University student for cocoa agroforestry research

at  Preferred by Nature

ARE YOU A UNIVERSITY STUDENT LOOKING TO COLLABORATE FOR YOUR MASTER’S THESIS?

Preferred by Nature and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) are offering an exciting research opportunity as a Graduate Trainee for students interested in advancing sustainable cocoa agroforestry.
The student of the Graduate Trainee Program upon successful completion becomes a member of the International Association of Research Scholars and Fellows (IARSAF), which is an International body of Postgraduate students in areas of Agriculture and related disciplines, conducting their research at IITA or any of the CGIAR Research Centers based at IITA in close collaboration with hundreds of partners under the co-supervision of CGIAR researchers and their respective Universities across the globe.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Preferred by Nature and IITA are seeking two students from a Denmark-based university to contribute to research in the Wassa Amenfi West region of Ghana. This opportunity is part of the Danida Green Business Partnership (Danida) project – The Wassa Amenfi Cocoa Landscape Initiative, Ghana. Led by Ferrero, alongside Preferred by Nature, Solidaridad, and Rikolto, the project aims to combat deforestation and improve cocoa farmers’ livelihoods through climate-smart agroforestry practices. The project runs from July 2023 to December 2027 and seeks to develop a commercially viable model for sustainable cocoa farming with potential benefits across Ghana.
Learn more about the project here: Wassa Amenfi Cocoa Initiative | Preferred by Nature and Wassa Amenfi Cocoa Landscape Initiative, Ghana - Danida Business Partnerships

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

• University student at the master’s level (or equivalent), enrolled in a Denmark based university
• Relevant fields of study: agroforestry, environmental science, sustainable agriculture, botany, or related disciplines
• Formal training in qualitative research methods
• Experience in conducting or supporting qualitative research, including research design, data collection and analysis
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to work independently
• Adaptability and willingness to work in rural environments
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness, especially when working with local communities
• Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential

As a Graduate Trainee, you will work closely with an IITA agroforestry expert and conduct field-based research supporting the project’s ongoing activities. Your specific role will depend on the research area you choose (see potential research topics below), but general responsibilities include:

• Conducting literature reviews to inform research design
• Designing research plans, questionnaires, and reports
• Conducting both quantitative and qualitative research
• Collecting data through interviews, focus groups, and field visits
• Analysing data and contributing to final reports