About Expertise Experience Projects Insights Publications Services Let's Talk
Agroecology & Food Systems Expert

Designing Scalable Agroecology & Climate-Resilient Food Systems

I work at the intersection of agroecology, climate finance, and landscape development to build resilient food systems that improve farmer livelihoods, restore ecosystems, and attract sustainable investment.

🌿 Programme Lead · Consortium for Agroecological Transformations (CAT)
Explore Services ↓ Let's Collaborate ⬇ Download CV
€4.7M+
Climate & Agriculture Investments Managed
11
Landscape Investment Plans Designed
29+
Development Projects Coordinated
7+
Years in Food Systems Transformation
Open to Collaborate
Sandeep Nayak

Sandeep Nayak

Programme Lead · Technical Advisor · Agroecology Expert

Agroecology Food Systems Climate Finance Landscape Planning Digital Agriculture
🌱 Bhubaneswar, India
giz·CAT·ICRISAT
Affiliated with
Consortium for Agroecological Transformations (CAT)
GIZ – Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
ICRISAT
IFFCO KISAN
NITI Aayog (Policy Advisory)
Sandeep Nayak – Agroecology and Food Systems Expert

Sandeep Nayak

Programme Lead · Technical Advisor · Agroecology Expert

CAT
Consortium for Agroecological Transformations

Programme Lead, Food Systems · Aug 2025 – Present

giz
GIZ – Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit

Technical Advisor · Nov 2021 – Jul 2025

About Me

Where strategy meets ground-level impact

I am a result-driven professional with 7+ years of experience in international development, food systems, digitalisation, and strategic program management — working at the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and community impact.

At GIZ, I managed €3.5M in grants across 8 funded projects and administered 29 service contracts worth €1.2M — spanning agroecology, renewable energy, digital agriculture, and rural entrepreneurship across multiple Indian states.

Currently at CAT, I lead national program strategy on agroecology — developing investment plans for 11 landscapes across India, designing policy briefs, and coordinating a multi-stakeholder ecosystem of funders, government, civil society, and academia.

Who I Work With
  • Governments & Ministries
  • International Agencies
  • Foundations & Donors
  • Civil Society Organisations
  • Research Institutions
Focus Areas
  • Agroecology Transitions
  • Climate-Resilient Food Systems
  • Landscape Investment Planning
  • Digital Agriculture
  • Policy & Advocacy
Geographic Experience
  • India (multi-state)
  • National Policy Platforms
  • South Asia Networks
  • Global Agroecology Networks
  • NITI Aayog Advisory
Program Management Grant Management M&E Capacity Building Natural Resource Management Agrivoltaics Carbon Markets ICT4D
Impact

Numbers that tell the story

💰
€4.7M+
Climate & Agriculture Investments Managed
🗺️
11
Landscape Investment Plans Designed
📁
29+
Development Projects Coordinated
🏛️
5+
Policies Influenced at State & National Level
🌾
7+
Years in Food Systems Transformation
Core Expertise

What I bring to the table

A unique blend of on-ground program execution and strategic advisory — across agroecology, technology, and policy.

🌿

Agroecology & Regenerative Food Systems

Designing diversified, climate-resilient farming systems that restore ecosystems while improving farmer livelihoods.

Deep knowledge of agroecological principles, climate-smart agriculture, regenerative farming, and food systems transformation. Designed landscape-level investment and monitoring frameworks across 11 Indian states.

📱

Digital Agriculture & Data Systems

Integrating technology, data, and innovation in rural agricultural and fisheries development.

Built AI/ML crop advisory platforms, remote sensing-based SaaS tools, GIS-enabled FPO mapping systems, and ICT4D solutions. Developed the Secure Fishing App and Krishi Dev Gyaan platform.

📊

Program & Grant Management

Structuring donor-funded programs and implementation frameworks for maximum impact.

Managed €3.5M in grants and €1.2M in service contracts with full financial compliance, due diligence, and impact evaluation. Expert in project design, monitoring, and adaptive management.

