E. van Andel
info
Please Note
<p>This page displays the records of the person named above and is not linked to a unique person identifier. This record may need to be merged to a profile.</p>
4 records found
1
Small-scale entrepreneurship in low-income countries such as Tanzania plays an important role in supporting economic growth, reducing poverty, and promoting social development. In recent years, there has been a steady increase in projects led by NGOs, universities, and local organisations that aim to support existing businesses or help create new ones. Despite this, there is no commonly used framework to assess their socio-economic impact in a clear and structured way. Most existing tools are designed for large companies, focus mainly on financial outcomes, or require resources and time that small-scale projects cannot afford. This makes it difficult for practitioners to assess whether a project has had a positive effect, what changes it brought about, and how future support could be improved.
...
This research seeks to address this gap by designing a context-sensitive framework specifically aimed at assessing the socio-economic impact of small-scale entrepreneurship projects in Tanzania. The main research question guiding this work was: What context-relevant framework can be designed to assess the socio-economic impact of small-scale entrepreneurship projects in Tanzania?.
To answer this question, the study explored what indicators are used to measure impact, which are most suitable for small-scale projects, and what insights can be gained from applying the framework in practice.\\
Tanzania was chosen because small and medium-sized enterprises are a key part of its economy, making up about 90% of all registered businesses and contributing nearly half of GDP, which makes it well suited to explore how the impact of entrepreneurship can be assessed in practice. Moreover, many SMEs rely on partnerships and external support to overcome structural barriers such as limited access to finance and markets. Second, the research benefitted from established collaborations between the Delft University of Technology and local organisations such as YEP Tanzania and the CHAKO organisation, which facilitated field access and overall logistical coordination.
The design of the framework followed a multi-phase process grounded in a Design Thinking approach. A literature review was conducted, identifying around 1,500 indicators from established frameworks. Although these sources primarily addressed large-scale or corporate projects, they provided a valuable starting point. Indicators were filtered in successive steps based on relevance, measurability, and contextual fit, significantly reducing their number.
To complement this theoretical foundation, twelve semi-structured expert interviews were conducted with academics, programme coordinators, and local practitioners to validate the selection and integrate practical insights.
Building on these findings, a prototype framework was developed and tested during a one-month field study in Tanzania, involving two weeks of work with YEP Tanzania in Misungwi and two weeks with the CHAKO organisation in Zanzibar. During this period, interviews were conducted with project participants to assess the perceived relevance of the identified impact areas, the clarity of the questions, and their cultural sensitivity. In addition, the framework was applied to two case studies consisting of student-led projects implemented in recent years to evaluate its usability and consistency.
The final version of the framework is designed to be accessible, time-efficient, contextually appropriate, and adaptable to different types of interventions. It is available in four formats, in Swahili and English, with options to administer it after completion or before and after an intervention. The framework is provided both as a text-based tool and as an online version to facilitate wider use.
While the framework provides a practical way to assess socio-economic impact, it also has limitations. Further testing across more projects is recommended to refine its validity, understand when income-related indicators are appropriate, and ensure it remains relevant in diverse contexts. Overall, this work has introduced a structured approach to measuring the impact of small-scale entrepreneurship projects, filling a gap where no practical tools were previously available.
Small-scale entrepreneurship in low-income countries such as Tanzania plays an important role in supporting economic growth, reducing poverty, and promoting social development. In recent years, there has been a steady increase in projects led by NGOs, universities, and local organisations that aim to support existing businesses or help create new ones. Despite this, there is no commonly used framework to assess their socio-economic impact in a clear and structured way. Most existing tools are designed for large companies, focus mainly on financial outcomes, or require resources and time that small-scale projects cannot afford. This makes it difficult for practitioners to assess whether a project has had a positive effect, what changes it brought about, and how future support could be improved.
This research seeks to address this gap by designing a context-sensitive framework specifically aimed at assessing the socio-economic impact of small-scale entrepreneurship projects in Tanzania. The main research question guiding this work was: What context-relevant framework can be designed to assess the socio-economic impact of small-scale entrepreneurship projects in Tanzania?.
