OPPORTUNITY: Post-doc on agroecology and water in Montpellier, France

Post-doctoral position:

Irrigation for agroecological transitions in agriculture: a science frontier for sustainable water and land management

Location headquarters: UMR-G-eau, Montpellier – France
Duration: 18 months
Starting date: 1st of September 2023

Position overview

Context

The IrrigSUST project is led by the University of Montpellier and the French agricultural research and cooperation organization
working for the sustainable development of tropical and Mediterranean regions (Cirad), France, within the research unit G-eau
in Montpellier – Southern France. It aspires to tackle the links between agroecology and irrigation, by questioning the role of
irrigation in the agroecological transition of agriculture and food systems. In the scientific literature, irrigation and agroecology
rarely appear side-by-side. Usually mentioned in an introductory section, irrigation is frequently presented as an attribute of
intensive farming systems and therefore in opposition to agroecology (AE). Dual analyses of agroecology and irrigation seem
to relate mostly to plot-scale combinations of irrigation and other AE practices, for which interactive effects of AE practices with
water regimes are evidenced. The discourse of agroecology on irrigation is hence mostly of a simplistic two-faceted Manichean
type. In a nutshell, irrigation and agroecology are rarely thought in conjunction. Yet, although rarely made explicit, many
agroecological farming systems include irrigation technology. The hypothesis of this project is precisely that investigating this
link is necessary to produce healthy, diversified and sustainable food and diets at the foodshed scale under climate change.
This is a major scientific challenge that needs to be addressed in order to assess how agroecological transitions of food
systems would impact water resources while adapting to climate change.

The project will address this mentioned challenge, through three specific questions:

• What is the state of scientific knowledge on the role of irrigation in the agroecological transition of agriculture? The response is not straightforward, and as such, a literature review will be undertaken. This literature review will cover current research undertaken and its specific direction will be discussed in detail with applicants.
• Is there evidence of successful agroecological transitions of irrigated systems? We will investigate success stories or their contraries and highlight the conditions in which they arose or the major lock-ins impeding a transition. To tackle this aspect, grey literature will be analysed, and a survey/mapping of on-going research will be undertaken through collaborations initiated with key researchers working on irrigation and/or agroecology, within the MUSE strategic partners and beyond, by undertaking a case-study analysis of diverse situations.
• What could be the paths to follow to initiate/pursue this agroecological transition? We will collaboratively build the major questions to tackle in the future. On the basis of the knowledge gained from the previous two points, a synthesis article and a special issue in a peer-reviewed journal will be produced.

Missions and activities

The post-doctoral researcher will play a key role in undertaking research and collaboration with partners within the project. The
hired personel will be in close interaction with the project coordinators and international partners. On the scientific side,
She/He/They will reflect upon the role of water management, in particular irrigation, for the agroecological transition of food
systems. The post-doctorate will also play a role of team coordinator, ensuring smooth and efficient interactions with all team
members.

In close interaction with the members of the team, the post-doc will be responsible of conducting
(i) the literature review (6 months);
(ii) the case-study analysis (8 months, possible overlapping with (i));
(iii) the co-edition of the special review (4 months).

He/She/They will be strongly involved in the collaboration strengthening, which will be led by the project coordinator.
The hired Post-doctorate will: (i) co-supervise two internships focusing on ex-ante analyses (conceptual framework, grey
literature analysis) of case studies and their synthesis; (ii) interact closely with project leaders and members; (iii) contribute to,
and be part of, an emerging network of international researchers interested in the interface AE-irrigation.
The hired Post-doctorate will be part of a highly motivated research team (Dr Leauthaud – UC ANR Santa Cruz USA – Dr
Leenhardt and approximately 15 people interested in the subject in the research unit G-eau), engaging with the question of
agroecological transitions of irrigation systems. Outcomes will be both scientific material (co-coordination of a special issue as
well as first and co-author publications), and insertion within an international network. The Cirad has also set up multiple
discussion groups concerning agroecology in which he/she/they can take part.

