James Gakunya Macharia
About Candidate
Development and project management professional with 15+ years’ experience leading agricultural, environmental, and community-based initiatives across Kenya. Skilled in designing and delivering projects that improve food security, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and rural livelihoods. Proven record of managing multi-stakeholder partnerships, securing donor funding, and driving measurable impact—from agroforestry and biofuel initiatives to cooperative formation and agribusiness development.
Location
Education
Work & Experience
Spearheaded field operations for a green energy project focused on biofuel production from castor grown in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) in the coast region, covering 9,000 acres. Established community engagement structures and developed successful strategies for farmer mobilization and awareness. Recruited, trained, and managed field staff to ensure effective program delivery. Cultivated and maintained strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including national and county governments, community leaders, and local farmer groups. Developed and implemented channels for effective monitoring, evaluation, and reporting on all field activities.
Oversaw 4 project cycles for agriculture and food security, from feasibility to evaluation. Crafted technical proposals aligned with donor needs, securing funding for nutrition and sustainable farming. Directed M&E by building frameworks, gathering data via surveys, and analyzing impacts. Offered expert advice on agribusiness trends, innovations, and best practices. Assessed workflows and recommended process tweaks to cut costs and boost efficiency.
Led a 3-year, DANIDA-supported environmental conservation and livelihoods project for 5,000 beneficiaries. Guided strategy and rollout for a DANIDA-backed project aiding 5,000 people in Kiambu County, partnering with government and NGOs. Oversaw the successful planting of 100,000 trees in the Aberdare ecosystem as part of a major forest rehabilitation effort. Spearheaded the formation of the Gatundu livestock farmers’ cooperative, now producing 12 tonnes of animal feed weekly. Established a tissue culture banana propagation program in partnership with JKUAT, achieving a semi-annual turnover of $30,000. Managed the creation of 6 apiaries and a honey processing unit, producing 600 kgs of honey semi-annually. Successfully completed a $25,000 community resource centre for agricultural value addition and capacity building. Trained 2,000 households on efficient energy use and the adoption of renewable energy devices.
Projects Manager (Volunteer) – Kariobangi Youth Promotion Project, January 2007–November 2011 Administrative Assistant – Action Contre la Faim (Somalia), June 2006–November 2006
