Rodger Lewis Mpande
Harare
Summary
Rodger Mpande is an environmental and agricultural development expert with over 30 years of experience, primarily in Zimbabwe and across the SADC region. After graduating with a Master’s degree in Agronomy, he began his career as an Agricultural Extension Officer at district level, working closely with both small-scale and commercial farmers. In this role, he collaborated with agricultural researchers and policymakers to translate research into practice and inform policy processes.
Rodger advocates for the integration of science, policy, and practice, with a strong focus on the meaningful involvement of rural and indigenous communities in environmental governance. He has worked extensively as a consultant for UN agencies, SADC, COMESA, and the NGO sector. He served as an expert member of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and studied International Environmental Governance at the United Nations University in Japan. He is widely recognized for his ability to work across disciplines and engage diverse stakeholders, and he remains deeply committed to improving livelihoods and environmental sustainability in developing countries.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
Work history
Technical advisor
Regional Environmental Organisation (ZERO)
2018.01 - Current
- Provides strategic ESG advisory services to industry and private sectors across extractives, agriculture, energy, and manufacturing to enhance environmental performance, social responsibility, and governance practices.
- Provides strategic technical guidance on environmental management, climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable natural resource governance at national and regional levels.
- Advises on the design, implementation, and monitoring of environmental and climate-related programmes and projects aligned with regional and international frameworks.
- Supports the integration of scientific research, indigenous and local knowledge systems, and policy processes to inform evidence-based decision-making.
- Leads and contributes to policy analysis and the development of position papers, technical reports, and advocacy briefs targeting governments, regional bodies, and development partners.
- Strengthens institutional and community capacity.
- Facilitates multi-stakeholder engagement involving government agencies, NGOs and private sector.
Consultant
Agriculture and Environment in the SADC Region
2015.06 - 2018.06
- Provided technical advisory services on sustainable agriculture, environmental management, climate change adaptation, and natural resource governance across SADC member states.
- Supported the design, implementation, and evaluation of agriculture and environment programmes and projects aligned with SADC protocols, regional strategies, and international frameworks.
- Conducted policy analysis and technical assessments to inform regional and national agricultural, environmental, and climate policies.
- Advised governments, regional institutions, and development partners on the integration of climate-smart agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land and water management practices.
Program Coordinator
Community Technology Development Trust
2012.10 - 2015.01
- Provided technical advisory services on sustainable agriculture, environmental management, climate change adaptation, and natural resource governance across SADC member states.
- Conducted policy analysis and comparative reviews of land reform frameworks in SADC countries to identify gaps, best practices, and opportunities for harmonisation.
- Facilitated multi-stakeholder engagement involving government institutions, research organisations, civil society, private sector and farming communities across the region on sustainable land management systems.
- Contributed to the development of technical reports, policy briefs, concept notes, and funding proposals for regional and international partners.
Regional Environmental consultant
Freelance Consultant
2012.01 - 2014.01
- Elected as a Multidisciplinary Expert to the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), representing the SADC region - I was elected to provide scientific and technical guidance for IPBES assessments, ensuring they are credible, policy-relevant, and inclusive of Indigenous and local knowledge. I helped define assessment scopes, reviewed findings, and translated complex scientific evidence into actionable insights for policymakers. I also supported capacity building and regional engagement to strengthen biodiversity knowledge and decision-making across the SADC region.
Development Advisor
Ntutuko Development Advisory Services, NDAS
2009.01 - 2011.10
- Advised on the development of policies and standards in agriculture, environment, and extractive industries at the SADC regional level
- Facilitated the drafting of Zimbabwean agricultural standards aligned with the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM).
Deputy Director
CTDT
2006.07 - 2008.12
- Played a key role in establishing the Community Technology Development Trust (CTDT), contributing to its vision, mission, and governance structures.
- Helped shape strategies to promote technological innovation, sustainable development, and community capacity-building.
- Supported the implementation of programs aimed at empowering local communities through access to technology, training, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
- Contributed to partnership-building and stakeholder engagement at regional and national levels to advance CTDT’s objectives.
Independent Consultant
Freelance
2003.04 - 2006.06
- Provided consulting services to UN agencies, SADC governments, COMESA, and NGOs on development, environmental, and policy initiatives.
- Produced the first National Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Report for Zimbabwe, supporting national planning and monitoring.
- Facilitated the development of regional and national UN environmental reports on biodiversity, desertification, and climate change, ensuring alignment with international standards and policy frameworks
Technical Advisor
The Department of Natural Resources
2001.01 - 2003.03
- Produced a series of District Environmental Profiles to inform district development planning and investment strategies.
- Provided technical advice to the Agriculture and Environment Sector Support Programs, DANIDA missions, and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.
- Delivered technical support to Danida-funded projects within the Department, ensuring alignment with environmental and development objectives.
Technical Advisor
Ministry of Environment and Tourism
1997.06 - 2000.12
- Developed and implemented project and programme reviews to assess technical feasibility, identify challenges, and improve overall efficiency.
- Recommended new technologies and proactively identified opportunities for innovation and technology integration to enhance project performance.
- Contributed to strategic planning, including technology budgeting, security considerations, and disaster recovery planning.
