Closing date: 30 Sep 2024

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) is offering one MSc research project working on ‘Socioeconomic and environmental benefits of mealworm and spirulina production in refugee communities in Kenya.

 Background

In refugee communities, where resource scarcity and malnutrition are prevalent issues, sustainable and scalable food solutions are crucial. Mealworm and spirulina production presents an innovative approach, offering high nutritional value and low environmental impact. These food sources require minimal space and resources, making them ideal for conditions in refugee camps. However, the potential socioeconomic and environmental impacts of integrating these practices within refugee settings in Kenya have not been fully explored.

Refugee communities often face significant challenges in achieving food security due to limited access to land and other resources. While mealworms and spirulina could provide a sustainable source of nutrition, there is a lack of detailed understanding of how their production could be effectively implemented in these communities. Furthermore, the potential socioeconomic benefits, such as job creation and economic empowerment, and the environmental advantages, such as reduced land and water use, need thorough investigation. This project is focused on evaluating the socioeconomic and environmental benefits of implementing mealworm and spirulina production within refugee communities in Kenya. Specifically, the study will examine how these alternative food production methods can contribute to income generation and create new employment opportunities, thereby enhancing overall food security within these communities. Additionally, the project will assess the environmental sustainability of such production practices, emphasizing resource use efficiency and waste management effectiveness. This analysis will provide insights into how these low-impact food sources can be integrated into refugee settlements in a manner that is both sustainable and beneficial to the community, offering a practical blueprint for similar initiatives in other settings. This research is essential to determine the feasibility and benefits of introducing mealworm and spirulina production in refugee settings. By evaluating both the socioeconomic uplift and environmental impacts, this study aims to contribute to sustainable development goals by providing evidence-based recommendations for policy and practice. This could lead to enhanced food security, improved nutritional outcomes, and better resource management in refugee communities, offering a scalable model that can be replicated in similar contexts. 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

• Should be a national of an African country.
• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Environmental Science, Agriculture, Nutrition Environmental or Rural Development, Sustainable Development, or a related field.
• MUST already have registered in a university Pursuing MSc. in any of the programs above and completed and passed coursework before commencing the research study.
• The MSc student will be engaged for 12 months and will be supported with research funds (Note: The project does not provide funds for tuition fees).
• Experience in research related to food security, sustainable agriculture, or community development, especially in challenging environments such as refugee camps.
• Familiarity with innovative agricultural practices and their application in resource-limited settings Proven ability to perform fieldwork under diverse and potentially challenging conditions.
• Experience in community engagement and collaborative work with local populations.
• Strong data collection, analysis, and interpretation skills, especially related to socioeconomic and environmental impacts.
• Skills in data analysis using Stata and/or R.
• Ability to design questionnaire using CSPro programming
• Knowledge of local languages or dialects is advantageous
• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities with a focus on innovative and practical solutions to food security and sustainability challenges
• Capability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively in a team, contributing effectively to group objectives.
• 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

Applications will be accepted up to 30^th September 2024.

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. Do not submit your application by email. Only applications and supporting documents submitted online will be accepted.
6. Applications submitted by email will be rejected.

Please note that: -

1.        Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

2.        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