To answer this question, the study explored what indicators are used to measure impact, which are most suitable for small-scale projects, and what insights can be gained from applying the framework in practice.\\
Tanzania was chosen because small and medium-sized enterprises are a key part of its economy, making up about 90% of all registered businesses and contributing nearly half of GDP, which makes it well suited to explore how the impact of entrepreneurship can be assessed in practice. Moreover, many SMEs rely on partnerships and external support to overcome structural barriers such as limited access to finance and markets. Second, the research benefitted from established collaborations between the Delft University of Technology and local organisations such as YEP Tanzania and the CHAKO organisation, which facilitated field access and overall logistical coordination.
The design of the framework followed a multi-phase process grounded in a Design Thinking approach. A literature review was conducted, identifying around 1,500 indicators from established frameworks. Although these sources primarily addressed large-scale or corporate projects, they provided a valuable starting point. Indicators were filtered in successive steps based on relevance, measurability, and contextual fit, significantly reducing their number.
To complement this theoretical foundation, twelve semi-structured expert interviews were conducted with academics, programme coordinators, and local practitioners to validate the selection and integrate practical insights.
Building on these findings, a prototype framework was developed and tested during a one-month field study in Tanzania, involving two weeks of work with YEP Tanzania in Misungwi and two weeks with the CHAKO organisation in Zanzibar. During this period, interviews were conducted with project participants to assess the perceived relevance of the identified impact areas, the clarity of the questions, and their cultural sensitivity. In addition, the framework was applied to two case studies consisting of student-led projects implemented in recent years to evaluate its usability and consistency.
The final version of the framework is designed to be accessible, time-efficient, contextually appropriate, and adaptable to different types of interventions. It is available in four formats, in Swahili and English, with options to administer it after completion or before and after an intervention. The framework is provided both as a text-based tool and as an online version to facilitate wider use.
While the framework provides a practical way to assess socio-economic impact, it also has limitations. Further testing across more projects is recommended to refine its validity, understand when income-related indicators are appropriate, and ensure it remains relevant in diverse contexts. Overall, this work has introduced a structured approach to measuring the impact of small-scale entrepreneurship projects, filling a gap where no practical tools were previously available.
Cultural Intelligence as a Skill Taught in an Entrepreneurial Education setting
Proposal for improvements of a cultural intelligence learning programme as part of the Minor in International Entrepreneurship and Development at TU Delft
This thesis examines the integration of Cultural Intelligence (CQ) in entrepreneurial education, specifically in the Minor in International Entrepreneurship and Development program at TU Delft. It identifies a significant gap in the current curriculum regarding CQ training, crucial for navigating the culturally diverse landscape of global business. Through an analysis of existing frameworks, interviews with students and professionals, and curriculum evaluation, the thesis highlights the shortcomings in preparing students for international entrepreneurship. It proposes curriculum enhancements focusing on experiential learning and reflection to foster cultural understanding and adaptability. These recommendations aim to equip students with the necessary skills to succeed in a multicultural entrepreneurial environment, making the program more comprehensive and globally relevant.
...
This thesis examines the integration of Cultural Intelligence (CQ) in entrepreneurial education, specifically in the Minor in International Entrepreneurship and Development program at TU Delft. It identifies a significant gap in the current curriculum regarding CQ training, crucial for navigating the culturally diverse landscape of global business. Through an analysis of existing frameworks, interviews with students and professionals, and curriculum evaluation, the thesis highlights the shortcomings in preparing students for international entrepreneurship. It proposes curriculum enhancements focusing on experiential learning and reflection to foster cultural understanding and adaptability. These recommendations aim to equip students with the necessary skills to succeed in a multicultural entrepreneurial environment, making the program more comprehensive and globally relevant.
Carbon Credit Incentives for Agroforestry
A Feasibility Study for Smallholder Farmers in Ghana's Ashanti Region
Climate change is a pressing concern affecting the livelihoods of farmers in Ghana's Ashanti region due to erratic rainfall patterns, primarily impacting rain-fed agriculture. This research explores the potential of carbon credits to encourage smallholder farmers in the Ashanti region to adopt agroforestry practices as a solution. Agroforestry, if effectively implemented, not only helps combat climate change by capturing carbon but also improves soil fertility, protects crops from extreme weather, and offers various benefits to local farmers. This study delves into the complexities of this issue to propose innovative solutions benefiting both the local farming community and the global climate challenge.
