Mehrdad Ehsani joined The Rockefeller Foundation in September 2019 as Managing Director for the Food Initiative in Africa, which seeks to enhance access to nourishing food for millions across the continent through sustainable food systems. He has an interest in ecosystem approaches to transforming markets for greater inclusivity.
Currently serving as the Vice President of the Food Initiative in Africa at the Rockefeller Foundation, Mehrdad has led and overseen market development programs in African food systems with organizations such as Adam Smith International, Palladium Group, and SNV, supported by DFID, USAID, DGIS, RF, and BMGF.
Mehrdad holds a BSc in Agriculture from the University of British Columbia and an MSc in Agribusiness Management from Imperial College, London. Before joining the Foundation, he played a key role in the leadership team of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa.
Authored Content
Apr 03 2020 Perspective Five Covid-19 Reflections from a Food System Perspective—and How We Could Take Action As confirmed cases of Covid-19 increased throughout the world, the immediate instinct of many people was to ensure that they had enough food. The images of empty grocery store shelves and closed restaurants are stark and important reminders of how much we depend on our food system and how central food is in our lives. […]