🏛️

Food Systems Policy & Climate Governance

Translating evidence into actionable policy recommendations that drive systemic change.

Contributed to NITI Aayog policy papers, Assam State Fisheries Policy, Participatory Guarantee Scheme, and national agroecology platforms. Evidence-based recommendations tailored to institutional contexts.

🤝

Multi-Stakeholder Platforms & Engagement

Building coalitions that drive collective action across governments, donors, and civil society.

Designed and executed multi-stakeholder platforms bridging government, private sector, CSOs, donors, and farming communities. Facilitated high-impact convenings, policy roundtables, and workshops.

☀️

Sustainable Value Chains & Rural Enterprises

Linking smallholder farmers to markets, climate finance, and sustainable livelihood pathways.

Supported agrivoltaics, DRE applications in agriculture and aquaculture, rural entrepreneurship roadmaps, and climate resilience finance. Experience with energy-food nexus and carbon market integration.

Experience

From farm fields to national policy

A career built on hands-on learning, cross-sector collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable development.

Aug 2025 – Present

Programme Lead, Food Systems

  • Designed 11 landscape investment plans integrating agroecology, biodiversity restoration, and rural livelihood strategies across MP, Odisha, UP, Jharkhand, WB, Meghalaya, AP, HP, MH, CG, and Gujarat.
  • Coordinated a multi-stakeholder ecosystem of civil society, funders, government, and academia to mobilise systemic agroecological transformation.
  • Designed and managed national convenings, workshops, and policy roundtables to advance food system transitions across Indian states.
  • Represented CAT at national policy forums — translating science into investable, scalable programs for donor engagement.
Key Impact

Delivered 11 landscape investment plans serving as strategic roadmaps for coordinated agroecological investments — directly influencing multi-million-euro funding decisions.

Nov 2021 – Jul 2025

Technical Advisor

  • Managed €3.5M in grants across 8 funded projects and €1.2M across 29 service contracts with full compliance and impact tracking.
  • Applied a landscape approach to strengthening food systems across Odisha, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, and other states.
  • Deployed RS-based FPO mapping and real-time data systems for aquaculture sectors across coastal communities.
  • Designed high-level policy documents on agroecology, renewable energy, women's empowerment, and just transition.
Key Impact

Directed climate resilience and natural resource management initiatives that directly improved livelihoods for farming and fishing communities across multiple Indian states.

Sep 2019 – Oct 2021

Assistant Manager – AgriTech Development

  • Led regional rollout of ICT and RS-enabled agritech platforms across three Indian states — reaching thousands of smallholder farmers.
  • Spearheaded development of a mobile SaaS platform integrating AI, ML, and remote sensing for precision agriculture advisory.
  • Managed ICT-enabled fisheries projects with geospatial mapping and distress alert systems in collaboration with UNWFP.
Key Impact

Conceptualised and led development of the Secure Fishing App — integrating GPS, GIS, and real-time remote sensing for marine navigation and safety for coastal fishing communities.

Feb 2019 – Sep 2019

Scientific Officer

  • Managed "Bhoochetna" with the Government of Odisha and "Wadi+" with Chetna Organics for Tata Trusts — mobilising 600+ smallholder farmers across 18 villages.
  • Conducted capacity-building for farmers on improved agricultural practices and climate-smart farming techniques.
  • Contributed to food systems transformation through sustainable farming models and community resource centres.
Jul 2018 – Feb 2019

Territory Sales Manager

Nagarjuna Fertilizers and Chemicals · Bhubaneswar
  • Led sales and distribution framework, managing partnerships with dealers and distributors across the region.
  • Provided technical support to farmers on fertilizer applications and crop management practices.
2016 – 2018

Master of Science, Agriculture

Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology · Bhubaneswar
Services

How I can help you

Interested in agroecology transitions, climate-smart agriculture, or landscape investment strategies? I bring rigour, experience, and measurable impact to every engagement.

