Tanzania. My role embodies dedication and empowerment as I provide crucial support to farmers. From conducting farm visits to facilitating group management and business skills training, my responsibilities span a wide range of tasks. Beyond EFF, I actively participate in community development projects, especially those focused on empowering women and horticulture activities.
Kamini Menon
CEO & Country Director Kenya
kamini.menon@eff.dev
Kamini Menon
CEO & Country Director Kenya
Since joining EFF in 2019, I transitioned from a decade-long career in non-profit communications into managing projects, country operations, and ultimately, the Foundation itself. I believe that EFF is uniquely positioned to deliver real and lasting impact in the lives of smallholder farmers because of our strong partnerships with private and public sector actors, our experience and expertise in project design and management, and our incredibly talented and passionate team.
Kelvin Karema
Admin Officer Kenya
kelvin.karema@eff.dev
Kelvin Karema
Admin Officer Kenya
I am an optimistic team player with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance. At EFF, I provide comprehensive administrative and financial support, keeping operations smooth. I excel at scheduling, handling correspondence and maintaining records with utmost precision and attention to detail. Outside of work, you’ll find me on the football field – playing or cheering!
Kennedy Nyambi
Programme Manager Zambia
kennedy.nyambi@eff.dev
Kennedy Nyambi
Programme Manager Zambia
With 13 years of experience, including 5 years in middle management roles as Agriculture Manager and Agronomist. I helped in setting up EFF operations in Eastern Province during the implementation of the World Bank funded Zambia Integrated Forestry Landscape Project. My skills are coordinating programs, agronomy extension, stakeholder engagement, project planning, and project management. Beyond work, I enjoy farming, planting trees, and community engagement.
Lucas Mathole Haji
Field Extension Officer Kenya
lucas.haji@eff.dev
Lucas Mathole Haji
Field Extension Officer Kenya
My journey at EFF began as a Field Extension Officer in 2021. Now, I orchestrate the seamless coordination and execution of project activities. My responsibilities include training field extension officers, performing diligent field checks, and compiling comprehensive reports which makes me a bridge between the management and farmers. Beyond work I like watching movies.
Mary Mbuti
Communications and Marketing Manager
mary.mbuti@eff.dev
Mary Mbuti
Communications and Marketing Manager
Mary has over six years of experience in internal and external communications, focusing on strategies that amplify the impact of development programs in Sub-Saharan Africa. At EFF, she uses storytelling and data-driven social media management to enhance audience engagement and project visibility.
Mathew Jilani
Program Manager Kenya
mathew.jilani@eff.dev
Mathew Jilani
Program Manager Kenya
With 8 years of experience teaching Agriculture/Biology O-Levels and managing school farm projects, followed by 3 years as an agronomist, I bring a wealth of expertise to my role at EFF. Here, I design project activities, provide technical leadership, and foster partnerships with government entities and strategic partners. My strengths include problem-solving, event organisation, and leadership. Outside of work, I enjoy playing and watching basketball, indulging in nature documentaries, and swimming.
Nadia Paschetta
Strategy, Partnerships & Fundraising Lead | Country Director Mozambique
nadia.paschetta@eff.dev
Nadia Paschetta
Strategy, Partnerships & Fundraising Lead | Country Director Mozambique
With a background in International Relations and Diplomacy, and Sustainable Development, I bring over 15 years of experience as a development professional in Africa. My expertise includes project design, community engagement, resource mobilization, and organizational management in health, education, and agriculture. At EFF since 2012, I contribute to strategic planning, partnership establishment, fundraising, and project implementation with a dedicated team.
Osvaldo Wate
Finance Officer Mozambique
osvaldo.wate@eff.dev
Osvaldo Wate
Finance Officer Mozambique
I support EFF Mozambique’s operations to ensure compliance and efficiency. I maintain up-to-date financial information, handle tax payments, and manage human resources. Outside of work, I find joy in sharing the word of God respectfully and appropriately.
Pablo Luganje
Field Extension Officer Kenya
pablo.luganje@eff.dev
Pablo Luganje
Field Extension Officer Kenya
I first joined EFF in Kenya as a spray operator, working for a project that aimed to boost the productivity of older cashew trees in Matsangoni Ward. Coming from the same community, I am proud to be a project coordinator today, and am driven by how that pilot initiative has evolved over time into a holistic revival of Kilifi County’s cashew value chain. Today I oversee a team of field extension staff to ensure the half million cashew trees we have planting reach maturity.
