Understanding future impact of climate change on agricultural productivity and practices in northern Africa

Coventry University (CU) is inviting applications from suitably-qualified graduates for a fully-funded PhD studentship

The threat of climate change is emerging at a time of rapid growth for many economies in northern Africa. There is an urgent need to better understand how climate will change over the region, how such changes will affect crop productivity, and how local farmers, their associations might respond.

The development of climate scenarios is a vital step in evaluating the vulnerability of various crops and the effectiveness of different adaptation strategies in mitigating climate-risks. However, developing these scenarios typically involves large uncertainties, which can be difficult to understand and utilize from an end-user perspective. Instead, climate impact scenarios should be tailored to end-user needs.

This project aims to develop a new framework for assessing future risks on agricultural productivity and practices in northern Africa, which would be suitable for national- and community-level adaptation to climate change. This will be achieved by:

i) Improving our ability to predict future climate change in northern Africa and its impact on agricultural productivity at decadal timescales using advanced statistical techniques, climate and crop growth models;
ii) Identifying end-users’ vulnerability and needs at both timescales, and develop adaptation scenarios for optimizing agricultural productions and practices over the coming decades.
Training and Development
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.

All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.
Entry criteria for applicants to PhD
• A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average. PLUS the potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a 3.5 years
• A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component)
Eligibility:
UK/EU/International graduates with the required entry requirements
Duration:
Full-time – between three and three and a half years fixed term

For further details see: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/making-an-application/
How to apply
To find out more about the project please contact Dr Dieppois ([Email Address Removed]).

To apply on line please visit: https://pgrplus.coventry.ac.uk/

All applications require full supporting documentation, and a covering letter – plus one of the following:
• For pre-determined (named) projects a 2000-word supporting statement is required showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.
• For thematic opportunities a research proposal based within the selected theme/area of 3,000 words is required.