26 PhD Graduate Teaching Assistantships at the University of Eldoret, Kenya (TAGDev 2.0 Programme)
The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture has announced a call for applications for 26 PhD Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) positions at the University of Eldoret in Kenya.
This opportunity is part of the transformative TAGDev 2.0 Programme, implemented in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.
The initiative aims to strengthen higher education, research, and innovation in Africa’s agricultural sector while empowering the next generation of academic and industry leaders.
About the TAGDev 2.0 Programme
The Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Meaningfully Contribute to Africa’s Growth and Development (TAGDev 2.0) programme is a 10-year initiative (2023–2033). It focuses on equipping universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to better serve communities.
Its core objective is to:
- Build human capital in agriculture and agrifood systems
- Promote inclusive and equitable development
- Drive climate-resilient transformation across Africa
The programme strongly encourages applications from women, refugees, internally displaced persons, and individuals with disabilities, ensuring inclusive participation.
About the ASEC-Dairy Project
At the University of Eldoret, the GTA positions are aligned with the Agri-food Systems and Entrepreneurship Development in Dairy Value Chain in Kenya (ASEC-Dairy) project. This initiative is implemented in collaboration with institutions such as:
- Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology
- Moi University
- Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
The project focuses on strengthening research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across the dairy value chain, including cow and goat farming systems in Kenya’s diverse agro-ecological zones.
What Is the Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA)?
The GTA programme is designed to enhance postgraduate training and build a strong pipeline of PhD-level academic staff across Africa. Since its launch, it has contributed to:
- Improving the quality of higher education
- Supporting doctoral research aligned with Africa’s development priorities
- Promoting collaboration and mobility among African universities
Under this model:
- Sending universities nominate staff for training
- Host institutions provide tuition waivers and academic support
- A tripartite agreement ensures accountability and structured training
Available PhD Programmes
The call supports a three-year PhD programme (2026–2030) in the following fields:
1. PhD in Seed Science (5 positions)
Focuses on seed systems, climate-smart innovations, and improving fodder and forage production for dairy systems.
2. PhD in Microbiology (3 positions)
Covers dairy microbiology, food safety, biofertilisers, and innovations to improve milk quality and safety.
3. PhD in Agricultural Extension Education (5 positions)
Emphasizes knowledge transfer, digital advisory services, and inclusive innovation for farmers and agribusiness actors.
4. PhD in Agroforestry (4 positions)
Explores climate-smart land management, fodder systems, and sustainable agricultural practices.
5. PhD in Human Nutrition (4 positions)
Focuses on value addition, nutrition security, and enterprise development within the dairy sector.
6. PhD in Technology Education (5 positions)
Supports digital transformation in agriculture, including e-learning, precision agriculture, and advisory platforms.
Research Focus Areas
Applicants are required to align their research proposals with key ASEC-Dairy priorities, including:
- Dairy productivity, processing, and market access
- Climate-smart agriculture and seed systems
- Digital innovation and advisory tools
- Youth entrepreneurship and job creation
- Agroforestry and landscape restoration
This ensures that research directly contributes to sustainable development and agrifood transformation.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful candidates will benefit from a comprehensive support package, which may include:
- Tuition waiver at the University of Eldoret
- Accommodation support (subject to agreement)
- Mentorship from experienced academic supervisors
- Opportunities for teaching and practical training
- Access to research, innovation, and entrepreneurship platforms
Participants will also gain exposure to community-based projects and real-world applications in the dairy value chain.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be teaching staff at a RUFORUM member university
- Hold a relevant Master’s degree
- Demonstrate strong academic and research potential
- Submit a concept note aligned with ASEC-Dairy priorities
- Be willing to relocate to Kenya for the programme duration
- Preferably be under 40 years of age
Candidates must also show commitment to completing the programme and contributing to teaching and community engagement.
Selection Process
Applications will be evaluated competitively based on:
- Academic qualifications and background
- Quality and relevance of research proposals
- Teaching and research experience
- Motivation and potential for impact
- Evidence of financial need
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit a complete application package as a single PDF, including:
- Motivation letter
- Detailed CV
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Research proposal (maximum three pages)
- Nomination letter from their home institution
- Academic references
Applications should be sent to the University of Eldoret’s Board of Postgraduate Studies via email.
For further information, please contact:
[Prof Julius Ochuodho], TAGDev 2.0 Project Coordinator, University of Eldoret
Email: [[email protected]; [email protected] ]
Copy:
Ms. Selma Ndapewa Nghituwamhata, Program Assistant, Doctoral Training
Email: [[email protected]]
Application Deadline: June 30, 2026
Why This Opportunity Matters
The GTA positions offer more than academic advancement—they provide a platform for driving innovation and transformation in Africa’s agricultural sector. By integrating research, teaching, and community engagement, the programme prepares scholars to address real-world challenges in agrifood systems.
Final Thoughts
The RUFORUM GTA call for PhD positions at the University of Eldoret represents a significant opportunity for African academics to advance their careers while contributing to sustainable agricultural development. With strong institutional support and a focus on impact, this programme is a gateway to shaping the future of agriculture and education in Africa.
Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply before the deadline and take part in this transformative initiative.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE TO APPLY
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs 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.