The carbon-based agroforestry system consists of three main parts: the carbon credit system, the institutional system, and the socio-technical system. To study this complex system, we adopt an illustrative case study approach, focusing on the Ashanti region in Ghana. Our research follows a top-down approach, beginning with comprehensive desk research to build a foundational understanding, followed by in-depth interviews with local farmers and selected experts, including government agencies and an NGO, to gain a nuanced understanding of the Ashanti region's context.
Taking into account the carbon credit system, significant attention is devoted to crafting a project framework that aligns with rigorous carbon standards. The accumulation of carbon credits over time serves as a means to secure initial investments. Farmer involvement, particularly their commitment, assumes paramount importance in the context of the carbon credit system, given that only mature trees can generate carbon credits. Primary risks pertain to tree cutting or tree mortality. To mitigate these risks, farmers need comprehensive training and access to essential tools for tree maintenance.
The land tenure system in the Ashanti region is notably complex, predominantly relying on the customary framework. Insights garnered from farmer interviews underscore the pronounced tenure insecurity that impedes farmer participation in the system. Securing land tenure documents is pivotal to instilling confidence among farmers regarding the equitable distribution of system benefits. Notably, varying farmer characteristics and specific traditional areas wield varying degrees of influence over land tenure security and the complexity of acquiring such documents. For system feasibility, a targeted approach focusing on engaging landowners and dispelling misconceptions while emphasising the advantages of land tenure documents is essential. Incentivising landowners through a share of the carbon revenue may also be necessary to ensure their active participation.
Farmers in the Ashanti region grapple with diverse challenges, stemming from erratic rainfall patterns, pest infestations, weed proliferation, and soil nutrient depletion. These challenges are compounded by financial constraints, exacerbating the farmers' livelihood struggles. Notably, farmers place a higher premium on the tangible benefits of increased fruit tree yields as the primary incentive for system participation, displaying comparatively lesser interest in the intangible monetary returns from carbon credits. Effective communication with farmers necessitates addressing their immediate concerns. Consequently, the agroforestry system should be designed to incorporate intercropped fruit trees, delivering additional yields while preserving the cultural significance of existing crops and optimising the environmental advantages of the system. Given that farmers predominantly learn through visual exposure, the initiation of a pilot agroforestry system can substantially bolster their willingness to participate. Simultaneously, the development of tailored training programs and the provision of essential tools are indispensable for empowering farmers to proficiently maintain the trees.
The significance of carbon credits within the system primarily lies in compensating cooperating and financial parties, as farmers prioritise other benefits. The institutional system's challenges, particularly in securing land tenure documents, pose substantial feasibility hurdles for the system's viability. In future research on this topic, it would be valuable to seek the insights of traditional authorities. ...
The carbon-based agroforestry system consists of three main parts: the carbon credit system, the institutional system, and the socio-technical system. To study this complex system, we adopt an illustrative case study approach, focusing on the Ashanti region in Ghana. Our research follows a top-down approach, beginning with comprehensive desk research to build a foundational understanding, followed by in-depth interviews with local farmers and selected experts, including government agencies and an NGO, to gain a nuanced understanding of the Ashanti region's context.
Taking into account the carbon credit system, significant attention is devoted to crafting a project framework that aligns with rigorous carbon standards. The accumulation of carbon credits over time serves as a means to secure initial investments. Farmer involvement, particularly their commitment, assumes paramount importance in the context of the carbon credit system, given that only mature trees can generate carbon credits. Primary risks pertain to tree cutting or tree mortality. To mitigate these risks, farmers need comprehensive training and access to essential tools for tree maintenance.
The land tenure system in the Ashanti region is notably complex, predominantly relying on the customary framework. Insights garnered from farmer interviews underscore the pronounced tenure insecurity that impedes farmer participation in the system. Securing land tenure documents is pivotal to instilling confidence among farmers regarding the equitable distribution of system benefits. Notably, varying farmer characteristics and specific traditional areas wield varying degrees of influence over land tenure security and the complexity of acquiring such documents. For system feasibility, a targeted approach focusing on engaging landowners and dispelling misconceptions while emphasising the advantages of land tenure documents is essential. Incentivising landowners through a share of the carbon revenue may also be necessary to ensure their active participation.
