The Project
The REFOOTURE II Project is an IKEA funded project being implemented by Egerton University in Kenya alongside other universities in Ethiopia, Uganda and Netherlands. The project is designed to contribute to food systems transformation by fostering Regenerative, Inclusive Food Systems (RIFS). RIFS is being implemented to improve livelihoods through four outcomes: Food and nutrition security, Resilient livelihoods, Ecosystem health, Social equity and caring community.
The project is promoting RIFS practices and innovations that align with five principles: i). Sense of place and purpose; ii). Socio-ecological design for innovation; iii). Building connections; iv). Fair, just and inclusive transitions; and v). Design for renewal (it’s a living process). The project has developed a unique open and structured approach, Collaborate to Regenerate (C2R), to facilitate advancing RIFS
practices and innovations. The project is piloting this C2R approach to ensure the application of the five RIFS principles, nurture nature and agency of the disadvantaged stakeholders in local activities, and in ideation and implementation of actions that contribute to the four RIFS outcomes.
The C2R approach consists of elaborating pathways to ensure local place-based transformation of food systems that are both inclusive and regenerative. For this, the project has facilitated formation of Common Interest Groups (CIGs) to advance CIG-led innovation, co-creation of local start-ups and small enterprises that will contribute to advancing local RIFS.
MSc Fellowship Positions
The Project seeks to recruit up to four MSc students to contribute to generation of evidenced-based knowledge on Regenerative, Inclusive Food Systems (RIFS). Specific research areas will include regenerative practices and innovations towards improving soil health, use of novel protein feeds, fortifying organic fertilizers and biopesticides, and understanding how to use innovation platform to bring transformations in the food systems towards more regeneration and inclusivity. The fellowship positions are open to MSc in agricultural sciences, natural resources and environmental sciences, community development, agricultural economics and agribusiness management, gender and sociology.
Terms and References
a. Under the guidance of university and project supervisors, each student will design and implement field research or action research project that advances knowledge in application of regenerative, inclusive food system.
b. Implement approved research proposal, pro-actively engaging in the field with farmers of the Nakuru Living Lab (https://nakurulivinglab.org ).
c. Diligently collect and clean data for analysis and to prepare manuscripts and submit to peer reviewed journals
Minimum requirements for the ideal candidates
a. A registered MSc student at Egerton University
b. Has completed course work and ready to proceed to research phase of the study programme c. Capable of using MS Office, digital data capture tools (eg ODK, survey CTO), and a statistical software
d. Capable of data curation and statistical analysis of longitudinal data
e. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
f. Ability to work as part of a team
g. Ability to work with minimal supervision
Terms of appointment and stipend:
- The appointment will be within a fixed duration not exceeding 15 Months
- REFOOTURE II Project will pay for second year tuition, publication fees and conference participation, field and lab research. In addition, the project offers a competitive stipend to cover direct expenses pertaining to medical, living and accommodation and field travels.
How to apply:
Applications must be submitted with:
a. Updated CV, including names and addresses (including telephone and email) of two referees, preferably potential supervisors, who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications, academic progress and areas of research interest
b. A cover letter addressed to the REFOOTURE II Project management, expressing interest in the fellowship position and the motivation. The letter must indicate the present MSc degree programme of study the candidate is pursuing and research area of interest. The subject line must indicate Re MSc Fellowship in REFOOTURE II.
c. Attached aacademic qualification certificates/transcripts
d. Applications may only be submitted via email:
e. To find out more about REFOOTURE II Project visit: https://nakurulivinglab.org https://www.wur.nl/en/project/refooture-food-futures-eastern-africa.htm
