The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) is currently offering a PhD research support opportunity for students already enrolled in African universities, as part of a large-scale research project in Mali. This initiative aims to strengthen evidence-based approaches for scaling the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) while addressing interconnected challenges in agriculture, health, and gender equity.
AfricaRice, a CGIAR research organization, is leading the project “Scaling Gender-Equitable System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in Mali: A One Health Approach for Resilient Rice Systems and Improved Nutrition and Malaria Outcomes.”
The project focuses on key rice-producing regions—Segou, Sikasso, and Koulikoro—which together contribute more than 60% of Mali’s rice production.
Rice remains a critical staple and income source for smallholder farmers in Mali. However, conventional flooded rice systems continue to face persistent challenges, including low productivity, inefficient water use, and increasing exposure to pests and diseases—pressures that are further intensified by climate change.
SRI offers a sustainable alternative through improved crop, soil, and water management practices such as transplanting younger seedlings, enhancing soil aeration, and applying alternate wetting and drying (AWD). While its agronomic benefits are well established, large-scale adoption—particularly among women farmers—remains constrained by socio-economic and institutional barriers.
Research Focus
The selected PhD candidate will work on a cross-disciplinary topic linking agriculture and public health:
Evaluating the impact of SRI adoption on mosquito larvae proliferation in rice fields and its relationship with malaria prevalence at the commune level in Mali.
This research adopts a One Health perspective, recognizing the interactions between agricultural practices, environmental conditions, and human health outcomes.
Support and Scope
The selected candidate will receive technical and financial support for an initial 12-month period (renewable based on performance), including:
- Stipend
- Research costs
- Regional travel support
The candidate will work closely with the project team and receive scientific supervision within an international research environment.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be currently enrolled in a PhD program at an African university
- Be a national of one of the AfricaRice member countries
- Have a Master’s degree in biology, epidemiology, or a related field
- Demonstrate experience in field research and statistical analysis
- Be proficient in English and French
- Be willing to conduct fieldwork in Mali
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online via:
👉 https://jobs.africarice.org/
Deadline: May 4, 2026
Applicants are required to submit supporting documents, including proof of enrollment, CV, motivation letter, recommendation letter, academic transcripts, and a detailed research proposal.