- Provided technical advice and support to the Danish Ambassador and foreign technical missions visiting Zimbabwe.
- Supported Agriculture and Environmental Sector Support Projects, contributing to policy guidance and project implementation.
- Facilitated knowledge exchange and collaboration between Danish missions and local stakeholders to strengthen sector development
Consultant
Water Quality Institute, Nordic Consulting Group
1996.11 - 1997.06
- Led the formulation of Agriculture Sector Support Programs for the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands in Zimbabwe.
- Provided technical backstopping to Danida/DANCED missions across the SADC region, supporting policy development and program implementation.
Technical Director
Community Technology Development Trust
1995.01 - 1996.06
- Technical Support to agricultural community based projects in Zimbabwe
- Regional, international policy and advocacy work on agriculture, rural development and environment.
Environmental officer
Regional Environmental Organistion (ZERO)
1992.04 - 1995.04
- Coordinated SADC and civil society stakeholders at the Earth Summit in Brazil, facilitating regional representation and engagement in international environmental negotiations.
- Actively participated in the negotiation of key Earth Summit conventions (CBD,UNFCCC and UNCCD).
- Attended Conferences of the Parties for CBD, UNFCCC, and UNCCD contributing to international environmental negotiations and regional representation.
Technical adviser
Ministry of Women Affairs and CommunityDevelopment
1990.11 - 1992.01
- Advised on rural women empowerment projects in the Zambezi Valley, promoting livelihoods, skills development, and social inclusion.
- Designed and implemented projects that fostered positive co-existence between wildlife and local communities, reducing human–wildlife conflict and supporting sustainable natural resource management.
- Engaged local stakeholders, including community groups, traditional leaders, and NGOs, to ensure participatory project design and implementation.
- Monitored and evaluated project outcomes to ensure impact on community well-being, conservation goals, and gender inclusion.
Researcher
Zimbabwe Institute of Development Studies, ZIDS
1988.10 - 1990.10
- Undertook research on rural development to inform the formulation of national agricultural and environmental policies.
- Produced a comprehensive national agriculture status report, analyzing current challenges, opportunities, and sectoral trends.
- Developed strategies and policy recommendations aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, sustainability, and resilience.
- Provided evidence-based inputs to guide government decision-making, policy frameworks, and development planning.
- Engaged with stakeholders, including government agencies, research institutions, and local communities, to ensure inclusive and practical policy outcomes.
Senior Agricultural Officer
Ministry of Agriculture
1985.06 - 1988.06
- Provided agricultural extension services to smallholder and commercial farmers, promoting sustainable farming practices.
- Undertook on-farm research in collaboration with universities and research institutions to develop practical, evidence-based solutions for farmers.
- Advised farmers on crop production, soil fertility, pest management, and post-harvest practices to improve productivity and food security.
- Supported the implementation of district agricultural programmes, aligning activities with national agricultural priorities.
- Conducted training and capacity building for local agricultural officers, farmer organisations, and community groups.
- Collaborated with local government, NGOs, and research partners to strengthen technical support and extension services.
- Monitored and evaluated programme performance, producing reports and recommendations for continuous improvement.
Education
MSc - International Environment Governance, Agriculture and Environmental Policy
United Nations University
Japan2015
MSc - Crop Breeding (Biotechnology
Kishinev State University
U.S.S.R1985
Skills
- Policy & Strategy: Urban and rural development, sustainable land and natural resource management, socio-economic assessments, policy and strategy formulation
- Governance & ESG: Multi-stakeholder facilitation, ESG integration, community and indigenous knowledge integration, government advisory
- Leadership & Management: Strategic planning, programme design and oversight, capacity building, cross-cultural team leadership
- Communication & Advocacy: Policy advocacy, report preparation
Languages
English
Advanced
Russian
Intermediate
Zulu
Advanced
Shona
Advanced
Timeline
Technical advisor
Regional Environmental Organisation (ZERO)
2018.01 - Current
Consultant
Agriculture and Environment in the SADC Region
2015.06 - 2018.06
Program Coordinator
Community Technology Development Trust
2012.10 - 2015.01
Regional Environmental consultant
Freelance Consultant
2012.01 - 2014.01
Development Advisor
Ntutuko Development Advisory Services, NDAS
2009.01 - 2011.10
Deputy Director
CTDT
2006.07 - 2008.12
Independent Consultant
Freelance
2003.04 - 2006.06
Technical Advisor
The Department of Natural Resources
2001.01 - 2003.03
Technical Advisor
Ministry of Environment and Tourism
1997.06 - 2000.12
Consultant
Water Quality Institute, Nordic Consulting Group
1996.11 - 1997.06
Technical Director
Community Technology Development Trust
1995.01 - 1996.06
Environmental officer
Regional Environmental Organistion (ZERO)
1992.04 - 1995.04
Technical adviser
Ministry of Women Affairs and CommunityDevelopment
1990.11 - 1992.01
Researcher
Zimbabwe Institute of Development Studies, ZIDS
1988.10 - 1990.10
Senior Agricultural Officer
Ministry of Agriculture
1985.06 - 1988.06
MSc - International Environment Governance, Agriculture and Environmental Policy
United Nations University
MSc - Crop Breeding (Biotechnology
Kishinev State University