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.
Anabela Nunes
Programme Manager Mozambique
anabela.nunes@eff.dev
Anabela Nunes
Programme Manager Mozambique
Leveraging my background in sustainable development and industrial engineering, I spearhead strategic planning, network development, and project coordination in Mozambique. Fluent in English, French, and Portuguese, I offer a global perspective on our initiatives. Outside of work, you’ll find me cooking up delicious meals, nurturing my garden, and immersing myself in the beauty of nature.
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
Country Director Tanzania | Digital and M&E Lead
babette.dmsarvaas@eff.dev
Babette du Marchie Sarvaas
Country Director Tanzania | 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.
Divyangi Sharma
Finance Officer Tanzania
divyangi.sharma@eff.dev
Divyangi Sharma
Finance Officer Tanzania
With a B.Com in advanced Accounts and 14 years of industry experience, I meticulously manage bookkeeping and maintain documentation for financial and project reporting. I ensure adherence to budgets, process payments, and monitor expenditures diligently. Outside work, I indulge in dancing and crafting, finding joy in creative pursuits.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Poorva Pandya
Country Director Zambia | Thought Leadership & Advocacy Lead
poorva.pandya@eff.dev
Poorva Pandya
Country Director Zambia | Thought Leadership & Advocacy Lead
I bring over 22 years of corporate experience from the United States, Australia, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Since 2011, I’ve been instrumental in establishing EFF and driving sustainable solutions in rural agricultural development. Actively engaging in global platforms, I focus on creating sustainable rural finance models within the agricultural framework. At EFF, I promote insights into supply chain roles, enhancing market efficiency, and fostering strategic partnerships for food security.
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.
Vamsi Satya
Finance Manager Zambia
vamsi.satya@eff.dev
Vamsi Satya
Finance Manager Zambia
I bring 7 years of experience as a Chartered Accountant. My role involves leading the finance department and overseeing project management. My expertise lies in budgeting, project management, and cash flow management. I developed an agri-based management system at EFF. Outside of work, I’m passionate about commercial crop farming, cricket, and exploring new places.
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.