Project Manager Climate Change

*

Bidemi Olayemi Ajibola, Ph.D.

CURRICULUM VITAE

1. Family name: AJIBOLA

2. First names: Bidemi Olayemi

3. Date of birth: 21/10/1979

4. Nationality: Nigerian

5. Residence: 60, Abia Street, Trademore Estate, Lugbe, Abuja FCT, Nigeria 6. Contact details: +234**********, +234**********, *********@*****.*** 7. Education:

Institution Degree(s) or Diploma(s) obtained

Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria

(2014-2019)

PhD Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology

University of Ilorin, Nigeria (2010 -2013) Master of Science in Agricultural Extension University of Ilorin, Nigeria (1997 -2003) Bachelor of Agriculture (B. Agric.) 8. Language skills. Indicate competence on a scale of 1 to 5 (1-excellent; 5-basic): Language Reading Speaking Writing

English 1 1 1

Yoruba 1 1 1

French 4 4 4

Hausa 4 4 4

9. Membership of professional bodies: Agricultural Extension Society of Nigeria (AESON) 10. Other skills: Data Analytics (Excel, Tableau, IBM SPSS, and STATA) 11. Present position: Consultant, Sahel Consulting 12. Years of experience: 17 years

13. Key qualifications:

• Over 10 years of working experience in international projects by strengthening the livelihood and nutrition of smallholder farmers through capacity building for increased agricultural productivity and competitiveness to reduce hunger as well as poverty through climate-smart technologies, innovations dissemination, and adoption as well as training of rural farmers to improve their resilience, productivity, income, food security and access to market in West Africa, Nigeria;

• Strong expertise in developing and providing capacity-building support to MSMEs in Agri-business, and agricultural value chain projects in the following fields: community mobilization/engagement, policy, food security, innovation adoption, advocacy, livelihood, gender, youth, nutrition, smart agricultural climate practices, value chain analysis, value chain mapping, value chain development, and rural credit development schemes;

• Experienced in leadership roles, coaching, mentoring, and advising master trainers, consultants, facilitators, project teams and project beneficiaries (including women and youth) ineffective training delivery; In-depth experience in facilitating adult learning and developing training/education materials to support trained producers, partners staff and agricultural inputs dealers, processors on improved production techniques and post-harvest handling including cleaning, sorting, grading, storage, processing and marketing;

• Knowledge of using digital learning tools to support the implementation of field activities and training as well as monitoring aspects of projects as well as proven experience in monitoring and evaluations expected to make recommendations for improvement on achieving project indicators through informed decisions;

• Vast experience in proactively building relationships and strategic partnerships with multiple stakeholders (Government, NGOs, international organizations, local communities, etc.)

• Sound project management, reporting, communication, and social skills. Cross-cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and flexibility.

14. Specific experience in the region:

Country Date

Nigeria 2006 - 2024

2

15. Professional experience:

Dates Location Organization/

Project

Position Description

February

2024 – Till

Date

Abuja Sahel

Consulting:

Agricultural

Systems

Resilience

Enhancement

through

Effective Early

Climate Action

in Nigeria

Project

Funded by Bill

and Melinda

Gates

Foundation

Consultant Agricultural Systems Resilience Enhancement through Effective Early Climate Action in Nigeria Project:

Lead and coordinate project activities in collaboration with a consortium of local and international partners, ensuring seamless planning and implementation.

Develop and administer a comprehensive project governance and management framework to ensure efficient execution and stakeholder engagement.

Foster collaboration and establish partnerships among key stakeholders, including government agencies, research institutes, and technical partners.

Regularly engage with the project steering committee and funders to align the project's strategic direction, resource allocation, and policies.

Oversee project reporting, documentation, and knowledge sharing, ensuring transparency, accountability, and dissemination of lessons learned.

Effectively manage project risks, conflicts, and resolutions to ensure the achievement of project objectives and targets.

