Anne de Villiers is development professional with a MSc. in Tropical Agricultural Development. She began her career in the Caribbean and Solomon Islands. She is a trainer in participatory research methodologies, has consulted in the project management cycle (appraisal, monitoring, evaluation) in agriculture in Tanzania, and Togo, on conflict between pastoralists and farmers in the Maasai Steppes, social rehabilitation in Liberia, wildlife conservation and poaching in the Serengeti, fish ranching in the Rufiji Delta, CSR intervention on behalf of oil and gas companies in Tanzania, early childhood development in disadvantaged communities.
At home, she is a pioneer, in partnership with her husband Dr J.P de Villiers, of a responsible tourism model, through the Chole Mjini Conservation and Development Co. Ltd. / Chole Mjini Lodge, and responsible marine encounters/Kitu Kiblu, in Mafia Island, Tanzania that exist to bring real benefits to their communities and support wildlife and cultural heritage conservation. Since 1993 Chole Mjini has been driving rural development in a remote part of the poorest District in Tanzania. This paradigm for business and development has been recognized with the World Responsible Tourism Gold Medal. Anne continues in consultancy, helping businesses to define CSR strategies and processes for sustaining meaningful positive outcomes in their communities.