PhD Opportunity in Agricultural Economics – Exploring Agricultural Intensification in Ethiopia

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at KU Leuven, part of the Science and Technology Group, is actively seeking applications for a full-time PhD researcher in Agricultural Economics. This position is part of a research project focused on the social-ecological consequences of agricultural intensification among smallholder farmers in Ethiopia.

With a team of 38 full-time professors and over 240 researchers, the department is internationally recognized for its research on geo- and ecosystem processes, human-environment interactions, and the sustainable management of natural resources. The department also offers high-quality academic programs in bioengineering, geography, geology, and tourism. Its research and education contribute to critical global issues such as climate change, environmental degradation, sustainable agriculture, water and soil management, and rural development.

Research Project Overview

The position is part of a KU Leuven-funded project that investigates how different forms of agricultural intensification affect social and ecological systems in Ethiopia. A central question is whether intensification of smallholder farming can contribute to sustaining tree cover and mitigating forest degradation.

The project places particular emphasis on the roles of factor use intensity and factor productivity in determining the sustainability of intensification practices. The successful PhD candidate will examine how various intensification strategies impact yields, household income, food security, and access to ecosystem services. Ultimately, the research aims to identify trade-offs and synergies that influence sustainable rural development.

This multi-faceted study employs both secondary and primary data, including household surveys, remote sensing, forest inventory data, and geospatial analyses. It combines quantitative and spatial methods to analyze data at different temporal and spatial levels.

Role and Responsibilities

The selected candidate will join the Agricultural and Rural Development Economics Research Group, based in the Division of Bio-economics, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering at KU Leuven. The PhD will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Ir. Miet Maertens, in collaboration with the Agronomic and Conservation Research Group, under the co-supervision of Prof. Dr. Ir. Olivier Honnay.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing and analyzing large-scale datasets, both primary and secondary
• Designing and conducting socio-economic surveys in Ethiopia, in collaboration with local partners
• Performing econometric and statistical analyses to assess agricultural intensification pathways and outcomes
• Collaborating with a multidisciplinary research team
• Preparing scientific publications and presenting results at academic conferences
• Contributing to interdisciplinary synthesis of findings related to sustainability trade-offs

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s degree (EU or equivalent) in Bioscience Engineering, Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, Natural Resources Economics, Environmental Economics, or a closely related field. Academic excellence is essential, demonstrated by a minimum of distinction or cum laude graduation.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• A strong interest in agricultural development, rural sustainability, and interdisciplinary research
• Familiarity with or willingness to conduct fieldwork in low-income settings
• Experience with or willingness to learn data management and statistical analysis software
• Basic knowledge of econometrics and GIS tools (GIS skills are a plus)
• Strong academic writing and communication skills in English; knowledge of Dutch is advantageous
• Willingness to travel to Ethiopia for fieldwork
• A proactive, collaborative, and flexible attitude

Employment Conditions

KU Leuven offers a competitive full-time doctoral scholarship, initially for one year with the possibility of renewal for up to three additional years. The position includes benefits such as health insurance, subsidized public transportation, access to sports and childcare facilities, and opportunities for professional development through training programs.

The candidate will be enrolled in the Arenberg Doctoral School and benefit from a dynamic, multicultural, and interdisciplinary academic environment.

Application Process

Interested candidates can apply online via the KU Leuven application portal no later than September 10, 2025. For further information about the position, applicants may contact:

• Prof. Dr. Ir. Miet Maertens: [email protected]
• Prof. Dr. Ir. Olivier Honnay: [email protected]

KU Leuven is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment. The university embraces diversity in all its forms and actively works to ensure equal opportunities for all applicants.

For details on the doctoral program, research units, and employment conditions, consult the following resources:

• Agricultural and Rural Development Economics Research Group
• Division of Bio-economics
• Honnay Lab
• Arenberg Doctoral School
• Working at KU Leuven

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the awarding organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.