Effectively manage climate stakeholders such as the International Research Institute for Climate and Society

(IRI) at Columbia University in the USA, the International Biodiversity Center/CIAT West Africa (CIAT) based in Senegal, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

(FMAFS), the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and the Federal Ministry of Environment (FME) and the National Council for Climate Change in Nigeria (NCCC). March

2018 –

January

2024

Ogun &

Oyo

States,

Nigeria

GOPA AFC-

Agriculture and

Finance

Consultants:

GIZ- Green

Innovation

Centre Nigeria

Agricultural

Value Chain

Advisor

Agriculture and Finance Consultants: GIZ- Green Innovation Centre Nigeria:

Spearheaded the revision, evaluation, and preparation of existing research data for agricultural value chains in Ogun and Oyo States, Nigeria.

Took charge of the design and implementation of food security needs assessments, demonstrating leadership in assessment design, data collection, analysis, output drafting, and dissemination of findings.

Provided guidance and support to public and private extension and service facilities in the implementation of training programs.

Demonstrated leadership in strengthening the capacity of selected government and private extension service providers for the benefit of smallholder farmers, including women and youth.

Led the training, coaching, and mentoring of partner MSMEs in agri-business, empowering them to utilize digital tools for business plans, accounting, and marketing of their services and products.

Offered expert technical advice on the integration of innovations in selected value chains, including quality infrastructure, technologies, and marketing options.

Took the lead in creating and updating training materials, including digital training content such as business plans, accounting, marketing, pricing, and tax strategies in agri-business. 3

Fostered stronger linkages between agricultural stakeholders and research institutions, showcasing leadership in improving coordination and collaboration.

Led the implementation of innovations through public-private partnerships and inclusive business models.

Designed and implemented Community-Based Seed Systems, Spraying Services, and High-Quality Cassava Peels schemes for youth entrepreneurs in Ogun and Oyo States.

Played a key role in the initiation and implementation of development partnerships with industry, particularly Nigerian companies.

Supervised extension agents for the monitoring of training sessions on best business practices using digital tools, showcasing leadership in building the capacity of smallholders, including women and youth, to adopt new technologies for improved productivity and income.

Took the lead in preparing Terms of References for value chain-specific short-term consultancies and provided support in mission implementation.

Led the implementation, supervision, and documentation of events, trade fair appearances, project- accompanying investigations, and evaluations of the working group, multi-stakeholder value chain platforms, and/or roundtables.

Facilitated quarterly meetings of the value chain stakeholders and steering groups, showcasing leadership in fostering collaboration and communication.

Facilitated training and coaching sessions for project beneficiaries on innovations such as Contract Farming, SME Loop for service providers, Processors Business School, Cooperative Business School, Good Agricultural Practices (including climate-smart practices), and Farmer Business School; demonstrated leadership in capacity building of best business practices and entrepreneurial skills.

Coordinated with local government partners to conduct surveys for Monitoring and Evaluation

(M&E), taking a leadership role in data collection and aggregation for reports.

Implemented regular field visits in selected states for monitoring and other purposes, displaying leadership in on-the-ground oversight.

Contributed to GOPA AFC and GIZ timely project reporting, demonstrating responsibility and accountability in reporting obligations.

September

2016 -

February

2018

Bauchi

State,

Nigeria

Oxfam Nigeria:

Livelihoods and

Nutritional

Empowerment

(LINE) Project

Private Sector

and Value

Chains

Development

Lead

Livelihoods and Nutritional Empowerment (LINE) Project:

Implemented regular field visits in selected states for monitoring and other purposes, displaying leadership in on-the-ground oversight.

Coordinated the annual planning, budgeting, and implementation of LINE project agricultural livelihood activities, showcasing leadership in strategic project management.

Implemented training needs assessments and gap analysis, led curriculum design, and conducted training of trainers and mentors, establishing gender-focused mentoring networks.

