***Call for Applications for PhD positions in Dairy Nutrition & Agroforestry under the VLIR-UOS TEAM 2026 Project – Agroforestry-dairy integration for Sustainable Agri-food Systems in Peri-urban and Rural Systems in Uganda ***

Introduction

Makerere University, through the Departments of Animal and Range Sciences and Extension and Innovation Studies (CAES), in collaboration with the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), specifically the Mbarara Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MbaZARDI) and Mukono Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MuZARDI), Bukalasa Agricultural College, Ghent University, KU Leuven, and HOGENT, has secured VLIR-UOS TEAM 2026 funding for the project “Agroforestry-dairy integration for sustainable agri-food systems in peri-urban and rural Uganda.” 

 The project aims to strengthen the Ugandan–Flemish partnership in validating and promoting agroforestry-based feeding strategies for crossbred dairy systems in peri-urban Kampala (zero-grazing) and the Southwestern cattle corridor (paddock systems). To support this work, applications are invited from eligible Makerere University and NARO staff for two PhD positions.

PhD Position 1: Physiological validation of tree-based, nutrient-specific feeding strategies in crossbred or exotic dairy systems

Research focus: This PhD will evaluate the physiological and production responses of crossbred/exotic dairy cows to tree-based, nutrient-specific feeding strategies under peri-urban zero-grazing systems around Kampala and paddock systems in the Southwestern cattle corridor.

Building on previous studies that identified nutrient deficiencies and promising tree-based feed resources, the research will assess the effectiveness of locally formulated supplements in improving the productivity of early-lactating crossbred dairy cows across contrasting production systems and seasons. Blood profiling and production monitoring will be integrated to evaluate animal responses. The PhD will be jointly supervised by Makerere University, NARO and Ghent University.

PhD position 2: Socio-economic feasibility and adoption of agroforestry-based dairy feeding strategies

Research focus: This PhD will investigate the socio-economic feasibility and adoption of agroforestry-based feeding strategies in mixed crop–livestock systems. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study will combine household surveys, stakeholder interviews and gender-segregated focus group discussions to evaluate the adoption of fodder and multipurpose trees.

The research will compare existing tree use with new planting options, assess economic viability, labour requirements, land constraints, gender roles, market access and knowledge systems, and identify factors influencing adoption under contrasting dairy production systems. Comparisons between peri-urban Kampala and the Southwestern cattle corridor will provide evidence on scalability and inform policy and extension strategies.

Scholarship and conditions

Successful applicants will receive a sandwich PhD scholarship under the VLIR-UOS TEAM 2026 programme only for the period in Belgium.

Key terms

• Duration:Between 48 and 58 months, with research conducted in Uganda and Belgium. Candidates will spend up to 22 months (4 visits spread over 5 years).
• Funding:During research stays in Belgium, candidates will receive a living stipend and support for four international return flights. While in Uganda, candidates are expected to remain employed by Makerere University or NARO, where the salary is guaranteed for the whole duration of the PhD.
• Research support:The project will cover approved research costs in Uganda, including fieldwork and essential research materials.
• Degree award:KULeuven will confer the PhD degree. Candidates will be jointly supervised by Ugandan and Belgian partners and must satisfy the admission and graduation requirements of KULeuven.

Application procedure for both vacancies

Interested applicants should submit one merged PDF document containing:

• A cover letter (maximum two pages) indicating the PhD position applied for (Dairy Nutrition or Agroforestry) and summarising the applicant’s motivation and suitability.
• A 3-5-page concept noterelevant to the selected PhD topic.
• Scientific curriculum vitae, including a brief description of the applicant’s contribution to multi-authored papers (where applicable).
• Names and contact details of two academic referees.

Separate PDF documents:

• Certified academic transcripts and degree certificates (BSc and MSc). The transcripts should list all courses taken and the grades obtained, together with an explanation of the grading system. Where available, the student’s ranking within the cohort should also be included.
• A copy of the Master’s thesis.
• Copies of publications (where applicable).
• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Submission: Applications must be submitted by Friday 14^th August 2026 at 5:00pm, through e-mail to Dr. Pius Lutakome and Mrs Sylvia Decocker. Contact details:

• Pius Lutakome
  Project Contact Person, Makerere University
  pius.lutakome@mak.ug.ac/plutakome@gmail.com
• Sylvia Decocker

Administrative Contact Person, Ghent University

Sylvia.Decocker@UGent.be

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Selection process and timeline

The project evaluation committee will evaluate applications and shortlist candidates.

Shortlisted candidates will be informed on 1^st September 2026.

Shortlisted candidates are expected to: 

• Be available to complete an online assessment between 1^st and 7^th September 2026.
• Be available for an online interview on 14^th September 2026. The exact interview time will be communicated in the invitation sent on 1^st September 2026.

The successful candidates are expected to:

• Commence the PhD on 6^th November 2026.
• Undertake their first research visit to the Belgian host university in February 2027.

 DETAILS IN THE FULL ADVERT ATTACHED HERE

Call for Applications for PhD positions in Dairy nutrition and Agroforestry under the VLIR-UOS TEAM 2026 Project