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Leadership Team

Meet OurLeadership Team

Our leadership team brings together decades of experience in agricultural research, innovation, and institutional management. They guide our strategic vision and ensure excellence in all our endeavors.

150+

Years Combined Experience

25+

Industry Awards

200+

Research Publications

6

Senior Leaders

Our Leadership

Experienced leaders driving agricultural innovation and research excellence

Dr. Sarah Mukamuri
12Y
Dr. Sarah Mukamuri
Executive Director

Dr. Mukamuri has over 25 years of experience in agricultural research and has led numerous groundbreaking studies in tobacco genetics and crop improvement. Under her leadership, Kutsaga has expanded its research programs and strengthened international partnerships.

Education

  • PhD in Plant Breeding - University of Zimbabwe
  • MSc in Genetics - Cornell University
  • BSc in Agriculture - University of Zimbabwe

Areas of Expertise

Agricultural Research Leadership
Tobacco Genetics
Crop Improvement
Strategic Planning

Key Achievements

  • Led institution through 5-year strategic transformation
  • Established 15+ international research partnerships
  • Published 40+ peer-reviewed research papers
Prof. James Chivasa
15Y
Prof. James Chivasa
Research Director

Prof. Chivasa is a renowned plant pathologist with expertise in disease management and sustainable agriculture. He oversees all research programs and ensures the highest standards of scientific excellence.

Education

  • PhD in Plant Pathology - Cornell University
  • MSc in Plant Protection - University of Cape Town
  • BSc in Agriculture - University of Zimbabwe

Areas of Expertise

Plant Pathology
Disease Management
Research Strategy
Sustainable Agriculture

Key Achievements

  • Published over 100 research papers in leading journals
  • Developed 10+ disease-resistant crop varieties
  • Supervised 25+ PhD and Masters students
Dr. Mary Zimunya
20Y
Dr. Mary Zimunya
Head of Tobacco Research

Dr. Zimunya leads our tobacco research division and has been instrumental in developing disease-resistant tobacco varieties. Her work has significantly improved tobacco production and quality in Zimbabwe.

Education

  • PhD in Plant Breeding - University of Zimbabwe
  • MSc in Crop Science - University of Pretoria
  • BSc in Agriculture - University of Zimbabwe

Areas of Expertise

Tobacco Breeding
Variety Development
Quality Improvement
Disease Resistance

Key Achievements

  • Developed 8 new tobacco varieties
  • 20 years of tobacco research experience
  • Key contributor to Zimbabwe's tobacco sector growth
Dr. Peter Mandaza
10Y
Dr. Peter Mandaza
Head of Crop Science

Dr. Mandaza oversees our crop science research programs, focusing on sustainable agriculture and climate-smart farming practices. His leadership has driven innovation in crop production systems.

Education

  • PhD in Agronomy - University of Cape Town
  • MSc in Crop Production - University of Zimbabwe
  • BSc in Agriculture - Midlands State University

Areas of Expertise

Agronomy
Climate-Smart Agriculture
Crop Production
Soil Science

Key Achievements

  • Led development of climate-resilient farming practices
  • Established soil health monitoring programs
  • Trained 500+ farmers in sustainable practices
Ms. Grace Mutasa
8Y
Ms. Grace Mutasa
Finance Director

Ms. Mutasa brings over 15 years of financial management experience to Kutsaga. She ensures sound financial stewardship and resource optimization to support research excellence.

Education

  • MBA - University of Zimbabwe
  • ACCA - Chartered Certified Accountant
  • BCom in Accounting - National University of Science and Technology

Areas of Expertise

Financial Management
Strategic Planning
Risk Management
Budget Optimization

Key Achievements

  • Improved financial efficiency by 30%
  • Secured funding for major infrastructure projects
  • Implemented modern financial management systems
Dr. Robert Nyamudeza
14Y
Dr. Robert Nyamudeza
Head of Extension Services

Dr. Nyamudeza leads our farmer training and extension programs. He has extensive experience in agricultural extension and rural development, with a focus on smallholder farmer support.

Education

  • PhD in Agricultural Extension - University of Zimbabwe
  • MSc in Rural Development - University of Reading
  • BSc in Agriculture - University of Zimbabwe

Areas of Expertise

Agricultural Extension
Farmer Training
Rural Development
Technology Transfer

Key Achievements

  • Trained over 5,000 farmers across Zimbabwe
  • Established 23 extension service centers
  • Developed innovative training methodologies
Our Approach

Leadership Philosophy

Vision-Driven

We lead with a clear vision for the future of agriculture, setting ambitious goals and inspiring our team to achieve excellence.

People-Centered

Our people are our greatest asset. We invest in their development, wellbeing, and create an environment where everyone can thrive.

Innovation-Focused

We encourage creative thinking, embrace new technologies, and continuously seek better ways to serve our stakeholders.

Want to Connect With Our Leadership?

Our leadership team is always open to collaboration, partnerships, and meaningful conversations about advancing agricultural research.