Conducted comprehensive value chain analysis and devised interventions to address critical gaps associated with targeted value chains, including maize, sorghum, sesame, meat, and dairy. 4

Coordinated digital awareness campaigns for women and youth involved in the targeted value chains, focusing on accounting, marketing, business plans, and the use of mobile money apps.

Designed a project implementation plan guiding key value chains, including crop-specific packages of practice (PoPs), training manuals, and promotional materials for raising awareness among diverse audiences.

Established and managed Business Incubation Centres (BIC) to train and coach youth agri-preneurs in strategic planning, internal organization development, customer relationship management, and effective communication using simple online templates.

Developed a framework for bulk inputs procurement and distribution, as well as an inputs revolving scheme for youths and women.

Led project planning meetings, ensuring quality planning and implementation within the project framework, and developed annual work plans in collaboration with the project team.

Assisted the project manager in recruiting and managing private consultants for specific short-term assignments, including facilitating the development of their work plans and organizing debriefing sessions.

Managed relations with project partners, private sector actors, and key stakeholders, demonstrating effective collaboration for project delivery.

Organized and supported business development training on best practices and entrepreneurial skills for partner MSMEs.

Provided professional mentoring and counseling advisory services to partners on developing and implementing business plans with project beneficiaries.

Collaborated with business associations and village savings and loans groups, enhancing group governance capacity and decision-making, including facilitation of rural micro-financial services to the target LINE project beneficiaries.

Strengthened linkages between agricultural stakeholders and research institutions, showcasing leadership in improving coordination and collaboration.

Maintained effective communication on the progress of project implementation with a wide range of people, including relevant stakeholders within project locations, the project implementation unit, and Oxfam program teams.

Supported project coordination and ensured project learning was documented for communication within the project locations, the wider Oxfam confederation, and to the donor regarding business development and village savings and loans.

Produced activity reports related to project development, partner and beneficiary training, and support to project groups, including activities implemented directly.

Conducted periodic monitoring visits to project partners and implementation sites, verified outputs indicated in progress reports submitted to Oxfam by partners, and produced project activity and progress reports for Global Affairs Canada (GAC) in line with Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) requirements. March

2016 -

August

Abuja,

Nigeria

Skye Bank PLC Agribusiness

Officer

Skye Bank PLC:

Managed the agri-business advisory services desk for potential farmers and MSMEs in North Central Nigeria

(Abuja FCT, Benue, Niger, Plateau and Kogi States). 5

2016 Proactive and timely evaluation of customer portfolio on accurate credit risk ratings, assurance that all required information is received on schedule and thoroughly reviewed.

Reviewed and analysed agriculture-related business loan request and liaising with CBN, NIRSAL, NEXIM Bank and NAIC on all matters concerning agricultural lending.

Liaised with development organizations and NGOs on various programmes involving credit provision for the sector.

Provided coordination in areas of marketing, assessment, timely disbursement, monitoring and repayment of loan.

Developed relationships with key stakeholders including farmers, administrators, transporters, mechanization service providers as well as government officials.

Facilitated Syke Bank-CBN intervention funds such as the; Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund

(ACGSF), Agricultural Credit Support Scheme (ACSS), Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme (CACS), Micro Small Medium Enterprises Development Fund (MSMEDF), Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP) out- growers scheme.

Offered entrepreneurial skills training to MSMEs owned by women and youths for improved service provision and income.

Acted as focal person for value chain development interventions and livelihood activities in the assigned zone of operation.

March

2013 -

February

2016

Abuja,

Niger &

Kwara

States,

Nigeria

USAID

Maximizing

Agricultural

Revenue and

Key

Enterprises in

Targeted Sites

(MARKETS II)

Project

Value Chain

Advisor

USAID Maximizing Agricultural Revenue and Key Enterprises in Targeted Sites (MARKETS II) Project:

Managed clusters of lead farmers and out-growers involved in rice, soybean, aquaculture and cassava value chains in Nigeria; Niger State (4,500 rice out-growers and 3,500 soybeans out growers), Kwara State (6,500 rice out-growers) and Abuja FCT (3,000 cassava out-growers).

