PhD Research Studentship
School of Engineering and Built Environment
Reference Number: SEBE_2015_1
Studentship Project Title:
Climate Justice Knowledge Gateway in Zambia
Applications are invited for a full-time PhD research studentship at Glasgow Caledonian University within
the school of Engineering and Built Environment. The studentship is for a period of three years - subject
to satisfactory progress - and provides payment of tuition fees at the UK/EU rate plus an annual stipend
of £14,800 [please note that students from outside the EU are required to pay the difference between the
International and EU fees, currently this would amount to £7,100 per annum which, if required, can be
deducted from the student annual stipend]. The successful candidate will carry out up to 6 hours of
academic-related work per week as part of their research training.
Research Discipline
Sustainable Environment and Communities
Research Theme
Climate Justice
Research Project Summary
An investigation of the impact of climate change on people and society from a climate injustice
perspective in relation to access to water and food security in Zambia. Analysis of support provisions
available in country to provide evidence of models of success leading to the development and creation of
a climate justice knowledge gateway.
Agriculture in developing countries provides some of the world’s most marginalised and vulnerable
communities not only with their main source of food, but a means to create livelihoods and generate
income. These communities, which are generally made up of small-scale subsistence farmers, now face
added pressures brought about by climate change and a shifting global economy. The need for
agricultural growth is more pressing than ever. Recent data from the UN Food and Agricultural
Organisation (FAO 2011) show that 43% of the agricultural workforce in developing countries is made up
of women. This ranges from approximately 20% in Latin America to approximately 50% in Asia and
Africa. However, despite carrying out a significant number of activities related to agriculture, including
crop production and livestock rearing as well as being engaged as wage labourers and in small-scale
income-generating activities, the poorest and the most vulnerable rarely have their voices heard, and
their productive potential remains low.
Given this backdrop, this research aims to provide a critical review of different issues affecting vulnerable
communities in Zambia access to knowledge and services, highlighting the relevance of a climate just
approach to address social equity and justice in the provision of water and food security and suggesting
new directions and focus for future research efforts.
Staff Contact
Professor Tahseen Jafry, Director, Centre for Climate Justice, t.jafry@gcu.ac.uk
Candidate Background
The candidate should possess a relevant 1st or 2.1 honours degree. Candidates whose first language is
not English are expected to hold a current IELTS qualification (or equivalent) with an overall score of 6.5
with no element below 6.0
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How to Apply
Applicants should complete the University Research Application Form, available from
http://www.gcu.ac.uk/research/postgraduateresearchopportunities/ under “How to Apply”
Please send the form, stating the studentship project title and reference number, with a CV, copies of
academic qualifications, references, and any other required documentation to:
researchapplications@gcu.ac.uk
At GCU we are committed to promoting a flexible, accessible and inclusive working
environment. Anticipated flexible work patterns for PhD students can be discussed with the project
supervisory team at the interview stage.
The closing date for applications is 22nd May 2015
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