Brief Bio: Milton Malama Milton Malama is an accomplished Agricultural Economist and Research Consultant with over ten years of professional experience in agricultural research, market systems development, and community-driven interventions across Zambia and Southern Africa. His expertise spans climate-smart agriculture, socio-economic impact assessments, digital extension systems, and policy and market development analysis. Currently serving as a Community Outreach and Interventions Consultant with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT/CGIAR), Milton provides technical and operational leadership under the Atubandike/Backfeed Project, a digital agriculture and social inclusion initiative that has reached more than 2,800 farmers across Southern Province. He has successfully coordinated multi-district research studies, facilitated focus group discussions, trained digital champions and community facilitators, and strengthened partnerships with government, private sector, and development partners to advance inclusive, data-driven agricultural systems. Milton holds an MSc in Agricultural and Applied Economics from Makerere University (Uganda), an MSc in Environmental Economics from the University of Pretoria (South Africa), and a BSc in Agricultural Economics from the University of Zambia. His research and publications have focused on digital inclusion, willingness to pay for improved agricultural services, and bridging information gaps for smallholder farmers. Driven by a strong passion for evidence-based solutions, Milton is committed to leveraging research, innovation, and community engagement to enhance rural livelihoods, strengthen climate resilience, and support sustainable agricultural transformation.