Farmers in the Ashanti region grapple with diverse challenges, stemming from erratic rainfall patterns, pest infestations, weed proliferation, and soil nutrient depletion. These challenges are compounded by financial constraints, exacerbating the farmers' livelihood struggles. Notably, farmers place a higher premium on the tangible benefits of increased fruit tree yields as the primary incentive for system participation, displaying comparatively lesser interest in the intangible monetary returns from carbon credits. Effective communication with farmers necessitates addressing their immediate concerns. Consequently, the agroforestry system should be designed to incorporate intercropped fruit trees, delivering additional yields while preserving the cultural significance of existing crops and optimising the environmental advantages of the system. Given that farmers predominantly learn through visual exposure, the initiation of a pilot agroforestry system can substantially bolster their willingness to participate. Simultaneously, the development of tailored training programs and the provision of essential tools are indispensable for empowering farmers to proficiently maintain the trees.
The significance of carbon credits within the system primarily lies in compensating cooperating and financial parties, as farmers prioritise other benefits. The institutional system's challenges, particularly in securing land tenure documents, pose substantial feasibility hurdles for the system's viability. In future research on this topic, it would be valuable to seek the insights of traditional authorities. ...
Climate change is a pressing concern affecting the livelihoods of farmers in Ghana's Ashanti region due to erratic rainfall patterns, primarily impacting rain-fed agriculture. This research explores the potential of carbon credits to encourage smallholder farmers in the Ashanti region to adopt agroforestry practices as a solution. Agroforestry, if effectively implemented, not only helps combat climate change by capturing carbon but also improves soil fertility, protects crops from extreme weather, and offers various benefits to local farmers. This study delves into the complexities of this issue to propose innovative solutions benefiting both the local farming community and the global climate challenge.
The carbon-based agroforestry system consists of three main parts: the carbon credit system, the institutional system, and the socio-technical system. To study this complex system, we adopt an illustrative case study approach, focusing on the Ashanti region in Ghana. Our research follows a top-down approach, beginning with comprehensive desk research to build a foundational understanding, followed by in-depth interviews with local farmers and selected experts, including government agencies and an NGO, to gain a nuanced understanding of the Ashanti region's context.
Taking into account the carbon credit system, significant attention is devoted to crafting a project framework that aligns with rigorous carbon standards. The accumulation of carbon credits over time serves as a means to secure initial investments. Farmer involvement, particularly their commitment, assumes paramount importance in the context of the carbon credit system, given that only mature trees can generate carbon credits. Primary risks pertain to tree cutting or tree mortality. To mitigate these risks, farmers need comprehensive training and access to essential tools for tree maintenance.
The land tenure system in the Ashanti region is notably complex, predominantly relying on the customary framework. Insights garnered from farmer interviews underscore the pronounced tenure insecurity that impedes farmer participation in the system. Securing land tenure documents is pivotal to instilling confidence among farmers regarding the equitable distribution of system benefits. Notably, varying farmer characteristics and specific traditional areas wield varying degrees of influence over land tenure security and the complexity of acquiring such documents. For system feasibility, a targeted approach focusing on engaging landowners and dispelling misconceptions while emphasising the advantages of land tenure documents is essential. Incentivising landowners through a share of the carbon revenue may also be necessary to ensure their active participation.
Farmers in the Ashanti region grapple with diverse challenges, stemming from erratic rainfall patterns, pest infestations, weed proliferation, and soil nutrient depletion. These challenges are compounded by financial constraints, exacerbating the farmers' livelihood struggles. Notably, farmers place a higher premium on the tangible benefits of increased fruit tree yields as the primary incentive for system participation, displaying comparatively lesser interest in the intangible monetary returns from carbon credits. Effective communication with farmers necessitates addressing their immediate concerns. Consequently, the agroforestry system should be designed to incorporate intercropped fruit trees, delivering additional yields while preserving the cultural significance of existing crops and optimising the environmental advantages of the system. Given that farmers predominantly learn through visual exposure, the initiation of a pilot agroforestry system can substantially bolster their willingness to participate. Simultaneously, the development of tailored training programs and the provision of essential tools are indispensable for empowering farmers to proficiently maintain the trees.
The significance of carbon credits within the system primarily lies in compensating cooperating and financial parties, as farmers prioritise other benefits. The institutional system's challenges, particularly in securing land tenure documents, pose substantial feasibility hurdles for the system's viability. In future research on this topic, it would be valuable to seek the insights of traditional authorities.