Philemon Shonga
Field Extension Officer Zambia
philemon.shonga@eff.dev
Philemon Shonga
Field Extension Officer Zambia
With 19 years of field expertise, I’m passionate about improving rural livelihoods. My journey started in the tobacco industry before moving to conservation farming and later joining the Zambia National Farmers Union. At EFF, I train and monitor farmers in good agricultural practices while linking them to competitive markets. Beyond work, I enjoy farming, football, and continuous learning.
Selina Mnyazi
Project Coordinator Kenya
Selina Mnyazi
Project Coordinator Kenya
With a Bachelor’s in Agriculture Extension Education, my passion for farming led me from an internship at the Agriculture and Food Authority of Kenya to getting a job at EFF. As a project coordinator, I oversee nursery sites, recruit lead farmers, and train field extension officers in finger millet and agroforestry. Outside of work, I indulge in photography, reading, and music for leisure.
Sharon Chomba
Finance & Admin Officer Zambia
sharon.chomba@eff.dev
Sharon Chomba
Finance & Admin Officer Zambia
With a background spanning 15 years in banking, I transitioned to EFF in March 2021 as a part-time bookkeeper. Later, I rejoined EFF as a Finance and Admin Assistant in January 2023, supporting field officers and managing financial resources in the Eastern Province. Holding a Diploma in Finance and Accounting, I bring extensive experience and a passion for effective financial management to EFF.
Susan Rehema Kalama
Field Extension Officer Kenya
Susan Rehema Kalama
Field Extension Officer Kenya
I am deeply involved in training lead farmers on good agricultural practices, focusing on crops such as cashew and finger millet, all while championing regenerative agriculture. Through seminars and trainings, I’ve had the privilege of sharing expertise in cashew, finger millet, and soil fertility with farmers. Outside work I like reading novels.
Thomas Masha
Field Extension Officer Kenya
thomas.masha@eff.dev
Thomas Masha
Field Extension Officer Kenya
I lead a team of field officers and my responsibilities include coordinating project activities, with an emphasis on post-harvest handling, and conducting frequent field visits. Passionate about crop farming, I educate farmers on cashew and finger millet cultivation while setting up demonstration sites. Beyond work, I find fulfilment in charitable endeavours.
Wahabu Hamis
Field Extension Officer Tanzania
wahabu.hamis@eff.dev
Wahabu Hamis
Field Extension Officer Tanzania
I’m involved in diverse projects across Tanzania. My responsibilities range from supporting project implementation to training farmers in good agricultural practices and post-harvest techniques. I set up demonstration plots, prepare monthly reports, and facilitate farmers’ access to markets. Beyond work, I enjoy playing football and raising animals.
EFF Governance
Akshata Adheen
Council Director
Akshata Adheen
Council Director
I’m one of EFF’s Council Directors and I support the Foundation with compliance and data protection at its headquarters in Mauritius. With an LLB Hons, MBA, and ongoing studies in International Business Law, my legal and compliance background enriches my role. Outside work, I enjoy cycling, hiking, traveling, playing badminton, and swimming.
Anjali Singh
Advisory Committee
Anjali Singh
Advisory Committee
A professional expert in the field of agriculture and psychology with 22 years of administrative experience in the Maharashtra Government, Ms. Singh has an in-depth understanding of regional and national politics, has led a company focused on open-source intelligence and corporate due diligence, and is a seasoned social media manager with a wide range of clients.
Ashok Chakravarti
Advisory Committee
Ashok Chakravarti
Advisory Committee
A well known international economic development expert with over 40 years of experience, Professor Chakravarti has had advisory roles for the World Bank and UN agencies, has been a Visiting Fellow at Oxford University, is the author of several papers and books on Development Economics and Macro Economics, and is currently Senior Economic Advisor to the Zimbabwe Minister of Finance.
Charity Mutegi
Council Director
Charity Mutegi
Council Director
Dr. Mutegi is the current lead, Rootooba. A food scientist by training, her career spans 20 years of work experience in food safety and post-harvest research, capacity strengthening, policy, and advocacy. She has worked in both the public sector at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) and the private sector at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), amongst other organisations.
Roeland Van De Geer
Advisory Committee
Roeland Van De Geer
Advisory Committee
A former lecturer in public administration and former ambassador of both the Netherlands and the European Union, Mr. van de Geer currently focusses on good governance, peace and security, and cooperation between African and European research institutions.