Are you eager for a change of perspective? For a unique experience where sustainability matters and where you critically engage with global connections? Then apply by January 20th for your ASA scholarship! Since 2021, researchers and students from Rhine-Waal University and the Universidade de Brasília have been collaborating on sustainable development approaches for the Cerrado region in Brazil in the realm of the EcoSiPas project. The project aims to contribute to the sustainable management of the Cerrado by gaining a deeper understanding on the various ecosystem services different land-use types provide. One of these ecosystem services under investigation are products derived from native fruit trees

Despite extensive research on Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming, Africa faces unique challenges due to social structures, surplus labor, and economic pressures. This project aims to address this by developing a model system and process for cooperative small-scale BSF production using locally-sourced materials, shifting from large centralized facilities to a decentralized approach. The primary objective is to design a prototype cooperative BSF production system suitable for small-scale operations in Africa, promoting self-sufficiency and sustainable insect protein production. The local partner organization, the chicken farm ET VOICI, in Benin will provide crucial support for fieldwork, data collection, ensuring the successful implementation of

In Benin, a country plagued by frequent power outages, poultry farmers rely on low-cost Chinese plastic incubators for hatching eggs. These unreliable incubators can lead to complete hatching failures when temperature control systems fail, exposing eggs to prolonged high temperatures. Benin’s poultry industry comprises traditional natural incubation methods, industrial partnerships with Chinese companies for Lohmann chicks, and DIY incubators made from repurposed items like dressers and old refrigerators, primarily used for specialty breeds. This project aims to explore the development of one or two solar-powered incubators, with capacities of 500 and 1000 eggs respectively, potentially in collaboration with an electrical engineering

Investigation about the adaptability of the popular ‘Bielefelder Kennhuhn’ breed to African and tropical conditions, considering factors such as feathering, diet, outdoor access, and pre-existing health conditions. Currently, a group of 6 ‘Bielefelder Kennhühner’ is experiencing a significant decrease in egg production, with just approximately 1 egg per week collectively. Additionally, one of the hens succumbed to avian influenza during a time when all roosters and hens were housed together. The study will involve extensive field observations, data collection on feathering, feeding practices, and health histories of the hens, as well as genetic analysis to understand their resilience to tropical conditions

The Gumboro disease poses a formidable challenge to poultry health, with the potential to devastate valuable breeding stock. This project delves into the insidious nature of Gumboro disease, which has led to the loss of a significant generation of prized chickens. Notably, male chickens seem to exhibit higher mortality rates compared to females, a gender-specific susceptibility that has not been extensively explored. This research can be conducted using qualitative/quantitative/mixed research methods, or involving a research stay at ET VOICI chicken farm in Benin, which will be able to provide local supervision, support in finding local accommodation, shared office, contacts with representatives of the University