THE NELSON MANDELA
AFRICAN INSTITUTION OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(NM-AIST)
MASTER’S AND PhD FELLOWSHIP IN LIVESTOCK VALUE CHAIN
The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Arusha, Tanzania
in collaboration with Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Tanzania Livestock Research
Institute (TALIRI), Mabuki Research Centre, Mwanza and International Livestock Research
Centre (ILRI), Nairobi will be implementing a Community Action Research Project (CARP)
entitled “Testing and Scaling-up Application of Innovative Animal Feeding and Health
Management Technologies for Improved Dairy Productivity among Smallholder Farmers in
Tanzania” hereinafter abbreviated as CARP-LIVESTOCK.
Supported by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM),
the project will involve a multidisciplinary team of researchers from the universities (NM-AIST
and SUA), and local and international research institutions (TALIRI and ILRI). The project will
leverage on the already existing network of institutions established by the ILRI-supported
“Maziwa Zaidi” project including Heifer Project Tanzania and SNV Netherlands Development
Organisation, Tanzania Dairy Board and farmers’ organizations, all which are important
stakeholders for the project.
Under the research-intensive training project, a multidisciplinary cohort of PhD and Master’s
students, supported by competent team of supervisors and mentors will be engaged in testing
and scaling up the application of various innovative technologies in smallholder dairy farms in
Lushoto district of Tanga region, Tanzania for improvement of animal feeding, health
management and manure utilization.
The potential projects by PhD and Master’s students are as follows:
(i) Improve the nutrition of animals in the smallholder farms through application of innovative
and sustainable animal feeding technologies and utilization of existing on-farm resources;
 One PhD student will undertake the feed characterization, formulation and feeding
studies assisted by one BSc student. Characterization of the types and seasonal
availability of animal feeds (pastures, forage or concentrates) and analysis of
nutritive value depending on season and preservation methods used by farmers will
be made. Existing feeding practices will be assessed and documented in terms of
quantity and quality of feed given to different categories of animals
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(ii) Introduce and promote technologies for management and utilization of manure and bioslurry;
 One Master’s student will be assisted with one BSc student to estimate amount of
manure produced per animal or farm/per day. Manure processing and/or
management practices by farmers will be documented. On-farm demonstrations for
manure management for improving its value as an organic fertilizer and use for
establishment of home pasture and fodder gardens, and leguminous fodder trees
will be undertaken. Alternative use of manure for biogas production and the use of
the by-product (bio-slurry) as a feed for monogastric animals such as pigs, poultry
and fish will be investigated.
(iii) Establish animal health programs for enhanced prevention and control of animal disease
constraints at farm level; and
 One Master’s student assisted by one BSc student will undertake research on animal
disease problems. A cross-sectional study will be undertaken using epidemiological,
clinical and pathological examinations, and laboratory procedures to establish the
prevalent diseases. This information will be supplemented by disease records
accumulated over years from the extension offices. Indigenous knowledge on
diagnosis and management of endemic diseases will be documented.
(iv) Facilitate formation of sustainable farmers’ innovation platforms that are effectively linked
to markets as part of university-facilitated outreach/engagements with communities.
 One Master’s student assisted by one BSc student will characterise the existing
market constraints and opportunities in dairy production system in the project area.
Key stakeholders within the market value chain will be characterized, different
market segments will be identified and characterised; demand and supply patterns
for the dairy products at different seasons will be documented in order to inform
planning at farm level. The students will work with the existing farmers’ networks,
associations, private entrepreneurs and NGO to identify business opportunities and
feasible market segments for increased and new products resulting from the above
interventions.
The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology is soliciting applications from
qualified candidates for One (1) PhD and Three (3) Master’s fellowship under the CARPLIVESTOCK project for the 2015/16 academic year, from East African countries. Selected
candidates will be registered at NM-AIST and pursue studies by thesis mode and, upon
successful completion of studies they will be awarded a PhD and Master’s degrees of NM-AIST.
The admission criteria for PhD and Master’s by Research and Thesis and other requirements for
submission of applications for admission to various programmes at NM-AIST are found on the
NM-AIST website: www.nm-aist.ac.tz).
The application package shall comprise the following:
 Duly completed application forms
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Certified photocopies of relevant certificates and academic transcripts.
Most recent Curriculum Vitae.
Names and contact details of at least two professional referees.
Contact details: Telephone, E-mail and Postal Addresses.
Other requirements as stipulated in the admission criteria for PhD and Master’s by
Research and Thesis.
Applications containing all the above documents and titled “Application for PhD/Master’s
Fellowship under the “CARP-LIVESTOCK Project should be sent by e-mail or post to:
Principal Investigator,
CARP-LIVESTOCK Project,
The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology,
P.O. Box 447,
ARUSHA – TANZANIA
E-mail: dvc-acad@nm-aist.ac.tz; Copy to: admission@nm-aist.ac.tz
Female candidates are very highly encouraged to apply.
Deadline for receipt of applications: 20th July 2015.
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