PhD Scholarship Opportunity: Future Rural Africa Project (Subproject B03 “Violent Futures”) in Tanzania & Kenya – Fully Funded Ethnographic Research Position

The Future Rural Africa Project is inviting applications for a highly competitive PhD scholarship under its Subproject B03 titled “Violent Futures.” This research-focused doctoral opportunity is designed for scholars interested in understanding how emerging carbon credit initiatives influence social relations, conflict dynamics, and future-making processes in rural African contexts, particularly in Tanzania and Kenya.

This is a long-term, field-intensive academic opportunity ideal for candidates with strong interests in anthropology, political ecology, development studies, and conflict research.

The project places special emphasis on ethnographic fieldwork, meaning selected candidates will engage in deep, immersive research within communities affected by carbon credit and climate-related development initiatives.

About the Research Project: “Violent Futures”

The Subproject B03 “Violent Futures” investigates the complex relationship between future-oriented carbon credit schemes and their real-world impacts on social structures, land use, and conflict formation in East Africa.

Key Research Focus Areas

The PhD candidate will contribute to understanding:

1. Carbon Credit Projects and Social Transformation
   • How carbon credit and climate mitigation initiatives reshape rural economies
   • The role of global climate markets in local governance systems
2. Conflict and Social Relations
   • Emerging tensions between communities, institutions, and investors
   • Land access disputes linked to environmental and conservation policies
3. Ethnographic Fieldwork in Tanzania and Kenya
   • Long-term immersion in rural communities
   • Qualitative data collection including interviews, participant observation, and field notes
4. Future-Making and Environmental Governance
   • How communities imagine and negotiate their futures under climate interventions
   • Power relations between local actors and international climate finance structures

Scholarship Details

This PhD scholarship offers a structured research environment with financial support for the full duration of the program.

Key Facts

• Duration: 41 months
• Monthly stipend: €1,475
• Start date: Ideally 1 August 2026
• Application deadline: 21 June 2026

What the Opportunity Offers

This PhD position provides a unique combination of academic training, field experience, and financial support. Key benefits include:

• Long-term funded doctoral research
• Access to a major interdisciplinary research project
• Opportunity to conduct fieldwork in Tanzania and Kenya
• Engagement with global debates on climate justice and carbon markets
• Development of advanced ethnographic and qualitative research skills
• Collaboration with international researchers and institutions

Application Deadline

All applications must be submitted by:

21 June 2026

Late submissions will not be considered, so applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents early.

Ideal Candidate Profile

This opportunity is best suited for candidates who demonstrate:

• Strong academic background in social sciences or related disciplines
• Interest in anthropology, political ecology, environmental studies, or development studies
• Experience or strong willingness to conduct ethnographic fieldwork
• Analytical interest in climate change, governance, and conflict studies
• Ability to work independently in field environments in East Africa
• Strong writing and research skills at postgraduate level

Application Link

Click here for more and to apply

 

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