Qualifications, skills required and working conditions

A PhD and post-doctoral research on agroecology, using systemic and holistic approaches. Background in environmental
sciences, in particular agronomy or water management, or physical geography.
Technical competences: Work on scientific and grey literature reviews, conceptual models and their on-ground
application/validation will be appreciated. Work based on plot level analyses solely will not be considered. Experience in
scientific publications is a request (candidates with a low number of peer-reviewed publications will not be considered).
Communication: skills in communication (spoken, written), and team building and networking. Thorough knowledge (spoken
and written) of English is compulsory. Fluent working knowledge of French and/or Spanish (castillan) will be appreciated.
Collaboration and team work: a large part of the research will be undertaken with a group of researchers wordwide. Working
within multi-cultural environments, with research partners around the world will be appreciated. The candidate must be at ease
with communication and working within a team. Autonomy in work, with main decisions and milesteps validated with the
coordination team, is a must.

Constraints

Regular trips of several weeks around the world.
Work on computer.
Working with an international team, meaning that many interactions will take place through telcoms.

Salary

Salary will be based on experience and professional qualifications and within the appropriate University of Montpellier salary
range (INM 546 to INM591). This corresponds to a monthly net salary of 2149€ to 2326€. The median net salary in France is
1850€. This salary corresponds to 38 to 44% of highest salaries in France (INSEE statistics).

Selection process

Only excellent profiles will be considered.
Selection process: All appplicants, before the 15th of June : please send a letter and detailed CV. Please send your CV and letter to
crystele.leauthaud@cirad.fr

In June and July, applicants with appropriate and applicable education and experience will be invited to participate in a
preliminary, remote interview. Applicants selected to proceed will be asked to produce a one to two page concept note on a
specific topic. Finally, two to three candidates will be invited to Montpellier to meet the team, discuss the post-doctoral position
and present their current work.

A search committee of minimum 3 people will review all applications, interview candidates, and recommend individuals most
suitable for the position.

Contact : crystele.leauthaud@cirad.fr

OPPORTUNITIES: 9 PhD and Post-doc funded roles on the political economy of post-growth in Barcelona, Spain

Call for 9 research positions to work on the political economy of post-growth at Barcelona with Jason Hickel and Giorgos Kallis 
 

Applications are invited to join the Institute for Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA) at the Universitat Autonòma de Barcelona, under the supervision of Pr. Jason Hickel and Pr. Giorgos Kallis as part of the 10 Million Euros ERC-funded project REAL: A Post-growth Deal. Successful applicants will become core members of the REAL team, which includes Pr Julia Steinberger and her research group at the University of Lausanne. We welcome and support applications from researchers from disadvantaged backgrounds and from groups under-represented in academia.

Positions and conditions:

• 4-5 PhD Studentships: Payment of academic tuition and 4-year stipend (2167 Euros per month pre-tax)
• 4-5 Postdoctoral research grants: 3-year stipend (2917 Euros per month pre-tax for up to three years of post-PhD research experience or 3503 Euros per month otherwise) 
• Deadline: May 15, 2023. 
• Start date: October 2023 with some flexibility for later start for post-doc positions only. 

Topics: 

Candidates’ profiles and proposals should fit in one or more of the following topics:

• T1. ‘Post-growth Deals’: develop post-growth and degrowth policy programmes that can be implemented in the Global North, integrating social, economic and monetary policy.  Familiarity with national accounts frameworks and economic planning debates is desirable. 
• T2. Decolonization strategy: develop industrial, fiscal and monetary policies that Global South governments can use to improve economic sovereignty, reduce outward value-transfer through unequal exchange etc, and mobilize productive capacities to meet human needs and achieve development within ecological limits. 
• T3. ‘Managing without growth’: explore what lessons for post-growth can be derived from historical or contemporary experiences of managing economic stagnation – from the special period in Cuba or low-growth dynamics in Japan to the pandemic lockdowns.  
• T4. ‘Material and labour requirements of decent living’: develop/use bottom-up models  and environmentally- and socially- extended multi-regional input-output models to determine material and labour requirements for satisfying decent-living needs. Expertise in these modelling techniques is necessary.
• T5.  ‘North-South convergence scenarios’: develop alternative climate mitigation narratives (SSPs) and scenarios that achieve convergence between North and South, at a level of energy/resource use that is compatible with Paris climate objectives as well as decent living standards.
• T6. ‘Movement politics for post-growth’: develop scenarios of mass social/political movement organizing in  post-growth directions, learning from existing social movements – such as radical municipalist, trade-union/workers’, food sovereignty or environmental justice mobilizations and networks. 
• T7.  ‘National-level politics and post-growth’: explore the role of organizing at the national political sphere, learning from political parties or governments that have entertained post-growth related ideas. 
• T8.  ‘Geopolitics of post-growth’: rethinking opportunities and obstacles for post-growth transitions in an interconnected world and in the context of shifts in international relations; what would a post-growth internationalism look like?  

