DITL – GIZ Monitoring and Evaluation Intern
Have you ever stumbled upon a passion you never knew existed? For some, it's the world of Food Science and Technology - a realm of diverse opportunities and exciting challenges. In this blog post, we dive into a personal journey of how a chance encounter with Food Science led to a fulfilling career. This is Luttfried Muronga Kudumo, a very close and dear friend of mine. Let's dive into his story!
Why did you choose food science? How did you find out about
it?
''When I was applying to the University of Namibia I had my
sights set on engineering or veterinary medicine. However,
fate had other plans for me. I was introduced to Food Science
and Technology by the Faculty Officer for Agriculture as a
potential alternative. Curiosity led me to do some research on
Food Science and I was fascinated by my findings. The various
specializations like brewing and food safety piqued my
interest, and that's how I found myself on this path''
What do you love most about the field?
''What I truly appreciate about Food Science is its expansive
nature. The industry itself is vast, spanning everything from
agriculture and fishing to food processing. This diversity
empowers individuals to choose their specialization and find
their unique niche within the food industry''
Tell us about your career path since graduating from the
University of Namibia.
''After graduating in April 2023, I joined GIZ on a contract
basis. This opportunity allowed me to explore the practical
application of my Food Science knowledge. Currently, I'm
working on the GIZ-F4R Project, specifically within the
monitoring, evaluation, and database management department. My
career path has just started so I am thrilled and excited
about what awaits me''
Could you explain, in basic terms, what you do? What are
your major responsibilities?
''In my role, I focus on data entry and analysis. Our team
gathers data from various project components, and my
responsibility is to keep our database up-to-date with this
information. This data is crucial for informed
decision-making. Additionally, I contribute to training
sessions and related tasks''
Describe how you work with other teams in your company.
''GIZ F4R has various components that cover different aspects
of our projects. For example, we have teams for seed
multiplication, agribusiness, climate adaptation, and more.
These teams are directly involved in the fieldwork and data
collection. They provide me with the data they gather, which I
then integrate into our database''
Which classes from your college experience do you find most
applicable to your current role?
''Fruit and vegetable processing, along with post-harvest
technology, have been incredibly relevant in my day-to-day
work. Since I often engage in field activities, the knowledge
from these courses proves invaluable. Additionally, the
insights gained from product development courses have been
quite useful as well''
Specializing in something you're passionate about can open doors to innovative growth in the agricultural sector
Any advice for people looking to get into the field of food
science?
''My advice to those intrigued by Food Science is to
wholeheartedly embrace the field. It's an area of study with
countless opportunities, particularly if you have a passion
for agriculture. Industries like fishing, livestock, and crop
production offer a diverse range of roles. The market for Food
Science is expanding, and there's growing awareness about its
significance''
Any words of wisdom for current food science students
aiming to make an impact?
''To my fellow students, keep pushing forward. Don't lose
sight of your aspirations. Completing an honors degree is a
fantastic start, and don't hesitate to explore further,
pursuing a master's degree. Specializing in something you're
passionate about can open doors to innovative growth in the
agricultural sector. Your critical thinking can truly make a
difference. Critical thinkers are needed to boost our
industry''
Luttfried’s journey from discovering Food Science to making an
impact as a GIZ Monitoring and Evaluation Intern is an
inspiring tale of unexpected opportunities. His insights shed
light on the exciting and diverse world of Food Science,
demonstrating how a single twist of fate can lead to a
fulfilling career.
Thank you Luttfried!
Email: luttfriedaddy@gmail.com
Instagram: luttfriedaddy
LinkedIn: Luttfried Kudumo