Wageningen, Gelderland, Netherlands
In all the work I do, collaboration is the key to make the food systems of today more inclusive and sustainable. I manage and/or contribute to projects, research, learning trajectories or courses about this to mobilise stakeholders to overcome differences in interests and power disparities. Yes, we need to face the complex challenges of today, including poverty and inequality, polarization, the over-use of natural resources and climate change. Yet I believe the answer to many of these lies in collaboration. Of course that doesn’t just happen: it needs to be well designed and facilitated – and this is my focus. In programmes on food system transformation, value chain development, sector transformation or landscape approaches, I come in to mobilise unheard voices who are needed to make change happen. I enable people or stakeholders to see their mutual interests and how they can benefit from supporting each other and partnering for a better food system – locally or internationally - for everyone. I have a keen interest in social equity and inclusion, participatory approaches* and empowering research methods. I get energized from working at multiple levels, from communities and their issues in rural contexts to international fora and global concepts. *f.e. Gender Action Learning System (GALS), Participatory Action Learning System (PALS) and various adaptations to these for multi-stakeholder collaboration (Collaborate to Regenerate C2R, EFFORT), Social Analysis and Action (SAA), Rapid (food system) Appraisals, stakeholder and power analysis, participatory action research.
At Wageningen Social and Economic Research I work in the Global Food System Transformation domain. Depending on the project or initiative I have several roles (Advisor, Facilitator, Researcher and Project Leader) in strengthening or innovating in participation, social equity (inclusion, gender equity, just transitions) and sustainability in food systems through multi-stakeholder collaboration. Participatory approaches are at the core of my work. I design and facilitate collaborative learning and co-creation processes; develop materials, tools and methodologies; and I help develop or strengthen partnerships for meaningful collaboration, behaviour change and learning between stakeholders. I am also involved in action research within the food system domain, and in the provision of courses and coaching on these topics.
Program development, management and advice on gender, participation and social inclusion in economic development (Value chain development, Financial services and Economic policy and planning) in countries in Africa and Asia. Innovation with and scaling of participatory approaches with local and international development partners including IFAD.
For the period of one year I focused on co-creating projects on social inclusion, participation and gender in economic interventions in Asia; and strengthening local capacities to adapt and integrate the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) in specific local contexts and partnerships. From my post in Lao PDR I also oversaw the global WEMAN programme.
Development and manage,ment of Oxfam Novib's WEMAN programme on social inclusion and gender justice in economic development (Microfinance, Value Chain Development, Economic Policy and Planning) in countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Facilitating and contributing to the development, piloting and integration of the core methodology of the programme: the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) with partners and experts.
Coordinate funding applications for development projects with institutional funders and advise on the management of backdonor contracts.
Supporting the fundraising team and the sustainable soy platform with documentation and systematisation.