Closing date: 02 Jan 2026

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) is offering one MSc research project on "Evaluating agroecological innovation bundles in East African smallholder systems"

 

Agroecological innovation bundles, combined practices such as crop diversification, botanical or biological control, organic amendments, push–pull, pollinator habitat strips, and integrated crop–livestock management offer promising strategies to strengthen climate-resilient production in East Africa. Despite their potential, adoption remains low or uneven across smallholder contexts. Adoption decisions often depend on farmers’ perception of effectiveness, labour demands, compatibility with existing practices, gender roles, and socio-economic conditions. This MSc study will evaluate selected agroecological innovation bundles performance and analyse the factors influencing their adoption dynamics among smallholder farmers.

 

Objective

This MSc position will:

1.      Assess the performance of selected agroecological innovation bundles under field or on-farm conditions.

2.      Measure agronomic, ecological, and labour-related outcomes (yield, pest suppression, soil health, biodiversity indicators).

3.      Analyse farmers’ perceptions and key factors influencing the adoption dynamics of agroecological innovation bundles.

 

Research activities

• Set up and manage field or on-farm experiments to compare agroecological innovation bundles with conventional practices.
• Collect and analyse agronomic and ecological data on yield, pests, natural enemies, soil health, labour, and costs.
• Assess adoption dynamics among smallholder farmers through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions.
• Integrate biophysical and socio-economic findings to evaluate performance, trade-offs, and synergies of the innovation bundles.

 

Eligibility Criteria

• The position is open to nationals of Tanzania or Uganda.
• Candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as in Agroecology, Agronomy, Crop Science, Crop Protection or a related discipline, and scored at least a second-class (upper division).
• Experience in field experimentation and basic knowledge of pest management or sustainable agriculture
• Ability to work with smallholder farmers, conduct surveys or interviews, and collaborate in multidisciplinary field settings
• Skills in data analysis (e.g., ANOVA, regression, mixed models) and willingness to learn socio-economic/adoption analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to articulate research findings, prepare detailed reports.
• Already registered for MSc in a recognized University.
• Completed course work/year one of study, awaiting research.
• Qualified female candidates are especially encouraged to apply.

 

 

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 2 January 2026. 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. David Kupesa (dkupesa@icipe.org) and copying Dr. Frank Chidawanyika (fchidawanyika@icipe.org) and Dr. Bonoukpoè Mawuko Sokame (bsokame@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: 2 January 2026