Closing date: 30 Jan 2025

Background

This research explores the effects of Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on the growth performance, nutrient utilization, and overall health of improved Clarias gariepinus (African catfish) strains fed diets that incorporate black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens L.) as a sustainable protein source. The study focuses on enhancing the nutritional profile of insect-based aquafeeds by supplementing them with essential Omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to play a crucial role in promoting optimal fish growth, improving feed conversion efficiency, and supporting immune function and overall health. Given the growing interest in using black soldier fly larvae as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fish meal, this research aims to address the nutritional gaps in insect-based diets and determine the specific benefits of Omega-3 supplementation in enhancing nutrient absorption and growth in African catfish. The outcomes of this research will contribute to the development of nutritionally balanced, sustainable aquafeeds that can support efficient fish production while reducing the environmental footprint of aquaculture. Students participating in this project will gain valuable hands-on experience in diet formulation, conducting feeding trials, and performing biochemical analyses to evaluate the impact of the supplemented diets on fish growth and health. This project provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to innovative solutions for improving the efficiency, sustainability, and nutritional quality of aquaculture practices, while addressing the growing global demand for sustainable food production.

 

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 a relevant field, such as Aquaculture, Fisheries Science, Animal Science, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline, and scored at least a second-class (upper division).
• Experience with experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis.
• Familiarity with research methodologies specific to aquaculture or animal nutrition would be advantageous.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to articulate research findings, prepare detailed reports.
• 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 January 2025.

• Fill in the application form.
• A concise letter of motivation.
• A detailed CV (name, contact details, age, and gender), the names of at least 3 relevant referees.
• Copies of BSc and MSc diplomas and transcripts indicating all courses and obtained degrees.
• Submit your applications at this link: https://scholarships.icipe.org/calls/47   
• Do not submit your application by email. Only applications and supporting documents submitted online will be accepted.
• 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 January 2025.

 

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