Provided technical expertise in the production of package of practices (PoPs) to produce high-quality commodities that meet end users’ quality and quantity requirements through demonstrations, training of trainers (ToTs) on best agronomic and agri-business best practices, and on-the-spot visits to farms and farmers.

Developed training materials and trained producers, ADP staff and agro-dealers on improved production techniques and post-harvest handling including cleaning, sorting, grading and storage;

Established close and effective working relationships with private sector actors, government agencies and key organizations.

Facilitated the integration, coordination and harmonization of value chain development activities with relevant key actors like state governments, financial institutions, private sector firms and other donor projects.

Convened various stakeholders and regional meetings from across sectors in support of project goals.

Involved in the assessment and training of agri-business MSMEs on entrepreneurial skills and best business practices to leverage opportunities to access finance;

Linked women and youth cottage processors to financial institutions for credit and collaborated with financial institutions on financing agricultural inputs and farm equipment.

Linked commercial banks and microfinance institutions to farmer groups and processors to identify and implement opportunities.

Encouraged internal mobilization of funds by implementing training on entrepreneurship skills and benefits of savings and credit activities among farmer groups and MSMEs. 6

Encouraged culture of taking insurance on crops among farmers by creating awareness during training and extension activities.

Identified and appraised potential grantees as well as monitored and management of grant activities after disbursement.

Developed local business networks, and collaborated with other development institutions (donor projects and NGOs) working in target areas toward similar goals;

Facilitated negotiations between wholesalers, processors, mechanization service providers, local enterprises, producers and producer groups.

Developed and implemented commodity specific plans of action in collaboration with partners and firms.

Ensured considerations of gender equality; female and youth empowerment are fully integrated into programme planning and activities.

Developed terms of reference for value chain subcontractors and implementation agreement for implementing partners and stakeholders.

Prepared yearly work plan, budget and monthly financial forecast.

Supported MARKETS II Nigeria project M&E activities, drafting scope of work and providing inputs to weekly, monthly, quarterly reports and work planning exercises. July 2012 -

February

2013

Niger,

Kaduna &

Kano

States,

Nigeria

COMPRO II

Nigeria Project:

Farm Inputs

Promotions

(FIPS)-Africa

Limited Kenya

Country

Dissemination

Coordinator

COMPRO II Nigeria Project:

Facilitated the up-scaling and commercialization of a bio-fertilizer (Rhizobium Inoculum) among soybean farmers in Northern Nigeria (Kano, Kaduna and Niger States) in partnership with IITA and Notore Chemical Industries.

Linked with private sector institutions to obtain inputs for demonstrations and promotions.

Worked with the Ministry of Agriculture, private sector partners and local NGO partners to recruit village- based advisors to conduct demonstrations.

Arranged distribution of inputs (COMPRO products, fertilizers and soybean seeds) to village-based advisors for demonstrations.

Trained agricultural extension agents and village-based advisors on the economics of production, record keeping and cost-benefit of adopting COMPRO products as well as how to establish demonstrations using FIPS village approach.

Trained agricultural extension agents’ village-based advisors on the establishment of soybean seed multiplication sites at the village level and monitoring and evaluation of demonstration plots.

Trained youth village-based advisors on supply management, best business promotion and entrepreneurship skills on selected income-generating activities such as the establishment of multiplication sites of improved varieties of cassava and sweet potatoes as well as the establishment of tree nurseries (for tree planting as climate-smart practice) and vaccination of poultry against Newcastle disease.

Linked village-based advisors to cooperating private sector companies and financial institutions to ensure COMPROs are available for sale on a timely basis.

