Dunia Ally Mgonzo
Mikumi
Summary
Program Leadership and Climate-Smart Agriculture Specialist with over 7 years of experience leading large-scale community-based development and environmental programs in Tanzania. Proven expertise in designing and implementing landscape restoration, agroforestry, and climate resilience initiatives aligned with global climate goals, including afforestation and sustainable land management. Strong track record in stakeholder engagement, participatory governance (FPIC-aligned processes), and managing multidisciplinary teams across diverse and remote settings. Highly experienced in strategic and operational planning, including development of Project Design Documents (PDDs), Annual Work Plans, and Country Strategic Plans (CSPs). Demonstrated ability to deliver high-impact programs on time and within budget while ensuring compliance, community ownership, and long-term sustainability.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Country Training Manager
Trees for the Future (TREES)
Tanzania
12.2019 - Current
- Lead National-level implementation of climate-resilient agriculture and agroforestry programs across multiple regions, contributing to landscape restoration and carbon sequestration outcomes.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of Country Strategic Plans (CSPs), aligning national programs with organizational goals, donor priorities, and climate objectives.
- Support preparation of Project Design Documents (PDDs) and technical documentation aligned with agroecological standards and environmental compliance requirements.
- Lead development and execution of Annual Work Plans, ensuring effective resource allocation, budgeting, and timely delivery of program targets.
- Manage and coordinate multidisciplinary field teams, ensuring integration across technical, operational, and community engagement functions.
- Design and oversee community-based training systems integrating agroforestry, soil conservation, and sustainable land-use practices.
- Facilitate participatory engagement processes with over 10,000 smallholder farmers, ensuring inclusion, FPIC alignment, and strong local ownership.
- Support monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV-aligned) systems to track environmental impact, adoption rates, and livelihood improvements.
- Strengthen partnerships with government authorities, NGOs, and community institutions to ensure sustainability and policy alignment.
- Build internal team capacity in facilitation, safeguarding, and adaptive program management.
Senior Agronomist
Great African Food Company
Arusha, Tanzania
01.2016 - 11.2018
- Designed and implemented sustainable agriculture programs supporting smallholder productivity, resilience, and environmental sustainability.
- Contributed to program planning and operational frameworks, supporting structured implementation and reporting systems.
- Led stakeholder engagement initiatives, strengthening farmer group governance and market integration.
- Conducted monitoring and evaluation activities to track performance and inform program improvements.
- Promoted climate-smart agriculture practices enhancing soil health and long-term sustainability.
Out grower Services Assistant Manager
Unilever Tea Tanzania Ltd
Mufindi, Iringa
01.2013 - 11.2015
- Coordinated extension services for over 10,000 smallholder tea farmers across large-scale agricultural systems.
- Supported annual planning, budgeting, and reporting processes to ensure efficient program delivery.
- Led community mobilization and training on sustainable agricultural practices.
- Ensured alignment with environmental, social, and operational compliance requirements.
- Prepared technical and operational reports to support strategic decision-making.
Executive Secretary
Sugarcane Out growers Association
Kilombero, Morogoro
01.2009 - 09.2012
- Led coordination of community development programs, stakeholder engagement, and farmer capacity-building initiatives.
- Facilitated participatory decision-making processes on contracts, governance, and benefit-sharing mechanisms.
- Contributed to strategic and operational planning, including development of community-focused plans and reports.
- Managed organizational communication, reporting, and program implementation processes.
Agricultural Tutor
Ministry of Education / Agriculture
Tanzania
01.2000 - 11.2005
- Delivered agricultural education programs integrating agroecology, climate adaptation, and rural development.
- Mentored students and extension staff in field-based agricultural systems and community outreach approaches.
Education
MSc - Agricultural Education & Extension
Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA)
Morogoro01-2011
BSc - Agricultural Education & Extension
Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA)
Morogoro01-2005
Diploma - Education
Klerru Teachers College
Iringa01-1996
Skills
- Program Leadership & Strategic Management
- Country Strategic Planning (CSP), Project Design Documents (PDD) Development and Annual Work Planning & Budgeting
- Landscape Restoration (Agroforestry)
- Monitoring, Reporting & Evaluation (M&E / MRV-aligned)
- Community Engagement & FPIC Processes
- Stakeholder & Government Relations
- Capacity Building & Team Leadership
- Technical Reporting & Documentation
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Data collection and reporting tools
- Monitoring & Evaluation systems (M&E / MRV)
- Technical report writing and presentation
Accomplishments
- Led participatory, FPIC-aligned processes engaging over 10,000 farmers in climate-resilient agriculture and agroforestry programs.
- Contributed to development of Project Design Documents (PDDs) supporting landscape restoration and carbon initiatives.
- Successfully developed and implemented Annual Work Plans across multi-regional programs.
- Contributed to development and execution of Country Strategic Plans (CSPs) guiding multi-year program implementation.
- Established agroforestry seed banks supporting community-led restoration and biodiversity conservation.
- Mobilized and trained 120 Village Savings & Loan Associations (VSLAs) groups, strengthening inclusive rural livelihoods.
PERSONAL DETAILS
Swahili & English (fluent in speaking, writing & reading)
Timeline
Country Training Manager
Trees for the Future (TREES)
12.2019 - Current
Senior Agronomist
Great African Food Company
01.2016 - 11.2018
Out grower Services Assistant Manager
Unilever Tea Tanzania Ltd
01.2013 - 11.2015
Executive Secretary
Sugarcane Out growers Association
01.2009 - 09.2012
Agricultural Tutor
Ministry of Education / Agriculture
01.2000 - 11.2005
Diploma - Education
Klerru Teachers College
BSc - Agricultural Education & Extension
Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA)
MSc - Agricultural Education & Extension
Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA)
DECLARATION
I, Mgonzo Dunia Ally, declare that the information provided is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Extensive experience working in rural and remote environments
- Strong understanding of community governance and customary practices
- Willing and able to travel nationally and internationally