Zakaria Issahaku, PhD, has extensive work experience in various roles and organizations. Currently, they serve as the Senior Technical Specialist for Market Systems Development at MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates) since April 2022. Prior to this, they worked as a Technical Advisor at the German Agency for International Cooperation from February 2020 to June 2022, providing support in research, knowledge management, and food security among other areas.
From June 2018 to June 2022, Zakaria served as a Value Chain Expert at Winrock International, where they developed supply strategies and implemented women economic empowerment activities. Before that, they worked at SNV as a Project Manager/Advisor from June 2012 to December 2018.
In their earlier career, Zakaria worked at CARE International in Ghana as a Project Officer from September 2007 to June 2012. Zakaria was responsible for developing value chains, introducing resilient agriculture technologies, and improving the agricultural inputs supply system.
Prior to that, they served as a Program Officer at Presbyterian Development Services from March 2005 to September 2007 and as an Operations Manager at Intercontinental Company Limited from October 2004 to March 2005.
Zakaria started their career as a Teaching Assistant at the University for Development Studies from October 2003 to August 2004.
With their diverse experience and expertise, Zakaria Issahaku, PhD, has proven to be a valuable contributor in market systems development, technical advisory, value chain management, and project management roles.
Zakaria Issahaku PhD has an extensive education history in the field of agriculture and development. Zakaria earned their Doctor of Philosophy degree in Agriculture Agronomy from the University for Development Studies, from 2014 to 2019. Prior to that, they completed a Master of Science degree in Managing Rural Development from the University of London, specializing in development, environment, governance, and sustainability. Additionally, they obtained a Master of Arts degree in Governance and Sustainable Development from the University of Cape Coast, from 2009 to 2011.
Zakaria also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Technology from the University for Development Studies, completed from 1999 to 2003. Earlier in their education, they obtained their Secondary School Certificate in Agriculture from Wulugu secondary school, from 1995 to 1997.
In addition to their formal education, Zakaria has obtained additional certifications in managing and controlling projects from Crown Agents in September 2014, as well as in project management from CACP Africa in July 2012.
April, 2022 - present