As Program Analyst for Agriculture and Livelihoods, Melissa Benn is responsible for developing and implementing the Agricultural Transformation Initiative’s procurement processes. She assists in designing and writing solicitation and procurement documents, while also establishing procedures that facilitate grant disbursements.
Melissa is skilled at managing international agricultural development programs. Her work in this area has included supporting operations, ensuring compliance, backstopping overseas projects, contributing to new business development, forging relationships, and overseeing knowledge retention. Prior to joining the Foundation, she worked at Chemonics International Inc. in Washington, DC as Manager of the Agriculture and Food Security Practice, and on the Markets and Trade team for the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET).
Melissa’s earlier role at Chemonics International Inc. was as a Senior Associate, specializing in project management and support to project offices in East Africa, including day-to-day support of offices in Ethiopia and Sudan.
Melissa currently resides in Virginia and has a BA in Food Studies and Environmental Policy from Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.
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COVID-19 has presented not only a health crisis, but a burgeoning economic catastrophe as well. A recent McKinsey report notes that in 2020, African economies could experience a catastrophic loss from US$90 billion to US$200 billion, a 3–8% drop in GDP growth, and delayed or reduced foreign direct investment. Such a massive hit will require […]
William Kamkwamba signs books during the Agricultural Transformation Summit, held in Lilongwe, Malawi on November 14, 2019 Inspiration can come from all places. For some, inspiration comes from listening to the words of others. Moments of inspiration can also hit during times of great need, or times of reflection. For William Kamkwamba, the Malawian […]
GENDER LENS INVESTING: The deliberate integration of gender analysis into investment analysis and decision-making Gender lens investing (GLI) is “an investing approach that deliberately incorporates a desire to make a difference in the lives of women and girls, while meeting the risk/return objectives appropriate for an institutional portfolio.” The Criterion Institute and Jackie VanderBrug, Managing Director of Global […]
Ngabahila Chatata, and her husband, after winning first prize in the Youth Agri-preneur Pitch Competition in Lilongwe, Malawi, standing with Rob Henning, Director of Agriculture and Economic Diversification Programs (left) and Jim Lutzweiler, Vice President of Agriculture and Livelihoods (right) Without a doubt, pitch competitions set an exciting scene. Entrepreneurs nervously pace as expert judges […]
A word diagram from the WhatsApp conference group The last week of November, approximately five hours before my flight left from DC to Lilongwe, I opened my suitcase and began to pack. Some may argue that sprinting around with literal moments to spare may not be the most prudent way to prepare for a […]
Better let them smoke and die? #Bloomberg funded major international #NGO’s logic for #LMICs is baffling and worrying writes @swimdaily. #India #data #bidis #science #harmreduction #health #access #UN #mustread https://therearehumansintheroom.csdconsulting.net/
As the world continues to combat the #COVID19 pandemic, a new survey shows that trust in government is significantly lower than trust in the medical community. Derek Yach writes in @BDliveSA that to change unhealthy behavior, doctors must come to the forefront of public outreach.
People trust the state less than doctors, which is where smoking comes in @BD_Africa @INNCOorg @Filtermag_org #Trust in #government and #doctors is key to public support of health policies- from #COVID19 to #smoking https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/opinion/2020-08-12-people-trust-the-state-less-than-doctors-which-is-where-smoking-comes-in/
The true cost of a #cigarette is more than it seems. As the world begins to smoke less cigarettes, we must help #Malawi’s smallholder #tobaccofarmers switch to sustainable alternative livelihoods. https://bit.ly/3bEUZ8Y
Many governments in #LatinAmerica (including #Mexico, #Argentina, & #Brazil) have passed restrictive policies on safer #nicotine products. @VIDAdotNEWS hosted a panel discussion on the unintended consequences of strict regulations in Latin America.
Live right now: "Why Bans Are Not Best for Latin America"
https://youtu.be/I3tTphE08H4
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