Our Team

Meet the Team

At RDI, we care about your project and its success. The RDI team is devoted to providing the best service and results for you. Starting with our experienced management team, this filters down to every project we manage, provide consultancy for or technical services. The entire team is dedicated to you and your projects needs and outcome.

Victor Makasa

PROGRAMS DIRECTOR

Victor Makasa holds a Master’s degree in Rural Development (UCD, Ireland) and Bachelor of Agriculture Sciences degree (UNZA). He has extensive experience working on rural development programs, focusing on a number of areas including promotion of entrepreneurship, agriculture extension using “farming as a business model”, support to livelihoods and food/nutrition security, and organizational development support, among others. He has held senior management positions in a number of development programs in the past and has expertise in stakeholder engagement and strategic partnerships with government, civil society, and private sector actors. As the Managing Director of Rural Development Innovations (RDI) Ltd, he is currently head of the official technical partner organization of USADF in Zambia. Victor’s experience and expertise make him a valuable asset to the rural development sector.

Graham Chilimina

PROJECTS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Graham Chilimina is the Projects Development Officer and has been serving with Rural Development Innovations (RDI), the USADF local partner in Zambia, since August 2017. He is a holder Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences degree from the University of Zambia (UNZA) and boasts of 22 years of Agriculture Extension work experience engaging smallholder farmers in livelihoods. Graham’s prior work experience has been with the USAID sponsored PROFIT+, a feed the future project implemented by ACDI/ VOCA where he served as Output Marketing Manager. He has also extensively served in the Zambian cotton industry (15 years) where he rose through ranks to head the Agriculture Extension portfolio.

Martha Mbewe

PROGRAM OFFICER- MONITORING AND EVALUATION

Martha Mbewe is the Programs Officer-Monitoring and Evaluation at Rural Development Innovations (RDI). With 19 years of experience, she has established sustainable enterprises for various institutions and associations. Martha has a Master’s degree in Communication for Development and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and Development Studies. She provides technical support to client organizations, monitors project outcomes, and ensures the prudent utilization of grant funds. Martha is dedicated to creating lasting change and development in communities through strong networks and partnerships.

Mukelabai Mwandawande

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION OFFICER

Mukelabai Mwandawande is the Finance and Administrative Officer at Rural Development Innovations (RDI). He has over 20 years of work experience in private sector organizations, including Retailing, Dairy, Transport and Logistics, and fast-moving goods distribution. Mukelabai is responsible for formulating the annual budget for RDI, accounting and financial management, and providing training to client organizations. He is a finalist with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and has been serving at RDI since July 2017.