Land governance plays a key but often hidden role in food systems and diets. Historically, global trade of agricultural goods has been facilitated by property rights regimes that control opportunity for local markets and communities to flourish. The contemporary global food regime remains rooted in historic patterns of land use despite growing recogniition of community land tenure and rights.
This research will contribute to understanding of the relationship between land governance and environmental, social, and health outcomes through building the evidence base on impacts of community ownership in food systems. The successful applicant will have freedom and opportunity to shape this research agenda, but the research may include:
· Developing a typology of ‘community ownership in farming and other aspects of food prodution’;
· Examining key international case studies of community owned food production enterprises and working closely with community stakeholders to understand these impacts in both qualitative and quantitative terms;
· Beyond evidencing and comparing impacts, mapping the legal, governance and finance frameworks within which the case studies are situated.
Applicants should have a relevant first degree and research interests in anthropology, law, economics, social or political. Experience of field work with communities will be an advantage. A comprehensive training programme in mixed methods research training, reference management, especially on qualitative data collection and analysis will be provided. The student will have the opportunity to present their research at national and international conferences and will be supported in writing first author publications during the PhD. S/he will be more widely supported through networks within and beyond the University of Edinburgh, such as the postgrad cohort at the Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security, and will feed into Dr Shields’ Royal Society of Edinburgh funded network on land, GroundWork.
A webinar will be held on Tuesday 14th December at 13.00hrs (UK time) to assist you in the application process and tell you a little more about studying for a PhD with us. It will also give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. If interested in joining us please send your name and email address to [Email Address Removed] by Friday 10th December and we will send you a link to the on line meeting
ALL APPLICATION PROCEDURES MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE CLOSING DATE 5th JANUARY 2022
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