Monitoring of project activities. Submitted monthly reports to FIPS-Africa Ltd Nairobi Kenya office. September

2010 -

Ogun,

Oyo &

DFID

Promoting Pro-

Research

Officer

Promoting Pro-Poor Opportunities in Commodity and Service Markets (PrOpCom) Project: 7

November

2011

Kogi,

Kaduna

States,

Nigeria

Poor

Opportunities in

Commodity and

Service

Markets

(PrOpCom)

Project

Conducted research surveys using qualitative and quantitative methodologies as well as participatory approaches in Northern Nigeria (Kaduna, Kogi and Kwara States) and Southwest Nigeria (Oyo and Ogun States).

Managed clusters of mechanization service providers in Kaduna, Oyo and Ogun States in partnership with Tractor Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria (TOOAN) First Bank Nigeria.

Supported the Catalytic Intervention Manager to develop a lease finance product with First Bank Nigeria PLC for the purchase of Springfield tractors by the mechanization service providers.

Monitored the activities and loan repayment schedule of the mechanization service providers.

Managed clusters of Notore fertilizer village promoters in Kogi and Kwara States.

Collaborated with Catalytic Intervention Managers in the production of internal progress reports as well as contributed to the overall programme reports for the donors.

Conducted impact assessment surveys on mechanization and fertilizer interventions in Kaduna, Oyo and Ogun States.

Collaborated with the M&E to design survey instruments, collation and analysis of data.

Gave on-field service and feedback based on the evidence gathered from field research. June 2006

- August

2010

Kwara

State,

Nigeria

Kwara State

Agricultural

Development

Programme

Agricultural

Extension

Officer

Kwara Agricultural Development Programme:

Participated in Kwara State farmers and MSMEs census as well as fertilizer voucher scheme.

Responsible for dissemination of agricultural innovations, business promotion and entrepreneurial skills to farmers, women processors and youth (involving mentoring, coaching and feedback sessions).

Responsible for the establishment of demonstration plots on rice, maize, cassava, yam, potato, sorghum, cowpea, soybean and cashew commodities to facilitate learning among rural farmers.

Involved in the dissemination of livestock value chain strategies among women smallholders and herders.

Ensured proper identification, formation and profiling of farmer and women processor groups/cooperatives

(including women and youth) for linkage to financial institutions for loans.

Responsible for assessment, management, and monitoring of grant interventions for farmers and women processor cooperative groups.

Involved in needs assessment and training of women processors on best business practices, strategic planning and mentoring to boost income-generating activities to improve internal fund mobilization.

Organized and formed youths in agriculture farmer clubs in schools and established demonstration plots to facilitate learning under the Root and Tuber Expansion Programme (RTEP).

Involved in the grant implementation, monitoring and auditing of international funded projects in Kwara State, such as RTEP funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Community-based rural and agricultural development project funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), Fadama II and III projects funded by the AfDB and World Bank.

16. Other relevant information:

1. Ajibola, B.O. (2020). COVID-19 Pandemic- Accelerating the Use of Digital Agricultural Extension Tools in Nigeria. DOI: http://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.12594.43206

2. Ajibola, B.O. (2020). COVID-19 pandemic post-effect on rural dwellers and crop production in Nigeria. 8

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.21984.84488

3. Ajibola, B.O. (2017). Factors affecting adoption of urea deep placement technology by rice farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Research and Development, 16(1)1-11.

