Saadan Amon Edson
Mwanza
Summary
A dynamic agribusiness professional with over 9 years of experience in business development. Holding a BSc in Horticulture and an MBA in Agribusiness from Sokoine University of Agriculture, he has successfully led market expansion and contract farming initiatives at East West Seed (T) Ltd., delivering high-performing seed varieties and strengthening supply chains across multiple regions. At the International Potato Centre (CIP), he has been providing technical agricultural extension support and trainings on value chain development, seed systems, marketing and Branding. He ensures farmers consistently produce vine (seed) and roots which meet quality and quantity demanded in the market. Currently, as a Research Associate (Business Development) at the International Potato Center (CIP), he supports the commercialization of sweetpotato seed and roots by mentoring smallholder growers and facilitating public-private partnerships. Known for his leadership, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement skills, he is committed to enabling timely delivery of quality input/raw materials, driving sustainable agribusiness growth in Tanzania.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Associate- Business Development
International Potato Centre (CIP)
07.2021 - Current
- Recruited and supported over 50 Commercial Sweetpotato Seed Producers (CSPs) through capacity building in business planning, branding, and marketing to ensure sustainable, quality seed production and supply.
- Facilitated contract-based seed procurement between CSPs and TARI, resulting in the successful sourcing of more than 200,000 basic seed cuttings—ensuring consistent, traceable supply of planting material.
- Collaborated with TOSCI to train and certify 44 CSPs, ensuring compliance with national seed regulations and strengthening traceability systems.
- Facilitated the formation and registration of CHAWAVITA MB KAZI, a regional seed producers’ association, to enhance collective bargaining and formalize sourcing partnerships.
- Facilitating sourcing of OFSP roots from trained farmers for processors and vendors. More than 15 Tons are needed by processors and vendors weekly.
- Strengthened public-private partnerships by mapping seed value chain actors, coordinating with stakeholders, and supporting joint implementation of innovative strategies.
Researcher
Regional Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes (ReNAPRI-SUA)
08.2020 - 01.2022
- Conducting deep dive analysis in the following thematic areas:
- Policy research on regional Value Chain Upgrading (conducting trade policy analysis on value chains of key crops in order to advise the government and other stakeholders on trade and marketing related issue)
- Policy Research to support Abuja II Fertilizer summit
- Policy research in support of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA)
Marketing Development System Volunteer
ACDI/VOCA- Nafaka Project (MBA-Programme)
08.2018 - 01.2019
- Strengthened supply chain efficiency by coaching staff on sales, marketing, HR, and warehouse management, ensuring seamless sourcing and timely delivery of quality raw materials aligned with market demand.
- Developed and executed input-output market plans that optimized sourcing volumes and costs, ensuring consistent year-round supply of paddy to meet factory and market requirements. The sourcing and production efficiency were improved by 70% and 60% respectively.
- Facilitated strategic partnerships by brokering MoUs between the company and Farmers Based Organisation (FBOs), securing dependable sourcing channels and promoting contract farming models.
- Spearheaded marketing communication initiatives including radio campaigns and promotional materials that increased market visibility and stakeholder engagement in sourcing regions.
- Built and nurtured strong collaborations with key value chain actors such as Kilimo Trust, AGRA, EFTA, and Agricom, fostering a supportive environment for agribusiness growth and risk mitigation.
Product Development Specialist
East West Seed (T) Ltd.
07.2016 - 07.2018
- Led the development and market penetration of vegetable seed products across Eastern, Central, and Southern Tanzania, driving significant business growth and positioning East West Seed as a market leader. Managed to introduce more than 3 varieties which became cash cows in the market.
- Designed and implemented farmer and sales force training programs on agronomy, product handling, marketing, and post-harvest management, directly improving product quality and farmer productivity.
- Utilized Competitive Intelligence Diagnosis (CID) to identify and capitalize on seed business opportunities, ensuring product launches were market-driven and profitable.
- Established and managed key partnerships with public sector bodies (DAICOs, TOSCI), NGOs, agrodealers, and input suppliers, facilitating g and improving access to extension services and quality inputs and market information.
- Led establishment of demonstration plots and agricultural exhibitions, boosting brand equity and sales through effective value communication and customer engagement strategies.
- Coordinated regulatory compliance and seed certification processes with TOSCI, ensuring legal and quality standards were met, reducing risk and strengthening trust across the supply chain.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Agribusiness
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Morogoro01.2019
Bachelor of Science - Horticulture
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Morogoro01.2015
Skills
- Agribusiness Development
- Value Chain Strengthening
- Commercialization
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
Affiliations
AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS SOCIETY OF TANZANIA (AGREST) Nov 2019-to date
COMMUNICATION
Excellent in written and Spoken English and Swahili.
Timeline
Research Associate- Business Development
International Potato Centre (CIP)
07.2021 - Current
Researcher
Regional Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes (ReNAPRI-SUA)
08.2020 - 01.2022
Marketing Development System Volunteer
ACDI/VOCA- Nafaka Project (MBA-Programme)
08.2018 - 01.2019
Product Development Specialist
East West Seed (T) Ltd.
07.2016 - 07.2018
Master of Business Administration - Agribusiness
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Bachelor of Science - Horticulture
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Disclaimer
I, the undersigned, certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief, this CV correctly describes me, my qualifications, and my experience Mr. Saadan A Edson 31st August 2025
References
- Adam, Akyoo, Senior Lecturer, akyoo63@sua.ac.tz, amakyoo@yahoo.co.uk, +255 754 926247, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Senior Lecturer at the School of Agricultural Economics and Business Studies
- Kwame, Ogero, Regional Research Associate, k.ogero@cgiar.org, +255 689 457 461, International Potato Centre (CIP), Virus Degeneration Study Regional Research Associate
Awards
Best Student in Vegetable Crops production at Sokoine University of Agriculture. (Class of 2015)
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