An Dewaele (°1972) is an agronomist specialised in tropical agriculture, with a Masters degree in tropical forestry. Through long-term missions in Peru, Madagascar, the Gambia, Namibia and Uganda she has acquired a wealth of field experience on the use and development of participatory methods, methodological and technical training and project management. Since she joined the South Research team as a consultant (in April 2001), she has been actively involved in the evaluation of development interventions involving NGOs and public authorities both in Belgium and in the South. An also has experience in guiding organisations during their strategic planning process. She speaks fluent Dutch, French and English and has a good knowledge of Spanish and German.

Key areas of specialisation

• participatory analysis and planning methods (MARP, PRA, PLA)
• project cycle management (through the phases of programming, identification, formulation, monitoring and evaluation) in which the 'logical framework' is used as a tool
• moderating participatory workshops
• developing and supporting interactive training
• specific knowledge of: rural development, shared management of natural resources and community building.

Personal characteristics

• An is a team player: group work is a source of inspiration for her. 'Consultation' and 'involvement' are key concepts in all her missions.
• She has a strong sense of empathy and is able to inspire enthusiasm among people.
• An is pragmatic: through her work she maintains a link with the reality and puts considerable emphasis on the applicability and the wider accessibility of tools and solutions.
• She is able to take criticism and likes to see the issues in their broader perspective.
• An is creative, forward looking, is entrepreneurial and strives for innovation.

Selected work experience

• Developing a system for continuous capacity building in community forestry with the Gambian Forestry Department and its partners, through setting up and supporting the Divisional Training Teams. Client: GTZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit, German technical co-operation association), commissioned by DFS (Deutsche Forstservice, German forestry service).
• guiding development agencies (methodological support and strategic planning) in Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon and Kenya. Client: DMOS.
• empowering RESOKA (a network of NGOs in Kara, Togo) through capacity building in project and programme management, with 'participation' and 'gender' as crosscutting themes. Client: Aide et Action.
• training in participatory project and programme management. Training modules covering participatory methods, moderation, participatory and result-oriented planning, monitoring and evaluation of projects, engendering projects/programmes, organisational analysis and strategic planning. Clients: Coprogram, ACODEV, Institute for Tropical Medicine, Institute for Development Policy and Management of the University of Antwerp.

Contact
South Research vzw, Leuvensestraat 5/2, 3010 Kessel-Lo, België
Tel.: +32 16 49 83 15
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