4. Ajibola, B.O., Pelemo, J. J., Arowolo, K.O., Usman, N.S., Yisa, K.M., Eyiobami, B.H., and Ateiza, L.O. (2023). Effect of Climate Change of Food Security Status of Rice Farming Households in Kebbi State, Nigeria. African Journal of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, 3(2)137-144. 5. Ajibola, B.O., Adeniji, O.B, Olaleye, R.S., and Ojo, M.A. (2017). Analysis of the Constraints to adoption of urea deep placement technology among rice farmers in North Central Nigeria, Nigeria Journal of Agricultural Extension, 18(4), 27-32. 6. Ajibola, B.O., Adeniji, O.B, Olaleye, R.S., and Ojo, M.A. (2017). Effect of urea deep placement technology on paddy yield of rice farmers in North Central Nigeria, Journal of Wetlands and Waste Management, 1(1-3), 1-7. 7. Ajibola, B.O., and Fatoki P. (2017). Adoption of urea deep placement recommended practices among Rice Farmers in Niger State, Nigeria, International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology, 2(4), 2127-2124. 8. Ajibola, B.O., and Onwu, C.A. (2017). Perceived training needs of smallholder rice farmers on urea deep placement technology in Benue State, Nigeria, Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics and Sociology, 19(2), 1-10. 9. Ajibola, B.O., Komolafe, S.E. and Akangbe, J. A. (2015). Constraints Faced by Women Vegetable Farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria and its Agricultural Practices, Jordan Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 11(4), 995-1006. 10. Adesiji, G.B., Komolafe, S.E., Ifabiyi, J.O., Ajibola, B.O., and Animashaun, J.O. (2015). Perception of Agricultural Extension Agents on Job Motivation in Kwara State, Nigeria, Agrosearch Journal, 15(1), 117-125. 11. Ajepe, G.B., Adekunle, O.A., Ajibola., B.O., and Komolafe, S.E. (2016). Women Participation in the activities of melon value chain enterprises in Kwara State, Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Faculty of Gaziosmanpasa University, 33(2), 1-8. 12. Akangbe, J.A., Awotoye, A.O.., Komolafe, S.E. and Ajibola B.O. (2014) Contribution of small-Scale poultry farming to poverty reduction in Oyun and Offa Local Government Areas of Kwara State, Nigeria, Wayamba Journal of Animal Science, 92(2), 1058-1064. 13. Akangbe, J.A., Bankole,Y., Ajibola, B.O., Fakayode, S.B., and Animashaun, J.O. (2013). Adoption of smoking chokor for fish processing in Kwara State, Nigeria. Russian Journal of Agricultural and Socio-Economic Sciences, 3(15), 26-30. 14. Akangbe, J.A., Komolafe, S.E., Ajibola, B.O., and Abdul-Karim, I.F. (2014). An Assessment of Agricultural Cooperative’s Leadership Style in Ilorin West Local Government of Kwara State, Nigeria. PAT Journal, 10(2), 193-202. 15. rBanabas, T. M., Pelemo, J. J., and Ajibola, B.O. (2019). Effects of cashew production on rural poverty alleviation and its constraints on farmers in Kogi State, Nigeria, Journal of Agricultural Economics and Extension Research Studies, 7(1), 86-93. 16. Fatoki, P.O and Ajibola, B.O. (2020). Determinants of Well-being Status of Rice Farmers in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Extension, 24(3), 41-48.

17. Komolafe S.E., Adesiji G.B., and Ajibola B.O. (2014). Determinants of adoption of improved crop practices among women farmers in Ekiti East local government of Ekiti State, Nigeria, WebPub Journal of Agriculture Research, 2(7), 98-105. 18. Komolafe, S.E., Akangbe, J.A., Ajibola, B.O., Olarewaju, C.I., and Oduwaiye, M.O. (2016). Correlates of Ill Health Conditions and Farmers’ Productivity in Ilorin East Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare, 6 (22), 17-22. 19. Sanusi,R.O., Ajibola, B.O., Isegbe, E.I., Adebayo, R.M., Abubakar, M.B., Oke, O.O., Lordbanjou, D., Lawal, M., Adeoye, A.A.(2021). Analysis of Cassava Farmers’ Revenue Who were Innovation Participants in Ogun State, Nigeria: 2016-2018. Journal of Agriculture and Crops, 7(4), 126-131. 20. Sanusi, R.O., Fakoya, E.O., Oyeyinka, R.A., Omotayo,A.M., Ajibola, B.O. and Ajibade, A.S. (2021). Determinants of adoption of Deutsche Gesellschaft Für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)-sponsored technologies among cassava farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria Cogent Food & Agriculture, 7(1), 1-14.

REFEREES:

Available on request.

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