Maxwell Mumba, Degree of Master, Zambia, graduated in 2012

I chose the programme because of my profession and first degree background. Before I went to China Agricultural University, I had obtained a Bachelor of science degree in agricultural economics from the University of Zambia, Lusaka Zambia

　　 First of all I must say that I was developed as a professional in terms of how rural development strategies such as planning and natural resources management can rapidly transform the economic landscape of rural communities. Secondly,the importance of public policy as mechanism for driving rural and urban economies.

　　In addition, I discovered and learnt that research was very fundamental in development. It is through research that strategies are devised to respond to socio-economic challenges.

　　I worked as a Branch Manager for a micro finance institution before I travelled to China. I worked for a project implemented by an NGO known as CeLIM, an Italian based organization. However, the project was transformed into a not for profit company limted by guarantee by the time I was leaving for China. The funds were mobilized by CeLIM from Justice for solidarity Poverty reduction Fund-JSPRF. CeLIM is still operating in Zambia based in Lusaka but the company which was called Empowerment Microfinance Institution Ltd was bought by CETZAM a Zambian microfinance institution based in Lusaka.

　　I did not have much competition because I had unique qualifications and experience at that time. I chose to work there because I wanted to contribute to rural poverty reduction through efficient mechanisms and organizations. I had many choices as my qualifications and experience in agricultural and rural development were above many young job seekers.

　　I worked with rural women, youths and men through financial empowerment for business recapitalization, capacity building and linkage to markets. I recognized the need for higher education at this point because this was the highest rank I could get in my then organization with the first degree.

　　After graduation from China Agricultural University, I worked for Rusangu University as lecturer in agribusiness management and currently.Rusangu University located in Monze, Southern Province where I worked before is ranked among the best private universities especially that it is run by a church organization- Seventh Day Adventist-SDA. I easily found the job as the university could not find anyone qualified enough to teach the subjects in agricultural economics and rural/agricultural development. However, the job of lecturer at a church run university is not well paying compared to secular universities despite value of my master degree. I applied for thye job after it was advertized in the media. The previous job was not well paying which prompted me to move on and get a better and well paying job. At Rusangu, I taught many course including, research, extension and rural sociology, and agricultural marketing.

　　Also, I’m working with an agribusiness incubation organizationwhere I’m serving as Business Development Manager. The degree I obtained from CAU has elevated me to one of most recognized persons among my peers.Agribusiness Incubation Trust-AgBIT in short is a private-public partnership made of 5 consortium members representing the public and private sectors.AgBIT is an incubator. We nurture SMEs , agripreneurs and farmers to accelerate growth and profitability of their businesses.

　　I’m the second in the hierarchy after the CEO and acting CEO when he is out of Office. I’m also in charge of many vital functional areas of our organization such as research, consultancy and training.

　　I’m practically the chief operating officer in my organizationoverseeing the day to day activities. I’m also the head of consultancy and research which I attribute to CAU because of the research skills I learnt.

　　My abilities as a Master of Science degree holder have impacted positively to my career as well as my work. I’m at the moment one of the few managers in with physical evidence of incomes generated for the organizationthrough consultancy and trainings.