Requirements: 

• For the PhD positions, a master’s degree completed and awarded before the 1^st of September 2023. 
• For the Post-doc positions, a PhD awarded before the start of the contract.  
• Relocation and full-time residence in Barcelona is required and non-negotiable. 

Skills

Open to different backgrounds and expertises from the social and natural sciences as relevant for the topic(s) under which the application fits. We are welcoming applications from candidates with backgrounds in economics (heterodox, ecological or mainstream), political science, international relations, political ecology, human geography, anthropology, environmental studies, and related fields of research. Rigorous quantitative or qualitative methodological skills and proven ability to conduct empirical work will be highly valued.   

Applications

Please email expression of interest to pr.real.icta@uab.cat by May 15, 2023, including the following. 

Email subject line should include the surname of the candidate followed by PhD (or Post-Doc) depending on the position applying (e.g. ‘Pappas PhD’, ‘Pappas Post-Doc’). 

The body of the email should address Mrs Vanessa del Pino and indicate to which topic(s) from the list above the application relates.

Attachments should include the following:

1. A cover letter up to 500 words max explaining the motivation of the applicant to study post-growth and join our group in Barcelona, including a hyperlink to the best writing sample in English, and finishing with the name, affiliation and email address of one referee that might be contacted if necessary. 
2. A 1(min)-3(max) pages indicative research proposal stating in the first line which topic(s) from the list above it relates to, and proposing research questions, methods, and data/fieldwork foreseen. (This proposal is indicative and for the sake of application; contracted researchers may be asked to adapt their research to the needs of the REAL project.)  
3. A CV.  

Please submit attachments in pdf, and name files with surname and type of document (e.g. ‘Pappas_Coverletter’, ‘Pappas_Proposal’, ‘Pappas_CV’).  

For inquiries please email pr.real.icta@uab.cat

About REAL

How can we sustain human well-being within planetary boundaries? What policies and provisioning systems could enable societies to prosper without growth? What politics and alliances are necessary for seeing post-growth policies through, and how can the public be engaged in them? What new scientific paradigm could answer such questions?

Our societies face multiple intertwined crises. Bold alternatives are sorely needed. This project develops frameworks for ‘Post-Growth Deals’, from empirical research through to practical applications. First, we develop equitable North-South convergence scenarios, modelling human well-being achievement in all countries within planetary boundaries. Second, we articulate post-growth policy packages for the Global North and South, assessing their political acceptability and modelling their effects. Third, we develop models of provisioning systems to ensure future populations have adequate energy, food, shelter, health and social security. Fourth, we learn from political movements, studying politics and alliances – at local, national and international levels – that could bring post-growth transitions forward. Fifth, we identify practical steps to bring Post-Growth Deals to life, working with communities, political parties and policy stakeholders to co-produce knowledge and action on the ground.

For more information: https://www.uab.cat/web/el-centre-icta-uab/treballa-amb-nosaltres-1345819913877.html

ICTA-ICP Research Centre

REPORT & VIDEO: Shifting Funding to Agroecology for People, Climate and Nature

Coventry University, the University of Vermont and AgroecologyNow! have been doing some research comparing the share of funding going to agroecology as opposed to industrial agriculture, and the results are staggering. The very vast majority of funding goes to farming systems that are not sustainable. By shifting funding towards more agroecological practices, we will support people, plants, animals and ultimately the planet. And here’s below the report that shows us how to achieve this!

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Click here to access a new report on “Shifting Funding to Agroecology for People, Climate and Nature”. The policy brief provides an overview of the evidence base for agroecology, distinguishes agroecology from other approaches and offers concrete recommendations for shifting funding to support agroecology for more just and sustainable food systems.

This short (1min34sec) video may also be of interest, which provides a succinct visual tool that makes the case to shift financing to agroecology: https://youtu.be/JJHHljknxdI

“Shifting Funding to Agroecology for People, Climate and Nature”

Produced by: ActionAid with the Agroecology and Livelihoods Collaborative @ the University of Vermont and the Cultivate Collective!

