2025 EERC Fellowship: Advance Research in Nigeria’s Agri-Food Sector on Climate Change and Food Security

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EERCE

Introduction to EERC

The Environmental and Economic Resource Centre (EERC) is a scientific research organization dedicated to advancing inclusive agriculture, sustainable livelihoods, natural resource conservation, and effective environmental management across Africa. EERC collaborates with a diverse network of local and international partners to conduct impactful research and capacity-building initiatives. Its work focuses on developing policies, scalable technologies, and innovative practices that significantly address poverty reduction, food security, ecosystem health, conservation efforts, and overall livelihood enhancement. EERC operates through four primary programs:

  • Agriculture and Environmental Management (AEM)
  • Natural Resource Conservation (NRC)
  • Livelihood and Economic Development (LED)
  • Human Resource Capacity Building (HRCB)

These programs encompass a wide range of research topics related to agriculture and environmental science. The organization’s specific areas of focus include climate-smart agriculture, the impacts of climate change on food systems, health and nutrition issues tied to conflict migration patterns, land use changes, renewable energy solutions like carbon markets, water management strategies in rural settings, as well as gender-related social dynamics.

Fellowship Opportunity for 2025

The 2025 fellowship program aims to utilize evidence-based research within Nigeria’s agri-food sector to influence policy review processes regarding climate change adaptation strategies while addressing food security challenges. EERC is opening its doors for applications from qualified candidates associated with Nigerian universities or research institutions for their upcoming cohort. This fellowship targets early-career scientists who will function as visiting researchers in one or more thematic areas:

  1. The interconnections between Climate Change Conflict & Food Security
  2. Macroeconomic policies affecting household poverty & dietary diversity
  3. Climate-smart agricultural methods alongside carbon market developments & green finance
  4. Agricultural value chains impacting small businesses

Candidates are expected to utilize various secondary data sources—such as the Living Standards Measurement Study (LSMS), climate datasets from reputable organizations like the World Bank or National Bureau of Statistics—to support their evidence-based investigations aimed at refining policy frameworks relevant to these fields. Selected fellows will be hosted at EERC headquarters for approximately three to six months; this duration may be extended pending approval from the candidate’s home institution. Senior researchers affiliated with prominent institutions will supervise all selected candidates throughout their research activities.

Benefits of the Fellowship Program

Fellows can look forward to several benefits during this program:

  • Collaborative opportunities with esteemed researchers from partner organizations such as Michigan State University (MSU), International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), International Institute for Tropical Agriculture( IITA), among others.
  • Networking opportunities that can foster joint research projects leading toward grant proposals.

In addition,

  • A monthly stipend ranging between 250,000 – 5000 naira based on experience will be provided throughout the fellowship duration—this stipend supplements any existing salary received from home institutions.
  • Complimentary accommodation at the EERC Guest House featuring amenities like reliable power supply access around-the-clock internet connectivity fitness facilities.
  • Opportunities for training sessions along with travel experiences related specifically tailored towards enhancing knowledge within relevant fields.

Moreover, Fellows may potentially co-author publications alongside renowned researchers focusing on agriculture-related themes such as climate dynamics affecting food resources over timeframes instituted by various evaluative measures set forth by respective stakeholders involved in ongoing evaluations conducted regularly under rigorous scrutiny including peer-review processes mandated globally today!

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for this prestigious fellowship opportunity applicants must fulfill certain criteria:

  1. Hold either a Master’s degree or Ph.D., ideally possessing no more than five years’ post-degree experience.
  2. Currently affiliated with an institution/university engaged in relevant studies across Nigeria;
  3. Demonstrate proficiency using statistical/econometric software packages particularly R/STATA;
  4. Relevant academic backgrounds should lie within Economics domains encompassing Agricultural/Environmental Economics Developmental Economics etc.;
  5. Submit compelling proposals reflecting expertise touching upon any two thematic categories noted above!

Application Process

Interested individuals must submit complete applications which include required documents: 1.A minimum of two reference letters printed on official letterhead: one originating directly from department heads while another comes endorsed by institutional authority representatives attesting credentials confirming eligibility standards outlined herein; 2.A motivation letter detailing interest in joining program specifics requested therein highlighting background information relating closely towards suggested proposals undergoing evaluations prior submission deadlines established herein outlined below; 3.Concept notes not exceeding five pages delineating proposed investigation covering objectives methodologies analytical approaches budget summaries timelines expected results appendices including references utilized referenced works cited appropriately following common formatting requirements adhered universally!

Application Deadline: All interested candidates must send submissions via email addressed directly apply@eerce.org no later than midnight February 7th ,2025! Female applicants are particularly encouraged participate actively! Expected start date working alongside fellow colleagues commences April 2025 . For inquiries please direct correspondence accordingly queries conclude January31st ,2025 .

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Selection Process

Upon submission completion committee responsible reviewing applications ensures compliance eligibility criteria followed thereafter meticulous grading undertaken evaluating quality proposals submitted prior conducting interviews shortlisted contenders gauging ability deliver outcomes articulated effectively final decisions communicated via electronic mail notifications dispatched latest March7th ,2025! Awardees required to present release letters obtained respective heads Institutions representatives once notified successful acceptance into fellowships awarded respectively thereafter!

Click HERE to Apply

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