01

Agroecology & Landscape Strategy

Designing landscape investment plans and food system transitions. From agroecological baseline assessments to multi-stakeholder investment frameworks — translating science into investable, scalable programs that attract donor funding.

Landscape Planning Investment Reports Policy Briefs M&E Frameworks
02

Climate & Food Systems Policy

Policy advisory, strategy development, and program design for governments, international agencies, and foundations. Evidence-based recommendations tailored to institutional contexts and national development priorities.

Policy Drafting Stakeholder Consultation Advocacy Research
03

Program & Grant Design

End-to-end design, implementation, and management of agriculture and rural development programs. Includes M&E frameworks, grant management, financial compliance, capacity building, and adaptive management.

Grant Management M&E Budgeting Compliance
04

Digital Agriculture Systems

Scoping, design, and development support for digital agriculture solutions — from AI/ML advisory platforms and remote sensing tools to ICT4D and mobile-based market information systems for rural farming communities.

AI/ML Remote Sensing ICT4D GIS Mapping
05

Facilitation & Moderation

Expert facilitation for high-stakes convenings — from national policy roundtables and multi-stakeholder dialogues to donor reviews and community consultations. I create structured, inclusive spaces where diverse voices lead to clear decisions and shared commitments.

Policy Roundtables Multi-stakeholder Dialogues Donor Reviews Community Consultations
06

Workshop Design & Delivery

End-to-end design and facilitation of learning workshops, training programs, and capacity-building events for governments, NGOs, and development organisations. From participant-centred learning journeys to technical training on agroecology, food systems, and program management.

Learning Design Capacity Building Training Programs Knowledge Management
Selected Work

Projects & Case Studies

A selection of programs and initiatives demonstrating the breadth and depth of my experience across food systems, policy, and digital agriculture.

Landscape Investment Plans — 11 Indian Landscapes

CAT CAT
Challenge

Fragmented rural development investments limiting long-term ecosystem restoration and farmer livelihood outcomes.

Solution

Designed landscape-level investment frameworks integrating agroecology, biodiversity, livelihoods, and climate adaptation.

Outcome

Strategic roadmaps for coordinated investments across MP, Odisha, UP, Jharkhand, WB, Meghalaya, AP, HP, MH, CG, and Gujarat.

Secure Fishing App – Marine Safety & Navigation

IFFCO KISAN IFFCO KISAN
Challenge

Coastal fishing communities lacked real-time safety alerts, weather data, and navigation tools at sea.

Solution

Led development of a marine safety app integrating GPS, GIS, Potential Fishing Zone alerts, and real-time weather updates.

Outcome

Improved safety and livelihoods for coastal communities. Built in collaboration with UNWFP.

Krishi Dev Gyaan – AI/ML SaaS Platform

IFFCO KISAN IFFCO KISAN
Challenge

Smallholder farmers lacked accessible, real-time crop advisory tailored to local agro-climatic zones.

Solution

Developed a comprehensive AI-driven platform with crop advice, pest control, weather intelligence, and market information.

Outcome

Scalable digital advisory platform reaching farmers across multiple agro-climatic zones in India.

NITI Aayog – Sustainable Aquatic Food Systems Policy

giz GIZ
Challenge

Need for a national strategic framework integrating environmental, economic, and social dimensions for aquatic food systems.

Solution

Supported research and drafting of a NITI Aayog policy paper on sustainable aquatic food systems.

Outcome

Policy brief informing national strategic planning and aquatic food system governance at India's highest policy level.

WADI+ Agroforestry Project, Odisha

ICRISAT ICRISAT
Challenge

Degraded land and low farmer income in tribal communities with limited access to sustainable livelihood options.

Solution

Tata Trusts & NABARD-funded agroforestry pilot with GIS-based M&E and multi-stakeholder coordination across 18 villages.

Outcome

600+ smallholder farmers mobilised with harvest-ready orchards and sustained income streams from agroforestry.

Assam State Fisheries Policy

giz GIZ
Challenge

Assam lacked a coherent fisheries policy integrating sustainability, livelihoods, and aquaculture best practices.

