Date of Release: 10^th May, 2024                                                                       Deadline: 25th May, 2024.

Egerton University is partnering in the implementation of the REFOOUTURE II project. The project is funded by the IKAE Foundation for 2023 to 2027 period with the aim to contribute to food systems transformation by fostering Regenerative, Inclusive Food Systems (RIFS) in three East African countries: Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda. RIFS are expected to contribute to healthy ecosystems, resilient food systems, a fair and inclusive transformation process, access to affordable and nutritious food for all, inspire caring communities and hence to improve livelihoods.

The Positions

REFOOTURE II Project seeks to recruit two master graduate fellows to study regenerative agricultural practices in relation to soil health, crop performance responses and associated economics. The research interest is to determine the effects of regenerative agricultural practices on soil health properties (physical, chemical and biological- nematode diversity) and crop responses (growth, yield and quality). The test crops have to include legumes of high economic and nutritional value, beneficial biological Nitrogen fixing profile, and drought tolerant. The soil studies will test the effects of varying rates of combined use of NPK fertilizer and compost manure and inoculation with Aspergillus niger or Bio-fix Rhizobium inoculant treatments on soil health properties, phosphorus solubilisation and crop responses.

Terms and References

Under the guidance of University and project supervisors, each student will design and implement multi-site field research project that validates optimal application rates of combined organic and inorganic fertilizers when integrated with regenerative agricultural practices.

Specifically, the selected fellows will each:

• Develop MSc proposal to answer specific research questions on benefits of regenerative agricultural practices on soil health and crop performance responses as agreed upon with the university supervisors and the project
• Implement approved research proposal, pro-actively engaging in the field with farmers of the Nakuru Living Lab (https://nakurulivinglab.org ).
• Diligently collect and clean data for analysis and to prepare manuscripts and submit to peer- reviewed

Minimum requirements for the ideal candidates

1. A registered MSc student at Egerton University
2. Currently pursuing MSc degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, or a related discipline
3. Have completed course work and ready to proceed to research phase of the study programme
4. Capable of using MS Office, digital data capture tools (eg ODK, survey CTO), and a statistical software
5. Capable of data curation and statistical analysis of longitudinal data
6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
7. Ability to work as part of a team
8. Ability to work with minimal supervision

Terms of appointment and stipend:

The appointment will be within a fixed duration not exceeding 15 Months

REFOOTURE II Project will offer a competitive stipend to cover direct expenses pertaining to medical, living and accommodation, field and lab research, second year tuition, publication fees and conference participation.

How to apply:

Applications shall only be considered on condition of all these specified documents are submitted:

• Updated CV, including names and addresses (including telephone and email) of two referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience
• A cover letter addressed to the REFOOTURE II Project management, expressing interest in the fellowship position and the motivation. The subject line must indicate Re MSc Fellowship in REFOOTURE II
• The letter must indicate the present MSc degree programme of study the candidate is pursuing and research area of interest

Academic qualification certificates/transcripts

Applications must be submitted only via email: refooture2.project@egerton.ac.ke and cc to nakurulivinglab@gmail.com before 26th May, 2024.

The letter and the email Must indicate in the subject lines: Re MSc Fellowship in REFOOTURE II project Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

To find out more about REFOOTURE II Project visit: https://nakurulivinglab.org

https://www.wur.nl/en/project/refooture-food-futures-eastern-africa.htm