Mr. Sandiford R. Edwards
MA, MBA, ACCA
Development Specialist
Program Director
USAID-funded Caribbean Agriculture Productivity Improvement Activity
Grenada
Mr. Sandiford Edwards, a distinguished Grenadian National, brings a wealth of expertise in development finance, agriculture, and climate and renewable energy finance for Small Island Developing States. Holding a Master of Arts Degree in Development Finance from the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, Germany, and an MBA from Oxford Brookes University, UK, Mr. Edwards is also a certified marketing consultant and holds professional certifications from the University of Cambridge in Disaster Risk Financing. With over twenty years of experience in the Caribbean Region, Mr. Edwards has played pivotal roles in various institutions, representing Grenada in global initiatives such as the Global Environment Facility, World Bank, Caribbean Development Bank, and Green Climate Fund. His remarkable contributions include the development of climate-smart agriculture, value chain assessments, and investment business cases, demonstrating his commitment to regional development.
Throughout his career, Mr. Edwards has spearheaded numerous impactful projects, such as the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Stabilization Fund, the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation’s initiative to reduce agri-food imports, and the Grenada Soursop Industry Value Chain Analysis. His comprehensive work extends to the CARICOM Food and Nutrition Security Action Plan, Eastern Caribbean Trade Corridor concept note, and the CSME Coconut Industry Business Plan in Guyana. Mr. Edwards has collaborated with key organizations like the Ministry of Economic Development Grenada, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and the CARICOM Private Sector Organization. His dedication to knowledge dissemination is evident through his presentations at conferences and lectures in the United States and the Caribbean. Currently serving as the Program Director with the USAID-funded Caribbean Agriculture Productivity Improvement Activity (CAPA), implemented by Improving Economies for Stronger Communities (IESC), Mr. Edwards continues to lead initiatives that contribute significantly to the sustainable development of the Caribbean Region.
Dr. E. Somasundaram
Director/ Agribusiness Development and Professor in Agronomy
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Coimbatore, India
Dr. E. Somasundaram, a distinguished agricultural scholar, graduated in Agriculture from Annamalai University in 1989. Holding a Masters’ Degree in Agronomy (1991) and a Ph.D. in Agronomy (2003) from TNAU, Coimbatore, Dr. E. Somasundaram received gold medals for academic excellence in all degree programs. With a career spanning over 27 years at TNAU, he has held various roles, including serving as the Head of the Department of Sustainable Organic Agriculture. A pioneer in organic farming, he has contributed significantly to the field, focusing on nutrient and weed management, validating organic farming practices, and developing innovative organic inputs.
Currently, as the Director of Agribusiness Development at TNAU, Coimbatore, Dr. E. Somasundaram continues to lead in shaping the agricultural landscape. Noteworthy achievements include overseeing the development of uncultivated dry lands, testing and releasing water from the Tamiraparani river for irrigation, and playing a vital role in the ICAR-Natural Farming Committee. Beyond academic excellence, he has authored UG textbooks and numerous research articles, received awards for Best Researcher, and actively participated in press meets and interviews as the PRO&PIO of TNAU. With a global perspective, he has attended conferences worldwide and trained over 2000 farmers in the principles of organic farming. A dedicated educator, Dr. E. Somasundaram has guided Ph.D. and PG students, contributing significantly to the organic farming community.