Closing date: 30 Sep 2024

 Background

The global demand for animal proteins has been increasing and is projected to continue increasing due to population growth, rising incomes, and urbanization. The supply of animal proteins has not kept pace with these demands, primarily due to low productivity. Traditional livestock which form a major part of the human diet, is associated with significant environmental challenges such as extensive water and carbon footprints and high land usage. These impacts are further exacerbated by the production of animal feed which contributes to biodiversity loss due to the expansive use of land. Farming insects such as the desert locust presents a sustainable alternative due to reduced ecological footprints and a rich profile of micronutrients, beneficial fatty acids, protein and essential amino acids of the insect. Thus, the ability to colonise and rear locust species is crucially important to all aspects of using them for feed and food. Although locust farmers and industries exist in parts of Africa, their production is limited by a lack of robust mass-rearing tools, such as insectaries and locust diet concentrates. This project therefore seeks to develop cost-effective and eco-friendly mass-rearing tools to ensure a continuous supply of high-quality locusts for domestic consumption and marketing purposes. It will focus on identifying suitable substrates and diets for efficient mass-rearing A highly motivated candidate will be engaged to carry out this study in 12 months.

 The successful candidate is expected to undertake a comprehensive literature review and develop a concept/proposal for the study, conduct data curation and analysis, write a report, a thesis, and at least one manuscript, and communicate research findings to the project partners and other stakeholders.

Eligibility criteria

• A Kenyan national.
• Be a holder of a Bachelor's degree (at least 2^nd class upper division) in Agriculture, Horticulture or related field.
• Pursuing MSc. in any of the programs above. Must have completed MSc. Coursework.
• Must have scored a minimum of grade B in the following or related subjects: Crop entomology, Cropping systems, Statistics for agriculture OR Agricultural/Field experimentation
• Practical experience in conducting field surveys of insects or plants, insect rearing, farming systems and experimental designs earned through field attachment or undergraduate research project will be an added advantage
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for documenting research findings and presenting at conferences
• Candidates who are staff members of a public university, or considered for university teaching or research staff recruitment, are encouraged to apply.
• Qualified female candidates and candidates from less privileged regions or groups as well as candidates with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

The MSc position is based in Kenya. 

How to apply

1. Fill in the application form.
2. A concise letter of motivation.
3. A detailed CV (name, contact details, age, and gender), the names of at least 3 relevant referees.
4. Copies of BSc and MSc diplomas and transcripts indicating all courses and obtained degrees.
5. Submit your applications at this link: https://scholarships.icipe.org/calls/29
6. Do not submit your application by email. Only applications and supporting documents submitted online will be accepted.
7. Applications submitted by email will be rejected

Please note that: -

• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
• Short-listed candidates are subject to an interview/written assessment.

Timeline

Closing date for applications 30^th September 2024.

 Questions

If you have any questions regarding the Programme or your application to icipe, kindly contact Ms. Vivian Atieno, Capacity Building Officer, icipe. Email: vatieno@icipe.org