The proposed Ph.D. will involve exploratory research on existing manure management systems, barriers to adoption, and modelling GHG fluxes and nutrient flows.
The novel contribution this Ph.D will make will be in modelling GHG fluxes and nutrient flows based on detailed empirical data. Therefore, the position will include collection of empirical data including GHG and nutrient flux data from manure management systems from representative sites across the climatic gradients (hot – cool and humid – dry) and the upscaling and estimation of GHG and nutrient fluxes from manure management at local, regional and national levels.
The management of manure influences the output of Green House Gases (GHGs), ammonia, and other nutrients. These outputs, if unmitigated, can contribute to global warming; and localized acidification and eutrophication; as well as negative impacts on human health. This Ph.D. will work together with several other proposed projects that also involve manure management, including: waste to worth, SNV’s bio slurry initiative, CLEANED LVCs, REVALTER, the Global Nitrogen Cycle project and IMPACT Lite.
ILRI Research Project: Standard Assessment of Mitigation Potential and Livelihoods in Smallholder Systems
The project aims to generate a comprehensive baseline data for greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions from agricultural systems in East Africa region. It also works to systematically characterize major farming systems for GHG emissions. Because most sub-Saharan African countries have agricultural dependent economies (estimates above 30% GDP), development plans must consider the environmental impact of different intensification pathways in terms of GHG emissions but also with regard to water supply and water quality or biodiversity – that are designed to achieve food security in the region.
Graduate Fellowship Project Title: Quantification of nutrient flows and GHG fluxes from manure management systems in East Africa: local, national and regional levels
Responsibilities:
- Lead data collection for manure management system (MMS) characterization and summary of policy environments in East Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi).
- Model GHG emissions and nutrient flows for MMSs in various climatic zones.
- Identify optimal MMSs, potential interventions and barriers to adoption.
- Assess the GHG emissions and mitigation potential for clusters of farm types, at local, landscape and regional levels.
Essential Skills and Qualifications will include:
- Strong background in agronomy, livestock and manure management, or biogeochemistry, as well as experience in lab and field work.
- Have completed their last degree less than 6 years ago at the time of application.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree with at least an upper second class.
- Must be nationals of a Sub-Saharan African Country. Please note that it is not possible to apply for studies in your home country.
Terms of Appointment: ILRI will offer a competitive stipend to cover living expenses in the project location(s). The successful candidate will be supervised jointly by an ILRI scientist and the university supervisor.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should address should submit the following documents;
- A cover letter explaining your interest in the position, what you can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about your professional qualifications and work experience. The position title and reference number:PHDKB/DAAD/05/2014 should be clearly indicated in the subject line of the cover letter.
- Curriculum Vitae without photograph; please use the europass CV template at http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu
- Certified copies of all university degree certificates.
- Certified copies of all university transcripts.
- Detailed and precise description of the research project (incl. working plan and time schedule until graduation). The proposal has to be in line with the above outlined ILRI’s research projects.
- At least temporary admission letter from the host institution.
- Declaration of acceptance from academic/university supervisor.
- Recommendation letter by the affiliate university head of department.
- Proof of employment with certification that you receive an unpaid leave (where applicable).
Applications: All applications to be submitted online on our recruitment portal: http://ilri.simplicant.com by the deadline of 10 June 2014
Suitably qualified women and citizens of developing countries, with experience of working internationally, are particularly encouraged to apply.
For more information and application please visit the ILRI-DAAD PhD Scholarship: Standard Assessment of Mitigation Potential and Livelihoods inSmallholder Systems project page.
