PhD candidate (f/m/d)

at  LeibnizZentrum fr Agrarlandschaftsforschung ZALF e V

The mission of the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) as a nationally and internationally active research institute is to deliver solutions for an ecologically, economically and socially sustainable agriculture – together with society. ZALF is a member of the Leibniz Association and is located in Müncheberg (approx. 35 minutes by regional train from Berlin-Lichtenberg). The institute also maintains locations in Dedelow and Paulinenaue.
The project “PRO-PLANTEURS-Recherche II Accompanying research on strategies for improving farmer families’ incomes and sustainable cocoa production” aims at providing scientific evidence to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the development project PRO-PLANTEURS which focuses on the expansion of sustainable cocoa production in Côte d’Ivoire. To support the project’s research activities, we seek a PhD candidate to work on the following topic:
“Closing the Living Income Gap: The role of cooperatives and other strategies to prepare producers for new regulatory requirements”, affiliated to the working group Sustainable Land Use in Developing Countries.
We are offering, subject to funding commitment, a part-time (65%) position from 01.01.2025 temporarily limited until 31.12.2027 at our location in Müncheberg as
PhD candidate (f/m/d)
98-2024

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS:

• advanced University degree (Master or equivalent degree) in agricultural economics, economics or related fields
• good knowledge on sustainable agriculture and socioeconomic analysis of agricultural production
• good knowledge on survey designs and statistical analysis
• excellent knowledge of French and English
• fulfill the Humboldt Universität Berlin’s entry requirements for PhD studies
• availability for extended periods of field activities in Côte d’Ivoire

• conduct needs assessment and Living Income analysis based on farmer survey data
• assess selected economic cocoa sector strategies (e.g. payment for ecosystem services, premiums for cocoa agroforestry systems, other economic incentives) and their potential impact on cocoa farmers’ Living Income in Côte d’Ivoire
• conduct a market potential analysis for these selected economic cocoa sector strategies
• carry out a survey among cocoa cooperatives and develop a typology of cocoa cooperatives in Côte d’Ivoire
• publication of scientific papers and successful submission of PhD thesis to university
• results presentation at (inter)national conferences