At our Research Centre, the following thesis topics are currently available. In case you are interested in one of these topics, please get in touch with the supervisors indicated and send them a brief motivational statement in which you describe why you are a suitable candidate for this topic, and your transcript of records. We will then get in touch with you shortly.
Tentative research topics
Safeguarding NTFP resources in the Cerrado for sustainable commercialisation – current practices and pathways for improvement
The commercialisation of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), such as fruits, nuts, berries, or mushrooms, can – if done responsibly – serve both development and conservation objectives: harvesting and processing activities can facilitate important income opportunities in rural regions, while the (forest) landscapes containing the NTFP resources are protected from deforestation and agricultural expansion. However, the key term in this connection is ‘if done responsibly’. Many NTFP commercialisation initiatives have resulted in exploitation of the resource, e.g. due to overharvesting, especially when demand increases. With NTFP commercialisation becoming more popular in the Cerrado region as well, it is important to gain a thorough understanding on the status quo of the most important species, as well as prevailing management practices which may or not be in place to protect the resource.
Thus, we would like to offer the opportunity to conduct a thesis research, in the context of the EcoSiPas project, aiming to better understand the ecological status and prevailing management practices in place for selected Cerrado-NTFPs, in order to derive recommendations for their future sustainable use. As such, the thesis should contain (a) a literature study to identify current rules and procedures in the Cerrado to safeguard NTFP resources (e.g. NTFP management plans, policies regulating access to trees or harvesting, certification schemes, etc.) as well as their conservation status and reports of over-utilization; (b) a survey across NTFP collectors to determine management practices actually in use, challenges at field level, and perceived changes in NTFP levels; (c) expert interviews on potential ways forward (e.g. NTFP management plans, certification schemes, collective-action based management institutions such as cooperatives, etc.).
Level: Master
Period: Winter Term 2023/24 or later
Supervisor: Prof. Darr, Dr. Meinhold
Commercialisation of NTFPs from the Cerrado: Potential Livelihood Implications
The role of non-timber products (NTFPs) in rural livelihoods and poverty alleviation is being extensively discussed extensively, as – by their very nature – NTFPs typically are located in rural and often very remote areas, with often limited employment opportunities or government services and markets. The commercialisation of NTFPs and generation of income may offer an opportunity to help improve livelihoods and alleviate poverty in these regions; yet there might also be important trade-offs between commercialization and consumption of these products. There is a need to better understand the use value of NTFPs, both in monetary terms but also the cultural value attached to them.
Thus, we would like to offer the opportunity to conduct a thesis research, in the context of the EcoSiPas project, aiming to determine the contribution of NTFPs to households income as well as other important use values. As such, the thesis should contain (a) a literature study to identify current NTFP contribution to livelihoods in the Cerrado as well as traditional value attached to them (b) a survey across NTFP collectors/users to determine i) the contribution of NTFP processing and trade to household income; ii) traditional knowledge and cultural value attached to these NTFPs; and (c) expert interviews and/or focus group discussions to better understand perceived risks or opportunities concerning commercialization versus consumption of these products.
Level: Master
Period: Winter Term 2023/24 or later
Supervisor: Prof. Darr, Dr. Meinhold
The role of Cerrado NTFPs in food and nutrition security
Products derived from forests and trees other than timber, so-called non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are gaining recognition in recent years, partly due to their often special nutritional properties which can be advantageous for human health. The Cerrado region in Brazil features a variety of NTFPs which may fall into this category, having been associated with valuable nutritional and therapeutic properties. However, their current consumption levels and possible impacts on households food and nutrition security are less clear.
Thus, we would like to offer the opportunity to conduct a thesis research, in the context of the EcoSiPas project, aiming to better understand the role of the main NTFPs of the Cerrado region in terms of food and nutrition security. As such, the thesis should contain (a) a literature study to review the nutritional properties of the main Cerrado NTFPs (e.g. nutrient contents, associated health benefits, etc.); and (b) a household consumer survey to determine NTFP’s contribution to food security and household dietary diversity status.
Level: Master
Period: Winter Term 2023/24 or later
Supervisor: Prof. Darr, Dr. Meinhold
Analysis of NTFP value chains in the Cerrado and opportunities for their further development
The commercialisation of non-timber forest products, such as fruits, nuts, berries, or mushrooms, has – if done responsibly – great potential to foster inclusive and biodiversity-friendly value chains. Products from native trees in the Cerrado region are no exception to this, and their sustainable commercialisation can be a pathway to foster sustainable land use in contrast to deforestation and agricultural expansion, which threatens the region. Activities to foster the sustainable valorisation of NTFPs have been initiated in the Cerrado, however, are less researched than similar initiatives in the Amazon biome. There is a need to gain a thorough, on the ground understanding of the status of the main NTFP value chains in the Cerrado and identify possible options for their further, sustainable development.
