1002 - The potential of biomass as an industrial raw material for fibre production and its nexus with food security in Ethiopia

Discipline:

Main discipline:
Agricultural Economics, Natural Resources

Other relevant disciplines:    
Development Economics

Description of the research topic and research methodology:
In the context of a large scale research project (BiomassWeb) the Food Security Center investigates the internationally increasing demand for biomass  products and the potential of African countries to supply specific products without put-ting national food security at risk. With Ethiopia as a focus country the relevant literature will be reviewed and (national) secondary data needs to be identified and collected. By means of ex-ante simulation models the potential supply of different biomass products potentially used for fiber production (domestic use and/or export), but not jeopardizing national food security shall be analyzed. The postdoctoral student is expected to contribute to at least one scientific publication as author/co-author. The postdoctoral researcher will be offered office space, computer with STATA, and access to excellent online library services. The postdoctoral researcher will work with staff from FSC.

The 3 main research questions:
1) What are suitable biomass products potentially used for fiber production that do not threaten food security?

2) What is the current and future production potential of different fiber crops for domestic use and/or export?

3) Which stakeholders are active in the Ethiopian fiber value chain/web?

Target region or country (if applicable):    
     
Ethiopia

and / or Lab work: no

and / or Desk work: √

Required qualifications of the applicant:
Education:

Doctoral degree in agricultural economics, development economics or natural resource management

Methodological competence:
Collection of secondary data - experience with Ethiopian data sources is considered an asset

Competence in statistical/econometric analysis is required

Language competence:
English