Elijah Rusike is a seasoned dairy development practitioner and technical specialist with over 30 years of expertise in agri-food systems, specializing in the optimization of smallholder dairy value chains, producer organization governance, and inclusive market integration. In his capacity as Programmes Manager at We Effect Zimbabwe, he provides technical leadership in the design and implementation of complex interventions focused on upgrading dairy production systems, enhancing milk quality assurance protocols, and strengthening the institutional capacity of farmer cooperatives to operate as viable agribusinesses.
Rusike has extensive experience in multi-stakeholder consortium management, driving initiatives that improve productivity, facilitate access to formal markets, and embed equity for women and youth. His technical focus includes advancing resilient, cooperative-led models that drive systemic impact on rural livelihoods, food security, and nutrition. A frequent contributor to regional and international platforms, he disseminates evidence-based strategies for sustainable dairy development in smallholder contexts.