The carbon-based agroforestry system consists of three main parts: the carbon credit system, the institutional system, and the socio-technical system. To study this complex system, we adopt an illustrative case study approach, focusing on the Ashanti region in Ghana. Our research follows a top-down approach, beginning with comprehensive desk research to build a foundational understanding, followed by in-depth interviews with local farmers and selected experts, including government agencies and an NGO, to gain a nuanced understanding of the Ashanti region's context.
Taking into account the carbon credit system, significant attention is devoted to crafting a project framework that aligns with rigorous carbon standards. The accumulation of carbon credits over time serves as a means to secure initial investments. Farmer involvement, particularly their commitment, assumes paramount importance in the context of the carbon credit system, given that only mature trees can generate carbon credits. Primary risks pertain to tree cutting or tree mortality. To mitigate these risks, farmers need comprehensive training and access to essential tools for tree maintenance.
The land tenure system in the Ashanti region is notably complex, predominantly relying on the customary framework. Insights garnered from farmer interviews underscore the pronounced tenure insecurity that impedes farmer participation in the system. Securing land tenure documents is pivotal to instilling confidence among farmers regarding the equitable distribution of system benefits. Notably, varying farmer characteristics and specific traditional areas wield varying degrees of influence over land tenure security and the complexity of acquiring such documents. For system feasibility, a targeted approach focusing on engaging landowners and dispelling misconceptions while emphasising the advantages of land tenure documents is essential. Incentivising landowners through a share of the carbon revenue may also be necessary to ensure their active participation.
Farmers in the Ashanti region grapple with diverse challenges, stemming from erratic rainfall patterns, pest infestations, weed proliferation, and soil nutrient depletion. These challenges are compounded by financial constraints, exacerbating the farmers' livelihood struggles. Notably, farmers place a higher premium on the tangible benefits of increased fruit tree yields as the primary incentive for system participation, displaying comparatively lesser interest in the intangible monetary returns from carbon credits. Effective communication with farmers necessitates addressing their immediate concerns. Consequently, the agroforestry system should be designed to incorporate intercropped fruit trees, delivering additional yields while preserving the cultural significance of existing crops and optimising the environmental advantages of the system. Given that farmers predominantly learn through visual exposure, the initiation of a pilot agroforestry system can substantially bolster their willingness to participate. Simultaneously, the development of tailored training programs and the provision of essential tools are indispensable for empowering farmers to proficiently maintain the trees.
The significance of carbon credits within the system primarily lies in compensating cooperating and financial parties, as farmers prioritise other benefits. The institutional system's challenges, particularly in securing land tenure documents, pose substantial feasibility hurdles for the system's viability. In future research on this topic, it would be valuable to seek the insights of traditional authorities.
Analysis of Entrepreneurship Competencies' development among students
The assessment of entrepreneurship compentencies’ using the EntreComp framework among students for Delft Centre for Entrepreneurship
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in entrepreneurial education among students, emphasizing the significance of an entrepreneurial mindset. Introducing the EnteComp framework in 2016 has provided a standardized approach for evaluating interdisciplinary competences in students. This study aims to address this issue by examining the optimal utilization and integration of the EntreComp framework in the educational practices of Delft Center for Entrepreneurship (DCE). By conducting a comprehensive literature review and analyzing data from a large-scale survey involving 119 questions among DCE students, the research investigates the most effective methods for measuring the development of entrepreneurship competences among students. The findings indicate EntreComp offers a shared language and a holistic approach for assessing entrepreneurial competences. The analysis also reveals a lack of consensus and practical implementation in utilizing the EntreComp framework. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on the longitudinal development of EntreComp competencies over time and to employ various survey types and statistical tests to make the use of EntreComp more common.
...
...
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in entrepreneurial education among students, emphasizing the significance of an entrepreneurial mindset. Introducing the EnteComp framework in 2016 has provided a standardized approach for evaluating interdisciplinary competences in students. This study aims to address this issue by examining the optimal utilization and integration of the EntreComp framework in the educational practices of Delft Center for Entrepreneurship (DCE). By conducting a comprehensive literature review and analyzing data from a large-scale survey involving 119 questions among DCE students, the research investigates the most effective methods for measuring the development of entrepreneurship competences among students. The findings indicate EntreComp offers a shared language and a holistic approach for assessing entrepreneurial competences. The analysis also reveals a lack of consensus and practical implementation in utilizing the EntreComp framework. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on the longitudinal development of EntreComp competencies over time and to employ various survey types and statistical tests to make the use of EntreComp more common.