Hollanda Fairfoods Ltd is a potato chips factory in Musanze, Rwanda. Our mission is to create a sustainable market for farming communities in search of economic opportunities. To accomplish our mission we produce batch fried world class potato chips called WINNAZ to satisfy the appetite of domestic and regional snack-eaters. Currently our product can be found at the Great Lake region that include, Rwanda, Uganda, DRC, Kenya and Burundi! www.winnazworld.com @hollandafairfoods

At DIBcoop I support the team in business development, value chain development, economic analyses and private sector development with the goal to establish, scale and develop ecological business models. www.dibcoop.nl

Thijs Boer BV focusses on developing value chains with a strong emphasis on value addition in East Africa. The main objective is to create better income for smallholder farmers through leveraging on farmer business opportunities and strengths. The team of Thijs Boer BV also has a over 9 years experience in food processing and building brands in the region and is an expert in connecting smallholder farmers with food industries to create a win win for both.

The goal of the company is to produce white-button mushrooms at the end of 2014 in Harare, Zimbabwe. My focus is on the business relations and organisational development. Together with experts in this industry we focus on the possibilities to set up a successful business to be profitable and sustainable. Profitable because of the huge market demand of mushrooms in Zimbabwe and sustainable because the business will sustain the life of children of the Emerald Hill in Harare. I see myself as a… Show more The goal of the company is to produce white-button mushrooms at the end of 2014 in Harare, Zimbabwe. My focus is on the business relations and organisational development. Together with experts in this industry we focus on the possibilities to set up a successful business to be profitable and sustainable. Profitable because of the huge market demand of mushrooms in Zimbabwe and sustainable because the business will sustain the life of children of the Emerald Hill in Harare. I see myself as a connector, entrepreneur and visionair. Show less

In cooperation with CDI, BTC, RAB (Rwandan Agricultural Board) and Minagri (Ministry of Agriculture Rwanda) I do a preparatory analyses for developing a Farmer Business School (FBS) approach for the Rwandan Potato Sector. To gain an understanding of the current entrepreneurial attitude, knowledge and skills I conducted a survey among a large group of Irish potato farmers, Focus Group Discussions and semi-structured interviews.

Emerald Children Home is an orphanage that is dependent on donor aid. The board of this home asked us how they can start up a commercial business to become less dependent from donors. We wrote several business plans for them with a focus on agricultural activities. I wrote production, organisational and financial plans. Furthermore we created a network of partners and experts to gain information and set-up the organisation.

Besides my study I work at the university to inform future students about the master International Development studies. I informed students during open days of the university about the WUR and organised orientation days for students to experience student life at the university. I enjoyed working in the team to inspire potential students to feel welcome and become interested in the master program.

A research to improve the payment system. I worked together with the department quality control to analyse the errors in the payment system. I observed several departments of the organisation to understand the internal processes. I see myself as a curious person that want to understand the real problem. By talking to all kind of different departments on different levels I have found a part of the errors in the organisation.

Working with the management of Greatmore Studios in Cape Town. Greatmore Studios is dependent from donors. My role was to find new ways of raising funds through fundraising events. Together with the team I set up an event to auction donated artworks. I organised the evening and prepared the auction. Besides this I was part of the team to run the studio and especially helped with promotional activities.