Thus, we would like to offer the opportunity to conduct a thesis research, in the context of the EcoSiPas project, aiming to thoroughly investigate the current status and performance of the main NTFP value chains in the Cerrado. As such, the thesis should contain (a) a value chain analysis for selected Cerrado NTFPs, investigating the quantity of NTFPs extracted, used, processed, consumed and sold (including costs, profit margins, value added at each stage of the chain, and competitiveness analysis); and (b) a number of key informant interviews and/or focus group discussions to identify and rate current hindrances (e.g. how are the value chains currently shaped by market requirements, quality standards, etc.) and options for further value chain development, innovation and upgrading (e.g. instruments such as certification schemes, role of collective action, etc.).
Level: Master
Period: Winter Term 2023/24 or later
Supervisor: Prof. Darr, Dr. Meinhold
Commercialisation of non-timber forest products from the Cerrado, Brazil – a systematic review
The commercialisation of non-timber forest products, such as fruits, nuts, berries, or mushrooms, has – if done responsibly – great potential to foster inclusive and biodiversity-friendly value chains. Products from native trees in the Cerrado region are no exception to this, and their sustainable commercialisation can be a pathway to foster sustainable land use in contrast to deforestation and agricultural expansion, which threatens the region. Activities to foster the sustainable valorisation of NTFPs have been initiated in the Cerrado, however, are less researched than similar initiatives in the Amazon biome. There is a need to gain a thorough understanding of the status quo of NTFP commercialisation in the Cerrado and prevailing challenges.
Thus, we would like to offer the opportunity to conduct a thesis research, in the context of the EcoSiPas project, aiming to better understand NTFP commercialisation in the Cerrado. The thesis should (a) identify any published research on commercialised NTFPs from the region, with a particular focus on value chain studies; (b) systematically assess the literature on aspects such as type/quantity of products generated, marketing pathways in use (e.g. target consumers/markets, certification, etc.), or research methodologies applied. The study may be complemented by a number of expert interviews to explore typical challenges and potential solutions for NTFP commercialisation in the Cerrado.
Level: Master
Period: Winter Term 2023/24 or later
Supervisor: Prof. Darr, Dr. Meinhold
Commercialisation of NTFPs from the Cerrado: the role of advisory services
The commercialisation of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), such as fruits, nuts, berries, or mushrooms, is often promoted, since it can potentially serve both development and conservation objectives: harvesting and processing activities can facilitate important income opportunities in rural regions, while the (forest) landscapes containing the NTFP resources are protected from deforestation and agricultural expansion. However, the full integration of NTFPs into our food systems requires a lot of knowledge needs (e.g. on how to sustainably manage, harvest, or process NTFPs), which may not be available at onset with NTFPs use previously dominating on a subsistence level. Furthermore, this knowledge needs to be available to farmers, who otherwise will not be in a position to adapt their system to professionally integrate NTFP production on their farms. (Agricultural) advisory services, amongst others, can play an important role in disseminating such type of knowledge; however, whether this works out in practice is another question.
Thus, we would like to offer the opportunity to conduct a thesis research, in the context of the EcoSiPas project, aiming to gain a deeper understanding of the knowledge needs of farmer in terms of NTFP production and whether the current support infrastructure can provide these. As such, the thesis should contain (a) a literature study to investigate the current role and functioning of advisory services providing information and technical support related to NTFPs in the Cerrado region; (b) a farmer survey on i) their perceived knowledge needs concerning NTFPs, ii) their perception on the current functioning and quality of advisory services, and iii) what would ideally be needed for them to adopt NTFP production on their farms; and (c) a number of key informant interviews and/or focus group discussions to further identify options for improving extension interventions.
Level: Master
Period: Winter Term 2023/24 or later
Supervisor: Prof. Darr, Dr. Meinhold
Obstacle or opportunity? An analysis of the Brazilian policy framework concerning the commercialisation of non-timber forest products from the Cerrado
The policy environment governing non-timber forest product (NTFP) resources, i.e. products from trees and forests other than timber, typically is very fragmented due to the diverse nature of these products or varying production pathways (e.g. wild collection versus cultivation; location on private or public land, etc.) The lack of a clear policy framework can constitute an important market entry barrier and hinder farmers and cooperatives venturing out into NTFP commercialisation. This may hold true for the Cerrado region as well, where a number of different NTFPs are currently gaining recognition as potentially sustainable and healthy food ingredients. There is a need to identify prevailing obstacles as well as opportunities from a policy point of view, which may foster the increased NTFP use as an alternative land use option in the Cerrado.
