Applications for the Doctoral Programme within the framework of the joint international research project HORTINLEA are welcome.
The general objective of project HORTINLEA is to address pressing challenges of undernutrition, poverty and sustainability and to improve the livelihood and nutritional situation in particular of the rural and urban poor in East Africa by producing knowledge helping to improve and increase horticultural production especially of indigenous vegetables. Interdisciplinary results will be achieved by building on research within the following areas of interest:
- Water use efficiency
- Integrated pest management
- Soil fertility management
- Quality assurance in post-harvest
- Human health impacts of vegetables
- Variety development
- Market trends and consumption habits
- Climate change and ecological sustainability
- Poverty and vulnerability of households
- Gender research
- Institutional arrangements of horticulture
- Value chain strategies
- Transferring knowledge into policies and practise
For more information about the project please visit: www.hortinlea.org
The Egerton University and the German Centre for Rural Development (SLE) offer two PhD positions in the field of climate change. The PhD students will contribute to the Sub-Project 8 (SP8): “Climate Change and Ecological Sustainability of Horticultural Value Chains” under the supervision of the Egerton University and Humboldt, SLE and PIK academics.
The central aim of the sub-project 8 is to provide a comprehensive analysis on the impacts of climate change on horticultural production and environmental sustainability issues, by considering different farming systems, including smallholders, outgrowers, export farms, and urban/peri-urban glasshouse production. Based on this analysis, the project shall identify options both for adapting to a changing climate and for reducing greenhouse gas emissions on farms and along value chains.
Applicants are expected to develop, define and implement their own PhD research project within the SP8.
Applicants for this PhD positions should have a background in at least one of the following fields: Economics, agriculture / horticulture, environmental science / natural resources management, rural development. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree with excellent results. Very good written and oral English and excellent MS Office skills are essential for this position. Knowledge of German is beneficial, but not required.
Core eligibility criteria:
- Age: 25-35
- Master’s degree
- National of Kenya, Ethiopia, or Tansania
- Eligible for registration in Humboldt University of Berlin1
- Able to work in an interdisciplinary and multicultural team
Of advantage are as well:
- Relevant publications and very good writing skills
- Methods/experience for/in empirical socio-economic research and
- Excellent organisation and communication skills
Applications are expected in the area of “Climate Change and Ecological Sustainability” for two distinct positions: A Climate Change Adaptation and B. Climate Change Mitigation.
The deadline for applications is 15 November 2014. Applications received after this date will not be considered. Pre-selected applicants will be invited for an interview in Nakuru, Egerton in the first or second week of December 2014 where final candidates will be identified. Notifications will be sent out by 25 November.
Download the detailed description of the Call here.