Theodoor Hendriksen
Theodoor Hendriksen is a seasoned professional with an extensive career spanning nearly five decades in international development. As an expert in rural development, watershed management, and natural resource management, Hendriksen has dedicated his career to improving livelihoods and sustainable practices across Africa and the Middle East
With 48 years of experience working for donors, UN agencies, NGOs, and as a consultant, Hendriksen has held 2 long-term assignments and numerous short-term positions. His expertise encompasses a wide range of areas, including:
- Rural water provision and integrated water resource management (IWRM)
- Agriculture and livestock development for smallholders and pastoralists
- Climate change adaptation in rural development
- Community-based sustainable natural resource management
- Food security and livelihoods development
- Grant management and technical advisory roles
Hendriksen’s approach emphasizes community-based processes, participatory planning, and the integration of private sector involvement in rural development initiatives. He is skilled in providing guidance to technical teams, partner organizations, and government institutions, and has extensive experience in project identification, formulation, and implementation
.Currently serving as the Team Leader for the Water for Lakes Project in South Sudan, Hendriksen continues to apply his vast experience to address critical water-related challenges in the region. His commitment to sustainable development is further evidenced by his membership in the Kenya Rainwater Association and the World Council for Renewable Energy
Throughout his career, Hendriksen has demonstrated adaptability and innovation, developing practical solutions such as rural micro-finance systems for smallholder farmers, gender sensitization training at the village level, and applied research units linking research institutions with farmers. His work often involves operating in challenging and sometimes insecure environments, showcasing his dedication to improving lives in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.