Catherine Sakala is an emerging farmer and has over eight years’ experience as a biologist and climate change specialist working in agriculture and controlling livestock diseases. She is currently a senior biologist at the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, where she plans and implements livestock disease control programs to increase livestock production, thereby increasing the income of rural farmers in western Zambia. She volunteers with ZaWARD, a girls’ mentorship program, aiming to reduce the gender gap in agriculture. Catherine holds a Master of Agricultural Science from the University of Melbourne in Australia. Her vision for a poverty-free Africa drives her desire to directly influence policy and advocate for rural farmers, increasing food security. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Catherine plans to expand her girls’ mentorship program to raise awareness of agricultural careers and their importance in poverty alleviation. She intends to pursue a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics and Environmental Management for Rural Development to equip herself with the knowledge necessary to inform agricultural policy.

Last updated: 2018