UNIDO - Cluster Development - Expert Network
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David Mpala
First Name
David
Last Name
Mpala
Institution/Company
South African Agri Academy
Position
Cluster Development Coordinator
Country of Residence
South Africa
City of Residence
?
E-mail
Cluster Quote
With good partnerships, only the sky is the limit


I have obtained a BSc Honors in Agriculture from the University of Leipzig in Germany. After that I worked as an extension officer for the South African Ministry of Agriculture and assumed responsibilities as a farmer support programme coordinator. Amongst others, I coordinated various agricultural support activities, managed crop and livestock input distribution, coordinated drought mitigation programs, facilitated contract farming, conducted training needs analysis and staff training, and carried out baseline surveys and participatory rural appraisals.

When I joined the South African Agri Academy I received hands-on training on the UNIDO cluster development approach and started to assist selected clusters as a Cluster Development Agent. I am experienced in the preparation of cluster diagnostic studies and action plans, the building of trust and linkages between cluster actors as well as monitoring and evaluation.

I also received training on HIV/AIDS at workplace incorporating farmer organizations and on climate applications in agriculture, which are subject that I try to raise and focus on frequently during my cluster development work.
In which languages could you support a CD project (proficiency level should be adequate so that you could also hold presentations and do trainings in this language)?
English,
In which countries have you worked on CD projects?
South Africa
Experience in the following areas ...
  StrongModerateLittle/None
Cluster twinning x
CSR in a cluster context x
Innovation in a cluster context x
Cluster based finance schemes x
Export Consortia development x
Monitoring & Evaluation of CD projects x
Gender issues a cluster context x
Poverty alleviation through CD x
Development of BDS in a cluster context x
Energy efficiency in clusters x
Cluster policy advisory x

Strong:
worked in min. 2 clusters on the respective issue and or drafted methodological texts on the subject
Moderate:
worked in/managed a project where the respective subject was an issue, but not directly implemented related activities
Have you ever worked as Cluster Development Agent (CDA)?
yes
Have you been trained specifically on the UNIDO CD approach?
yes
Have you ever been employed under a UNIDO cluster development project?
How many clusters have you assisted as a CDA?
#
In which sectors have you worked on CD projects?
Agriculture, forestry and fishing