Solution

Conducted multi-stakeholder consultations, provided technical expertise, and facilitated policy drafting and advocacy.

Outcome

Assam State Fisheries Policy formulated — a landmark governance framework for sustainable fisheries management.

Thought Leadership

Insights & Perspectives

Perspectives on agroecology, climate finance, and sustainable food systems transformation — drawn from seven years of on-ground experience across India.

Agroecology

Financing the Agroecology Transition: From Pilots to Scale

Most agroecology programs remain stuck at pilot scale. The challenge isn't evidence — it's investability. Landscape investment frameworks can unlock systemic change by aligning biodiversity, livelihoods, and climate goals into a single investable proposition.

Sandeep Nayak · 2025
Climate Resilience

The Landscape Approach: India's Best Bet for Climate-Resilient Agriculture

Fragmented interventions cannot deliver systemic change at scale. A landscape approach integrates biodiversity, livelihoods, and food production — and it's already demonstrating results across 11 Indian landscapes.

Sandeep Nayak · 2025
Digital Agriculture

Why ICT4D Still Struggles to Reach Smallholder Farmers — and What to Do About It

Digital agriculture tools often fail not because of technology, but because of design. Building farmer-centred solutions requires deeply understanding the last mile — not just deploying technology into it.

Sandeep Nayak · 2024
Networks & Institutions

Affiliations & Collaborations

Consortium for Agroecological Transformations Current · Programme Lead
giz
Former · Technical Advisor (2021–25)
ICRISAT Former · Scientific Officer (2019)
IFFCO KISAN Former · Asst. Manager (2019–21)
Publications

Knowledge Products

Field-tested knowledge resources designed to build capacity and advance sustainable food systems — available for practitioners and program designers.

📘

Farmers' Handbook for Sustainable Aquaculture

2023

A practical guide for smallholder aquaculture farmers on sustainable practices, resource management, and value chain integration. 42 pages.

📄 Request PDF ↗
📗

Trainer's Manual – Sustainable Aquaculture

2023

Instructional resource for facilitators and extension workers delivering capacity-building programs in agriculture and food systems.

📄 Request PDF ↗
📒

Farmer Record Book

2022

Structured record-keeping tool enabling farmers to track inputs, outputs, and financial data for improved decision-making and market access.

📄 Request PDF ↗
📙

Entrepreneurship Guidebook for Project Designers

2023

Strategic resource for program designers on building entrepreneurship ecosystems in rural agriculture and aquaculture contexts across India.

📄 Request PDF ↗
📕

Guidebook for Entrepreneurship Promotion for Program Designers

2022

Operationalises the Farmers Business School model for scaling agri-entrepreneurship in Indian rural contexts, adapted from GIZ Africa.

📄 Request PDF ↗
🌊

Climate-Resilient Aquatic Food Systems

2024

Policy and technical resource on building resilience in aquatic food systems in the face of climate variability and extreme weather events.

📄 Request PDF ↗
Testimonials

What colleagues say

"

I have known Sandeep during his time in GIZ. He is very reliable, always ready to lend a hand. He is a team player and fast learner. His expertise on aquaculture is commendable. He can establish and maintain good partner relationships, especially with the Government.

🏛️
Meekha Hannah Paul

Director · GIZ – Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit

"

Great person, excellent ability, keen on digitalisations, fabulous performer. I can recommend him for any next level position.

🌊
Jeherul Islam

Technical Advisor · Aquaculture & Development Co-operation

Let's Connect

Ready to collaborate?

Interested in agroecology transitions, climate-smart agriculture, or landscape investment strategies? Let's collaborate and build something impactful together.

✉️
hello@sandeepnayak.dev
📞
+91 79789 13844
💼
linkedin.com/in/sandeep-nayak-76532789 ↗
📍
Bhubaneswar, India
✉️ Send Email 💼 LinkedIn ⬇ Download CV

Currently affiliated with: