FANRPAN BODY OF GOVERNACE
The Board of Governors is FANRPAN’s governing body, comprising representatives from Regional Economic Communities (ECOWAS, COMESA, and SADC), government, farmer organizations, research institutions, donors, youth, woman, and the private sector. This Board is tasked with providing policy oversight. Current members include:
Dr. Theo De Jager
Chairperson (Farmer Representative)
Dr. Theo de Jager is the Chairperson of the FANRPAN Board. He was elected as president of the World Farmers Organisation (WFO) in June 2017, the first South African to head the organization and the second African after Dr. Evelyn Nguleka from Zambia.
His commitment to contribute to the transformation of agriculture saw him representing AgriSA at the Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU) as a board member for the past eight years, serving as president since 2013. Dr. de Jager also served as president of the Pan-African Farmers’ Organisation (PAFO; Board Member of ACTESA and Chairman of CAADP Non-State Actors Coalition (CNC) since 2015. He is a co-founder of Agri All Africa, a company that assists small farmers in Africa to transition to commercial farming, as well as being a former president of Agri Limpopo; executive member of Agri Letaba; and Chairman of the Trichardt Farmers’ Association
A farmer since 1997, his focus is on timber and subtropical fruits (Avo’s, mangoes, and macadamia nuts) in the South African Lowveld region. He was voted South African Agriculturalist of the Year in 2016 by the Agricultural Writers SA.
Dr. Aggrey Agumya
Vice Chairperson (Research Representative)
Dr. Aggrey Agumya is the Executive Director and Head of Mission at the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA). A Ugandan national, he has been integral to FARA’s initiatives for over 18 years, beginning as the Programme Officer for the Sub-Saharan Africa Challenge Programme (SSA-CP). He has held key roles, including Technical Advisor to previous Executive Directors and Director of Research and Innovation. Prior to FARA, Dr. Agumya worked as a Geo-Information Systems Analyst at the World Agroforestry Centre, focusing on agroforestry technology dissemination across Africa. He holds a Ph.D. in Geo-Information Sciences from the University of Melbourne, an MSc in GIS from the International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) in the Netherlands, and a BSc in Surveying and Photogrammetry from the University of Nairobi.
Ms. Chileshe Kapwepwe
REC Representative (COMESA)
Ms. Chileshe Kapwepwe is the current Secretary General of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). She is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Masters’ Degree in Business Administration from the University of Bath, U.K. She has vast experience in both private and public sectors, and has served in both local and international organizations, with experience spanning over 30 years senior management positions.
During her career, Ms. Kapwepwe has served as Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director of the National Airports Corporation Limited of Zambia, Deputy Minister of Finance, Member of Parliament, as well as being an Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund, then representing 23 African countries. Ms. Kapwepwe has a proven track record in leadership, business and operations management, and experience in economic development, policy formulation and implementation. She is a director for numerous organisations that include the Zambia Revenue Authority, the Bank of Zambia, Ecobank Zambia Limited, BP Zambia Limited, Zambia Privatization Trust Fund, Airports Council International, African Civil Aviation Commission and Nico Insurance. Ms. Kapwepwe brings the perspective of the regional economic community and broader international experience to the FANRPAN board
Mr. Domingos Gove
REC Representative (SADC FANR Directorate)
Mr. Domingos Gove is the Director of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources at the Southern African Development Community (SADC), where he leads regional policies on agriculture, wildlife, fisheries, and environmental sustainability. A marine ecologist specializing in marine crustaceans, he has over 32 years of experience in coastal and marine resource management, fisheries governance, conservation, and institutional leadership. He has held key roles, including Director of the National Fisheries Research Institute (Mozambique) and Regional Marine Coordinator for WWF, contributing to sustainable resource management and policy development across Southern Africa.
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REC Representative (ECOWAS)
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Woman Representative (TBA)
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Professor Fortunata Songora Makene
Founder’s Seat Representative (Tanzania)
Prof. Fortunata Makene is the Executive Director of Tanzania’s Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF), specializing in development sociology and gender studies. With over 30 publications, her work emphasizes socio-economic reforms, gender equity, and women’s leadership. She has served in leadership roles, including at the UONGOZI Institute, and holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Minnesota. Recognized with the Phenomenal Woman of Worth Award in 2022, Prof. Makene leads ESRF’s mission to drive policy research for sustainable development in Tanzania.
Dr. Leah Ndungu
Donor Representative (ACIAR)
Dr. Leah Ndungu is the Regional Manager for Eastern and Southern Africa at the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). With over 20 years of experience in managing research programs, she provides strategic oversight for ACIAR’s initiatives in the region. Before joining ACIAR in 2017, Dr. Ndungu worked as a Partnerships Coordinator at the Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa–International Livestock Research Institute Hub, focusing on food security in a DFAT-funded research-for-development program. She has also served as a Research Manager at the International Livestock Research Institute and as a research scientist at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute. Dr. Ndungu holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Nairobi, a Master’s degree in Veterinary Science from Washington State University, and a Ph.D. in Veterinary Science with a specialization in agricultural economics from the University of Pretoria.
Mr. Kofi Kisiedu Acquaye
Youth Representative (YPARD)
Mr. Kofi Kisiedu Acquaye is the Africa Regional Coordinator for the Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD), a global network that empowers young professionals in the agricultural sector. In this role, he oversees programs and initiatives across the African continent, fostering youth engagement and leadership in agriculture. Mr. Acquaye has been instrumental in developing mentorship frameworks and facilitating knowledge exchange among young agriculturalists. His work emphasizes the integration of technology and innovation in agriculture, aiming to enhance productivity and sustainability. Through his leadership, YPARD Africa has expanded its reach, providing platforms for young professionals to contribute to agricultural development and policy discourse.
Mr. Mooketsa Ramasodi
Government Representative (South Africa)
Mr. Mooketsa Ramasodi serves as the Director-General of South Africa’s Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD). Appointed in November 2021, he oversees the department’s strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, land reform, and rural development. Prior to this role, Mr. Ramasodi held the position of Deputy Director-General for Agricultural Production, Health, and Food Safety, where he managed biosecurity regulatory services and food safety frameworks. With over 19 years of experience in government biosecurity regulatory services, he has been instrumental in developing and implementing policies that ensure the safety and sustainability of South Africa’s agricultural sector. Mr. Ramasodi holds a Master’s Degree in Agriculture from the University of Pretoria and a Master’s Degree in Business Leadership from the University of South Africa, equipping him with a robust foundation in both technical and managerial aspects of agricultural development.
Mr. Chola Mfula
Private Sector Representative (AUDA-NEPAD)
Mr. Chola Mfula is a seasoned agriculture and agribusiness expert with over 15 years of experience across Africa. He currently serves as the Country Operations and Partnerships Coordinator for Southern Africa at Grow Africa, a program within the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD). In this role, he promotes private sector investments in agriculture, develops country roadmaps, and supports value chain partnerships to enhance agricultural productivity and food security in the region. Prior to this, Mr. Mfula provided technical assistance in Zambia’s apiculture sector and served as a Private Sector Development Advisor at SNV, focusing on agro-dealer networks and input supply systems. His extensive experience in agribusiness development and investment facilitation positions him as a key contributor to advancing sustainable agricultural practices and economic growth in Africa.
Professor Obert Jiri
Government Representative (Zimbabwe)
Prof. Obert Jiri is the Permanent Secretary for Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development. With a robust background in agricultural policy and national extension services, he has overseen key initiatives in crop and livestock production, fisheries, and pest control. Previously, he served as a professor and researcher at the University of Zimbabwe, with expertise in climate adaptation and indigenous knowledge systems. Prof. Jiri’s extensive experience bridges academia and government, driving Zimbabwe’s agricultural advancement through sustainable practices.