VERONICA KALONDU
Nairobi
Summary
A highly skilled professional with expertise in effective communication, capacity building, and climate-smart agro-extension services. Demonstrates strong interpersonal abilities and proficiency in collaborative workspaces such as Microsoft SharePoint and Google Docs. Adept at commercialisation strategy development, virtual work platforms, and the Microsoft Office Suite. Experienced in quantitative and qualitative data analysis and project management.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Agricultural Livelihood Officer
Eco-Shades
Nairobi
09.2023 - Current
- Develop strategies to help farmers shift from subsistence to commercial farming, enhancing food security and increasing household incomes.
- Train urban and rural farmers in sustainable farming techniques, such as pest control, irrigation, and crop production, to improve yields and ensure long-term viability.
- Lead workshops on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and market access, empowering caregivers and youth to pursue income-generating activities.
- Provide on-site technical support through farm visits and demonstrations, promoting climate-smart agricultural practices to boost productivity and resilience.
- Collaborate with local authorities and stakeholders to build partnerships that scale and sustain livelihood programs.
- Drive community outreach efforts to raise awareness about sustainable farming practices and the importance of food security.
- Monitor and evaluate livelihood projects, analyzing data and preparing reports to ensure objectives are achieved.
- Coordinate drought management efforts, providing timely interventions and support to affected communities.
Sales Agronomist
The Flower Factory Ke
Nairobi
02.2021 - 09.2023
- Supported smallholder farmers by diagnosing plant health issues and recommending solutions, contributing to healthier crops and improved yields.
- Mentored junior agronomists on sales techniques and customer engagement, fostering a skilled and customer-focused team.
- Achieved 80% client retention through strong relationship management and providing personalized agronomic advice, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Generated new business opportunities by building networks with both new and existing clients, resulting in increased sales and expanded market reach.
- Streamlined reporting and documentation processes, improving operational efficiency and providing management with actionable insights on sales performance.
- Utilized sales data and performance metrics to inform strategic decisions, enhancing the alignment of agronomic services with farmer needs and market demands.
Horticultural Assistant
Galili & Peleg Farm- Israel
Idan, Arava
08.2019 - 07.2020
- Managed the care and maintenance of 50 hectares of crops, ensuring optimal growth and yield through precise irrigation and pest management practices.
- Led the planting and cultivation of a variety of vegetables, overseeing all aspects from land preparation to harvest.
- Applied organic and bio-pesticides to effectively manage pests, improving crop health and reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Directed post-harvest activities including sorting, grading, and packing for both local and export markets, ensuring adherence to quality standards.
Intern
Green Arava Company, Israel
Lotan,Arava
08.2018 - 06.2019
- Assisted in the preparation and planting of vegetables and fruits, including capsicum, onions, and watermelon, contributing to successful crop cycles.
- Conducted crop scouting and early pest detection, allowing for timely interventions and improved yields.
- Supported harvesting and order fulfillment, ensuring timely dispatch of produce to meet market demands.
- Participated in landscaping and soil preparation tasks to optimize planting conditions and promote sustainable growth.
Research Assistant Intern
Dudutech Company
Naivasha
02.2016 - 08.2016
- Conducted research on organic and bio-pesticides, contributing to the development of eco-friendly pest control solutions that reduced chemical dependency.
- Performed crop scouting and early pest detection to enable timely interventions, improving crop health and yield.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure pest management products met market needs and customer requirements.
- Managed efficacy trials for pest control products, gathering data to refine and optimize solutions.
- Supported harvesting and order fulfillment to ensure timely product delivery and meet market demand.
- Analyzed research data and drafted reports to inform product development and strategy.
- Assisted in producing biological control agents, advancing sustainable pest management solutions.
Education
A-Levels - KCSE
Loreto Highschool
01.2009 - 11.2012
Bachelor of Science - Horticulture
University of Nairobi
Diploma in Higher Education - Advanced Agriculture
AICAT
Diploma in Higher Education - Leadership and Entrepreneurship
AICAT
Certificate of Higher Education - Professional Development Skills For Digital Age
ALX Africa
07.2024 - 08.2024
Certificate of Higher Education - Data Analytics
ALX Africa
08.2024 - 12.2024
Skills
- Effective Communication Skills
- Capacity Building and Training
- Climate Smart Agro-extension services
- Experience with Collaborative Workspaces (eg, Microsoft SharePoint, Google Docs, Huddle)
- Strong Interpersonal Abilities
- Commercialization Strategy Development
- Familiar with Virtual Work Platforms (eg, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Adobe Connect, WebEx)
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Quantitative data analysis
- Qualitative data analysis
- Project Management
Referees
1 Prof Dora Kilalo
Senior Lecturer, University of Nairobi
dchao@uonbiacke
254721542998
2 Samuel Mburu
Managing Director, Ecoshades
samuelmburuwan@gmailcom
254714915411
3 Naomi Nalunywa,
Executive Assistant, Grounded
nwalunywa@gmailcom
254717872700
Timeline
Certificate of Higher Education - Data Analytics
ALX Africa
08.2024 - 12.2024
Certificate of Higher Education - Professional Development Skills For Digital Age
ALX Africa
07.2024 - 08.2024
Agricultural Livelihood Officer
Eco-Shades
09.2023 - Current
Sales Agronomist
The Flower Factory Ke
02.2021 - 09.2023
Horticultural Assistant
Galili & Peleg Farm- Israel
08.2019 - 07.2020
Intern
Green Arava Company, Israel
08.2018 - 06.2019
Research Assistant Intern
Dudutech Company
02.2016 - 08.2016
A-Levels - KCSE
Loreto Highschool
01.2009 - 11.2012
Bachelor of Science - Horticulture
University of Nairobi
Diploma in Higher Education - Advanced Agriculture
AICAT
Diploma in Higher Education - Leadership and Entrepreneurship
AICAT
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