Against this background, we would like to offer the opportunity to conduct a thesis research, in the context of the EcoSiPas project, aiming to better understand the policy framework which currently governs NTFP use and commercialisation in the Cerrado. Focussing on NTFPs which can be used as food ingredients, the thesis should (a) identify all the relevant policies and regulations affecting NTFP use and commercialisation in the region; (b) systematically group the identified policies (e.g. biodiversity and conservation policies; food safety policies; land tenure policies; etc.) and assess them in terms of whether these may foster or hinder NTFP commercialisation. The study should (c) be complemented by a number of expert interviews to explore the current perceptions on the legal environment concerning NTFP commercialisation in the Cerrado, in order to be able to deduct (in combination with the policy analysis) recommendations for future policy actions.
Level: Master
Period: Winter Term 2023/24 or later
Supervisor: Prof. Darr, Dr. Meinhold
The potential of Paulownia tomentosa in agroforestry systems – a review of grey literature.
P. tomentosa (princess tree, empress tree, Kiri-Baum, Blauglockenbaum) is a deciduous hardwood tree native to central and western China. It is fast-growing, has importance in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and may possess some potential for cultivation as bioenergy crop or inclusion in agroforestry systems in the Rhine-Waal region in the context of climate change adaptation. The purpose of this thesis is to compile and evaluate the existing grey literature (project reports, working papers, websites, practitioners journal articles, etc.) on this tree species use a systematic literature review approach.
Level: Bachelor/Master
Period: Winter Term 2023/24 or later
Supervising professor:
Prof. Darr, Prof. Gebauer
Agricultural water management in agroforestry systems in Kyrgyzstan – current practices and pathways for improvement
In the Southwest of Kyrgyzstan (Batken region) apricot orchards make an important contribution to local livelihood and income, while these systems depend on irrigation from mountain rivers. While water already is a scarce resource in the area, its availability for agriculture is expected to further decline in the near future due to climate change and population growth. Currently, many of the irrigation systems are inefficient, poorly maintained and have a low water productivity. To adapt to climate change, farming systems will need to become more water efficient and resilient to progressing water-related challenges. For this, thorough understanding of the current system and its challenges is important.
In the context of the SUFACHAIN project, we offer the opportunity to conduct a thesis aiming to better understand current irrigation management in the Batken region (at field and scheme level). The thesis will contain (a) a literature study to understand current challenges of irrigation systems in Central Asia and Kyrgyzstan in particular, (b) farmer interviews in Batken region to determine different irrigation management practices and the related challenges at field level, (c) expert interviews in Batken region to understand challenges at scheme level.
Level: Bachelor/Master
Period: Summer 2023 or later
Supervising professor:
Prof. Kleinke, Prof. Wichern, Prof. Darr
Co-supervising:
Dr. van Bruggen
Adaptation mechanisms of traditional irrigation systems in Central Asia and beyond
In many regions in the world crop cultivation is only possible under irrigation. Yet, in these regions water is often a scarce resource and its availability varies between years and seasons. Climate change will intensify issues of water scarcity in many irrigated systems and mechanisms for adaptation of these systems are needed. Traditional irrigation systems can provide insight in mechanisms how farmers have dealt with variability in water available for irrigation in the past, which can help identify opportunities for adaptation of current systems to the future challenges.
This thesis will contain a) a literature review to identify traditional irrigation systems and how these adapted to varying water availability during the past, b) determine opportunities how the learnings from traditional systems can be integrated into current systems, with particular focus on current irrigation systems in Central Asia/ Kyrgyzstan, c) identify traditional irrigation systems in Central Asia and in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in particular. The thesis can provide the opportunity for field work in Central Asia to study traditional irrigation systems, which have been identified through the literature process.
Level: Bachelor/Master
Period: Summer 2023 or later
Supervising professor:
Prof. Kleinke, Prof. Wichern, Prof. Darr
Co-supervising:
Dr. van Bruggen
Participatory Guarantee Schemes (PGS) as an instrument for smallholder farmer (organic) certification
PGS provide an alternative certification system for smallholder farmers which otherwise may be excluded from such systems due to high transaction costs or the lack of clear land tenure arrangements. In the context of the SUFACHAIN project, farmer groups in Central Asia will be supported to adopt GroupIntegrity, an internal control systems developed by Organic Services GmbH for grower groups that produce for national or international markets. The thesis is intended to (a) systematically assess the scientific literature on PGS and their implementation, and (b) carry out a number of expert interviews to explore typical challenges and their solutions in PGS. This will make available these experiences to the SUFACHAIN project, therefore helping the implementation of GroupIntegrity.
