INTRODUCTION
The African Forest Forum is providing research fellowships for post graduate research that could address these issues, as well as strengthen the capacity and expertise in forestry among young professionals in Africa. More specifically, this call for research proposals focuses on the enhancing our understanding of the relationship between climate change and forests and trees, and between climate change and forest-based ecosystem services in Africa. The studies are expected to generate knowledge that will improve African stakeholders’ understanding of the impacts of climate change and variability on forest and tree-resources, as well as the effects on provision forest-based ecosystem services. The study results will in turn support the development and/or strengthening of sound adaptation policies for improving resilience of the biophysical and social systems. The fellowships will provide grants to support postgraduate students to undertake in-depth studies in selected countries covering various forest types, including the rain forest, mangroves, woodland and savanna, and parklands of the Sahel.
THE CALL
Fellowships will be awarded to undertake in-depth studies using appropriate methodology to assess, in selected countries the relationship between climate change and forests and trees; and climate change and forest-based ecosystem services in Africa, through several activities, including to: i) Identify and document trends in climate change and their effects on different forest types and trees outside forests; ii) Identify and document trends in climate change and their effects on different forest-based and tree-based ecosystem services; iii) Analyse the relationship between forestry sector activities for climate change adaptation and mitigation and forest and tree-based ecosystem services; iv) Evaluate forest and tree management options to sustain their ecosystem services under changing climate; v) Identify and analyse options for improving the livelihoods of people depending on forest and tree resources under changing climate; and vi) Evaluate trade-offs between improvement of ecosystem services and enhancing the livelihood of forest dependent people.
Research fellowships will be provided to a total of 12 postgraduate students (9 PhD and 3 MSc) from African countries in 2019/20 who are enrolled in African institutions and willing to undertake relevant research related to climate change and forests as part of their doctoral and master’s Program at an African university.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must meet general and the specific eligibility criteria outlined below.
GENERAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
a) Applicant must be a citizen of an African nation. b) Proposed fellowship project and activities must be clearly related to and are likely to advance forest and people adaptation to climate change in Africa within the thematic focus area selected. c) All application materials must be complete and received by the AFF Secretariat on or before the application deadline. d) All applicants must be supervised by a faculty member with expertise in the thematic focus of the fellowship.
SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Prospective research fellows must: • Have a master’s for PhD studies or bachelor’s degree for MSc studies, plus 2 or more years’ professional experience related to forestry management, climate change or environmental policy and planning. • Be enrolled in a university as a graduate student and must have completed course work in a relevant field at the time of application.
The application package: a) An institutional support form or letter that confirms the applicant’s university/college formal endorsement of his or her ability to participate in the research fellowship with the name of a potential main research supervisor indicating his/her willingness to supervise and guide the student research from inception to completion. b) A research proposal description with clearly defined research questions/objectives, methodology on the research area and targeted tasks that can be completed within the fellowship period and explaining how the supported activities will improve the overall scientific quality and the utility of the research. Evidence must be provided that the proposal has been accepted for that level of study by the university/college. c) A budget estimate showing the approximate cost related to each research activity.
GRANT TERMS
Research fellows will be matched with an African host institution, where they will reside for at least part of their fellowship experience. Each PhD fellow will receive up to USD 10,000 for research and USD 2,000 for professional supervision; and each MSc fellow will receive up to USD 7,500 for research and USD 1500 for professional supervision.
APPLICATION ASSESSMENT AND FELLOWS’ SELECTION
All applicants who meet the general and specific eligibility criteria will subsequently be evaluated against the following criteria: a) Quality of the research proposal with well stated objectives and methodology. b) Technical merit of the proposed work. c) Qualifications and capabilities of the applicant to undertake the proposed research work. d) Appropriateness of the proposed budget. e) Appropriateness of proposed host institution and supervisor’s expertise.
HOW TO APPLY
8.1 Applications must be submitted as follows: a) Complete the AFF Fellowship application form “ASSESSMENT OF TRENDS OF IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON FOREST AND TREE-RESOURCES AND COPING MECHANISMS IN AFRICA” b) Attach all the supporting documents and submit by email to: d.mutta@cgiar.org, h.bouda@cgiar.org, and v.oeba@cgiar.org with a copy to exec.sec@afforum.org
To download the Call and Application form click on the links below:
DEADLINES
a) Applications must be received by the Secretariat before or by 06 December 2019. b) Successful applicants will be informed by 13 December 2019. c) Fellowship research activities should begin no later than 1 February 2020
Should you have any questions, please contact the AFF Secretariat at the following address: d.mutta@cgiar.org, h.bouda@cgiar.org and v.oeba@cgiar.org with a copy to exec.sec@afforum.org of the African Forest Forum | www.afforum.org, Box 30677-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.