BACKGROUND:
Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is the third largest export commodity of Ghana and represents the most important source of revenue for numerous small-scale farmers. Climate change in the form of higher temperatures and reduced rainfall is expected to adversely affect cocoa productivity and reduce the area suitable for cocoa cultivation in Ghana. Although this is likely to have major effects on the economy, the magnitude and underlying mechanisms of this impact are not well understood.
The CLIMCOCOA project is financed by DANIDA and comprises a range of institutions, including the University of Ghana, Legon, Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, World Agroforestry Centre, the University of Copenhagen and Roskilde University in Denmark.
The project aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of climate change on the socio-biophysical bases of cocoa systems in Ghana, and to assess the role of agroforestry as a model for climate smart agriculture in Ghana. The project applies a multidisciplinary approach to investigate the socio-economic and biophysical limitations and options for cocoa cultivation under a changed climate, and to assess institutional and socioeconomic factors that favour or limit adoption by farmers of innovative management options. Ultimately the goal is to assure a future for cocoa farmers in Ghana and other cocoa producing countries in West Africa.
The CLIMCOCOA project now announces three attractive PhD-scholarships for Ghanaian nationals. The students will be enrolled at the University of Ghana, Legon, with co-supervision and study stays at the the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. The students will get to work in close collaboration with a team of national and international experts, and will have the opportunity to engage in dialogue with central actors in the cocoa network in Ghana and internationally.
TOPIC NO. 1. EFFECTS OF AGROFORESTRY AND CLIMATE ON COCOA YIELDS ON FARM
Cocoa production is threatened by increasing temperatures and decreasing water availability. It is hypothesized that agroforestry will have a mitigating effect on climatic extremes, but there is limited evidence to corroborate this. The study will analyze the yields of cocoa on farms and how they are affected by climate and management practices. The focus is on climatic extremes (especially rainfall) and impacts of agroforestry, analyzed through time series of crop yields registered on farm. The study will test the effects of shade tree species on cocoa, and will determine how the occurrence of black pod disease and cocoa mirids varies across gradients of climate and management.
The successful candidate should have an MSc/MPhil in crop production, agriculture/horticulture/forestry, biology or a related field from a recognized university. Good knowledge of agroforestry, plant and animal ecology is required, as well as good mathematical and/or statistical skills. Good writing skills and previous experiences with scientific work are an advantage.
TOPIC NO. 2. ECOPHYSIOLOGY OF COCOA UNDER A CHANGED CLIMATE
Cocoa is one of the world’s major tree crops, but there is limited information about the physiology of the species and how it is affected by climatic extremes. Given that the species in its natural habitat is an understory rainforest species, it is supposedly sensitive to high temperature, low rainfall and high levels of sunlight, yet in many cases it is cultivated in situations where exactly these conditions prevail. This study aims to improve knowledge about the ecophysiology of cocoa. Focus is on the effects of water stress, elevated temperatures and shade, as well as the possible interactions between these factors. Experiments will be conducted primarily on-station and involve manipulations of the environmental conditions and a number of eco-physiological methods.
The successful candidate should have an MSc/MPhil in crop production, agriculture/horticulture/forestry, biology or a related field from a recognized university. Good knowledge of plant biology is essential. Good mathematical and/or statistical skills, good writing skills and possible previous experience with plant experimentation are advantageous.
TOPIC NO. 3 COCOA FARMERS’ ADAPTATION STRATEGIES TO CLIMATE CHANGE – ROLE OF AGROFORESTRY
Many small-scale farmers in Ghana rely on cocoa as a source of revenue in order to make a livelihood, yet there is little knowledge of adaptive measures in the light of climate change (CC) in cocoa farming communities in Ghana. We argue that agroforestry (defined as the purposeful intercropping of trees in cocoa plantations) can buffer against weather extremes and CC and thereby enhance farmers’ adaptive capacity. In order to determine the potential role of agroforestry as a model for climate and carbon smart agriculture among small scale farmers, it is important to understand farmers’ perception of risks from CC, their current adaptation strategies related to CC, as well as the influence of other stakeholders. This study will focus on farmers’ perspectives on, and practices in relation to, CC and investigate the socioeconomic and institutional factors influencing cocoa farmers’ ability to adapt to CC and adopt innovative cultivation practices. As part of the study, a range of household surveys, semi-structured interviews and an institutional mapping will be carried out.
The successful candidate should have an MSc/MPhil in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Geography, Climate Change or any relevant Social Science field from a recognized university. Good knowledge of drivers of adoption of agricultural innovations is essential and strong quantitative skill (e.g. econometrics) as well as qualitative skills (e.g. conducting interviews and surveys) are advantageous.
PRACTICALITIES
The admitted students will be supported by the project through the University of Ghana, according to standard conditions. Qualified candidates may enroll for a double PhD degree at University of Copenhagen. Expenses during study stays in Denmark will be covered by the project. Field work will be conducted in Ghana in collaboration with other members of the project staff.
QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants should be of Ghanaian nationality. As stated in the individual PhD project descriptions, an MSc/MPhil from a recognized University is required. Applicants are also expected to meet all requirements for PhD enrolment at the University of Ghana. We welcome applicants with a strong CV and high research ambitions.
APPLICATION
The application should include:
1. A motivation letter
2. A one-page description of proposed research activities of the PhD study.
3. A full CV
4. Copies of Bsc and MSc/MPhil transcripts and certificate
5. Copy of writing samples (Thesis or journal article, conference paper)
Applicants are invited to send their applications as single pdf files by email to kowusu@ug.edu.gh. Deadline April 15, 2016
ASSESSMENT OF CANDIDATES:
The assessment committee will be composed of the supervisory team for each study, including representatives of the University of Ghana, the University of Copenhagen, and possibly other participating organizations. Based on applicants’ qualifications as outlined in the application, a number of applicants will be selected for a written job test with subsequent interviews. Interviews are expected to take place in the last week of June 2016, after which applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application.
Key criteria for the assessment of candidates include a master’s degree related to the subject area of the project, the grade point average achieved, professional qualifications relevant to the PhD programme, previous publications, relevant work experience, other professional activities, language skills and interpersonal skills.
After recruitment, the candidate will follow a procedure of formal enrolment at the University of Ghana, and possibly at the University of Copenhagen. Enrolment at the University of Ghana will take place in August 2016.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Your key tasks as a PhD fellow will be:
Manage and carry through your research project
Take PhD courses
Write scientific articles and your PhD thesis
Participate in project meetings
Teach and disseminate your research
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
You can find more information about the CLIMCOCOA project by contacting
Dr. Kwadwo Owusu, at the Department of Geography and Resource Development, University of Ghana, Legon Email: kowusu@ug.edu.gh Tel: 0279943213
Information about PhD programmes at the University of Ghana, Legon, is available at http://sgs.ug.edu.gh/content/phd-programmes
Information about PhD programmes at the University of Copenhagen is available at http://phd.ku.dk/english/.
REGISTRAR
School of Graduate Studies
