Call for PhD Applications-Transformative Policies and Pathways for Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa

Transformative Policies and Pathways for Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa

Description

Are you passionate in investigating the sustainability of food systems and approaches of combating the impacts of Climate Change in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)? An exciting social science PhD opportunity within the HORIZON project SAFE4ALL awaits you. The PhD project aims to support local and regional actors to identify gender related gaps within policy-making processes to safeguard African food security, disaster governance, and migration to build resilience. Moreover, the emphasis is on tackling issues related to migration from peri-urban to urban areas within countries in Africa and beyond. The research will also advance the uptake of gender-sensitive climate services in three selected vulnerable countries in Africa (Ghana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe), using capabilities approach indicated by Sen (1999) and Nussbaum (2006).

Within SAFE4ALL, a sandwich PhD position between WU and WACWISA-UDS is designed to deal with the following key objectives:

Assessing food systems policies in SSA

PhD candidate will dive into the intricate landscape of food systems policies in SSA and perform a comprehensive assessment on if food policies are transformative and gender-sensitive in the 3 case study areas in SSA i.e. Ghana, Kenya, Zimbabwe. Further, the assessments will take into account if and how the policies are taking into account the challenges of internal migration and urbanization within the larger scope of ensuring food security.

Designing of gender-sensitive transformative initiatives to promote climate resilience and community empowerment.

Following the policy assessment, the PhD candidate will be tasked into ensuring if migration is not their only adaptation strategy. Under this task, the research will identify approaches to create and diversify livelihoods, especially in innovative food value chains, emphasising women and youth (for instance, waste management and sustainable construction). These livelihood initiatives will directly support communities in the adoption of climate-smart resilience practices and will be designed through a participatory process, especially focusing on opportunities that can enhance gender equality.

Mode of PhD Enrolment

The PhD will be enrolled at WUR, where the candidate is expected to spend 18 months in total at WUR and the remaining time of 30 months at WACWISA-UDS. While at WACWISA-UDS, the PhD researcher will also travel to the other study sites in Kenya and Zimbabwe and collaborate with the in-country SAFE4ALL partners. Female candidates from Uganda, Kenya, Ghana and Zimbabwe are particularly encouraged to apply.

Academic Qualification

At least Master’s Degree in Social Sciences from a recognised University

Application Process:

Please submit your CV, electronic copy of your previous degrees and transcript, motivational statement, 2-3page research synopsis and any relevant publications to the email: wacwisa@uds.edu.gh with Subject line: SAFE4All PhD application

Supervisory Team

WU	WACWISA-UDS
Associate Professor, Dr. Jeroen Warner	Prof. Dr. Gordana Kranjac-Berisavljevic
Assistant Professor, Dr. Sumit Vij	Prof. Dr. Felix Kofi Abagale
Assistant Professor, Dr. Spyros Paparrizos	TBD