Closing date: 19 Nov 2025

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) is offering one MSc research project on "Quantifying GHGs emissions across mixed crop-livestock agroecological gradients"

 

Smallholder agricultural landscapes on the slopes of Mount Kenya are characterized by pronounced heterogeneity derived from a mosaic of mixed crop-livestock systems characterized by a backdrop of variable forage systems and woody vegetation, particularly trees, shrubs, and bushland. This mosaic, shaped by rainfall, topography, and soil diversity, supports a wide range of habitats. These mixed systems integrate two major sources of agricultural GHGs in the form of livestock (enteric fermentation and manure management) and crop production (fertilizer and manure usage, soil management, and fuel combustion). Agroecological approaches to farming in such systems offers opportunities for environmental benefits including climate change mitigation and soil nutrient cycling under a circular system fostering transitions to sustainable food systems.  The current project will track key GHGs in crop-livestock agroecological gradients to identify key hotspots or tipping points for climate mitigation and sustainable agricultural productivity.

 

Objective

This MSc position will:

(i)   Perform holistic impact assessments of climate footprints on farming units/systems.

(ii) Identify mitigation strategies from farms to landscape.

(iii)   Evaluate system benefits and inform policy using locally relevant GHG inventories.

 

Research activities

• Measure GHGs emission from mixed crop-livestock agroecological systems.
• Evaluate environmental benefits targeting soil health, restoration and productivity of crop-livestock systems.
• Identify mitigation strategies.

 

Eligibility Criteria

• ·         Candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as in biology/ ecology/ strong chemistry background, and scored at least a second-class (upper division).
• ·         Experience with experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis.
• ·         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.
• ·         Already registered for MSc in a recognized University.
• ·         Completed coursework/year one of study, awaiting research.

 

The successful candidate will work closely with a diverse research team spanning entomology, ecology, modeling, and community engagement. The MSc research will be hosted at icipe in Nairobi, with frequent field visits to project sites.

 

This MSc study is part of the "Regional Multi-actor Research Networks on Agroecology” project (RMRN-EA), funded by the European Union.

 

How to apply

Applications will be accepted up to 19^th November 2025. Applicants must submit the following documents online (email applications will not be accepted):

·         A concise letter of motivation, outlining your interest in the position, relevant experience, and willingness to commit full-time.

·         A detailed CV (including academic background, field experience, and software skills; name, contact details, age, gender, and the names of at least two referees).

·         Certified copies of BSc certificate and transcripts.

Selection Process

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Shortlisted candidates will undergo an interview.

For Questions and Further Information

For further inquiries about the MSc project, you may contact Dr. Frank Chidawanyika (fchidawanyika@icipe.org) and copying Dr. Merid Getahun (mgetahun@icipe.org) and Dr. Antoine Barreaux (abarreaux@icipe.org). If you have any questions regarding ICIPE DRIP program, kindly contact Ms. Vivian Atieno, Capacity Building Officer, icipe. Email: vatieno@icipe.org  

Application Deadline: 19^th November 2025.