Talkmore Ziteya

Market garden leader with over 9 years of experience leading regenerative agriculture projects, soil health, crop planning and production for hospitality supply across Southern Africa. Dedicated natural resources professional with proven experience in designing sustainable farming systems, biodiversity initiatives including vermicomposting, hotel waste recycling and organic farming diverting 100tons of kitchen wet waste into soil inputs eliminating synthetic fertilizer purchase by 100%. Experienced in delivering structured sustainability farmer training, extension and working with chefs to supply quality produce.

Published researcher in agricultural value chains and production economics.

Estate Manager - Cresta Mowana - Botswana

(2019-09 - 2025-09)

• Designed and implemented regenerative agriculture programs including soil health and vermicomposting eliminating synthetic fertilizer purchases by 100%
• Managed crop rotations, planting schedules and harvesting for hotel supply
• Drove profitability by transitioning P1M+ outsourced contract to in-house operations, delivering 52% cost savings while improving service delivery and quality control
• Established the estate's green infrastructure from the ground up, including resource efficiency and soil amendment programs
• Planted over 1000 indigenous trees and 250 citrus trees creating a nursery that supplies trees to all 11 properties in the Cresta Marakanelo hotel group and supports annual community tree-planting events. Improved supply chain self sufficiency and reduced procurement costs.

Estate Supervisor - The Victoria Falls Hotel - Zimbabwe

(2017-09 - 2019-08)

• Provided agronomy support which incorporated sustainable practices for citrus orchards, vegetable and herb gardens
• Established the first hotel-based apiary with 8 Kenyan top bar hives, producing organic honey as well as supporting the pollinator conservation efforts for the citrus orchard and vegetable gardens
• Delivered structured sustainability extension training to 16 farmers and local community members annually, engaging cohorts of four participants every quarter in a three-month hands-on program focused on environmental stewardship, soil health and organic farming practices
• Coordinated the implementation of sustainable ecosystem projects -waste recycling and vermiculture project, conservation farming project and apiary
• Monitored projects inputs and outputs-spearheaded an Eco composting project which diverted between 73 and 109 tons of kitchen biodegradable waste annually from the landfills which reduced environmental pollution as well as cutting down on fertilizer purchases by 100%

Trainee Estate Manager - Troutbeck Resort, Nyanga and Elephant Hills Resort - Zimbabwe

(2015-05 - 2017-05)

• Supported agronomy operations across a 400 hectare Estate including forestry plantation, trout fish hatchery, horse stables, potato field and golf course leading to productivity, environmental sustainability and revenue generation
• Assisted with crop monitoring and implementation of good agronomic practices to improve sustainability and productivity

Project Consultant - Victoria Falls Hospital - Zimbabwe

(2018-11 - 2019-09)

• Coordinated a participatory sustainable environmental project with hospital management and stakeholders
• Designed and implemented the first Nutrition Garden for the hospital, producing organic herbs and vegetables for the hospital's patients and staff wellness
• Designed and engineered the shade nets structures, irrigation system and the vermiculture project
• Established a Green Team of 5 volunteer staff members and implemented a monthly sustainability workshop series, resulting in increased employee participation and awareness of environmental initiatives
• Delivered hands-on training in organic farming techniques, supporting long term vegetable garden operations and sustainability.

Intern - New Allen Grange Estate - Raffingora, Zimbabwe

(2011-01 - 2011-12)

• Participated in the farming operations of a 2000 ha Estate that involved wheat production, potato, maize production, piggery, dairy and broiler production

MSc - Applied Agricultural Economics - Midlands State University (2022-09 - 2024-11)

MBA - Master of Business Administration - University of East London (2022-08 - 2024-07)

BSc Honors - Agricultural Economics - University of Zimbabwe (2010-08 - 2013-06)

Professional Course - Strategic Management - UNICAF (2022-01)