There are growing calls to transform the current food system in response to hunger, malnutrition, climate change and biodiversity loss. Financial institutions and donors and other actors have tended to focus on increasing productivity and developing global value chains, which has caused great harm to the environment while failing to end hunger, poverty, and inequalities.

This is where agroecology comes in: an alternative vision that reflects a more fundamental and systemic transformation towards fair and sustainable food systems. In an enabling policy context, agroecology has proven to achieve robust gains in poverty reduction, food and nutrition security, women and youth empowerment and biodiversity and climate resilience.

This new brief outlines how agroecology is distinct from other approaches such as climate-smart agriculture, sustainable intensification or nature-based solutions.

Our policy brief offers a series of considerations and recommendations to increase the quantity and quality of funding for agroecology:

• Funding for agroecology should be underpinned by a principle of co-governance where donors are accountable to the most affected. Donors should consider long-term multi-phased support for building agroecology in territories.
• For financial support to be effective in supporting agroecology, a large portion of it needs to be comprised ofsmall to mid-scale grants through food producer organizations and civil society organizations who are close to the ground.
• Currently, agroecology is often marginally, or not at all, included in agricultural funding programs. Donors should closely evaluate their funding programs and shift towards agroecology explicitly as a target of funding.
• Agroecology transitions are complex social and participatory processes that require adaptability in how plans are developed and implemented. In this context, it is vital that funders allow for flexibility in spending, activities and in monitoring and evaluation.
• Donors must engage in an in-depth and ongoing dialogue with food producer organizationsto examine and increase the quantity and effectiveness of funds that are allocated towards agroecology, and to improve the quality of delivery.

Click here for the PDF.

Policy debate: “Agroecology: Opportunities and challenges for European development policy” (March 2018, Belgium)

Here is a policy debate at the European Parliament in Brussels in March. My PhD supervisor, Michel Pimbert, will talk about his recent paper on the (lack of…) funding for agroecology provided by the UK government (and beyond) (see paper info below).

Agroecology: Opportunities and challenges for European development policy

20 March 2018 12.30-14.30

European Parliament (5E1)

Hosted by MEP Maria Heubuch, The Greens/EFA and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations with the participation of the European Commission under the auspices of the European Parliamentary Alliance on the Fight Against Hunger, coordinated by MEP Paolo De Castro

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development calls for a transformation of food and agriculture systems. The scale of change needed is ambitious. Agroecology could significantly contribute to this transition and in reaching SDG 2 to end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. Building on the recent commitment of the European Union and its Member States to support agroecology, further discussions on how this approach could be fostered by development cooperation is still needed.

This event takes place in the run-up to the Second International Symposium on “Scaling Up Agroecology” that will be held by FAO in early April 2018.

PROGRAMME

1. Welcoming remarks by the Parliamentary Alliance in the Fight Against Hunger
2. Definition of agroecology and opportunities
3. Supporting the transition towards agroecology – challenges for practitioners and
   the enabling policy environment
4. Moderated discussion with the floor and conclusion

More information abut the policy debate: PROGRAMME Policy debate AGROECOLOGY DEVELOPMENT on 20 March 2018

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Paper

Absent Agroecology Aid: On UK Agricultural Development Assistance Since 2010

Michel P. Pimbert ^1,*  and Nina Isabella Moeller ²

¹ The Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience, Coventry University, Ryton Gardens, Wolston Lane, Coventry CV8 3LG, UK

² Marie Curie Research Fellow, School of Environment, Education and Development, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK

Using figures published by the UK Department of International Development (DFID), this study finds that despite overwhelming evidence in favour of agroecology as a mode of agricultural development able to address crucial aspects of the interrelated crises facing human societies, UK development aid barely supports agroecology. Based on the most generous interpretation, this study shows for the first time that aid for agroecological projects is less than 5% of agricultural aid and less than 0.5% of total UK aid budget since 2010. Since 1 January 2010, no funds at all have been directed at or been committed to projects with the main focus on development or promotion of agroecological practices. Minor funds have been directed at projects which include some activities promoting agroecology at the most basic level of resource efficiency (e.g., conservation agriculture). By largely supporting industrial and Green Revolution agriculture, UK Aid priorities contribute very little to the transition towards social-ecological sustainability in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Full paper available at http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/10/2/505