Level: Bachelor/Master
Period: Summer Term 2023 or later
Supervising professor: Prof. Darr
Promoting smallholder farming and NTFP production through public food procurement and school feeding programs
Public procurement of food made from agricultural or biodiversity products (e.g., wild fruits) by smallholder farmers, farmer cooperatives or micro and small food processing enterprises can be a suitable instrument to transition towards more sustainable food systems, as it creates a stable demand for such products thereby promoting smallholder farming and sustainable resource use, and at the same time makes healthy and nutritious food available to school children thereby combatting malnutrition. A number of countries have therefore established farm-to-school and public food purchasing programs and policies. The thesis is intended to (a) systematically assess the scientific literature on this topic, and (b) carry out a number of expert interviews to explore typical challenges and their solutions.
Level: Bachelor/Master
Period: Summer Term 2023 or later
Supervising professor: Prof. Darr
Development of a local market for high-quality, sustainable local food products in Lima/ Perú
Over the last two decades, a remarkable gastronomy boom has taken place in Lima, Perú’s capital city. Many of the city’s celebrity chefs such as Matthew Kenney highly value sustainable and socially conscious food. With Perú’s unique biodiversity on food plants, great potential exists to promote a high-value market for neglected and underutilized food species. The thesis is intended to (a) systematically assess the scientific literature on the current uses of neglected Andean crops and edible plants in South American gourmet restaurants, and to (b) carry out a number of expert interviews and a consumer survey to assess the market.
This Master’s research can be supported by the “MSc Career Exploration Scholarship – Junior Scientists Tandems (JST)”, which gives students at MSc level the opportunity to get hands-on experience in research for development in collaborative projects between CGIAR++ centers and German research institutions.
Level: Master
Period: Summer Term 2023 or later
Supervising professor: Prof. Darr
Options for future-fit land use on a conventionally managed farm in the lower Rhine region
This research should aim at identifying promising approaches for a farm in the lower Rhine region to make it fit for the challenges to come, ensuring its long-term socioeconomic as well as environmental sustainability. Overall, the analysis should take place at an agricultural farm approx. 15km from Kleve (Monreberg). The site features very sandy loam soils, therefore making drought already a major concern. The initial area is approx. 4.5 ha arable land in two slots adjacent to forest under nature protection. As the forest (mainly oak) already suffers from drought, forest restructuring will become necessary, whereas also nature conservation aspects should be taken into account.
The thesis research should aim to evaluate the socioeconomic performance of the area under consideration, and assess possible scenarios for future utilization, to ensure a profitable yet environmentally friendly and climate change adapted management strategy (e.g. agroforestry and tree/farmland management strategies). This should include a financial analysis of the different scenarios as well as an analysis of subsidy schemes and the legal context affecting possible changes of land use.
Level: Bachelor/ Master
Period: Summer Term 2023 or later
Supervising professor: Prof. Darr
Sustainable finance in agri-food businesses: Theory and empirical evidence.
Agri-food enterprises that claim to contribute to the resolution of critical development challenges such as sustainable food provision have attracted significant investments during the past decades, indicating that they represent an attractive investment opportunity for venture capitalists and investors (see also https://doi.org/10.1007/s10460-022-10383-6). Building on a review of the theoretical underpinnings of sustainable company finance, the research aims to review recent empirical case studies of financing models described in the literature and/or on corporate websites.
Level: Bachelor/ Master
Period: Summer Term 2023 or later
Supervising professor:
Prof. Merbecks, Prof. Darr
Caveats and Opportunities of Planting Urban Trees: Predictors for Effective Communication
Which are the factors that influence whether a public communication campaign for planting urban trees is effective? Which environmental and economic, social and cultural aspects of such initiatives foster or hinder their public acceptability? Which caveats and concerns, hopes and expectations do citizens express when confronted with plans for urban trees to be planted in their neighbourhood, and which are the communication measures these attitudinal changes correlate with?
Level: Bachelor/ Master
Period: Summer Term 2022 or later
Supervisor:
Prof. Gerber, Mr. Bomblat (Stadt Kleve)
Analysis and economic valuation of the environmental services provided by urban trees in Kleve, Germany.
Using the existing roadside trees cadastre and further secondary data, this thesis aims to quantify and valuate the diverse ecosystem services provided by urban trees in Kleve.
Level: Bachelor/ Master
Period: Summer Term 2022 or later
Supervisor:
Prof. Darr, Mr. Bomblat (Stadt Kleve)
Inventory of trees in urban green spaces of Kleve municipality.
An urban tree cadastre exists of roadside trees in Kleve. In contrast, information on trees growing on other urban green space in Kleve is not yet available. The thesis aims to contribute to establishing a database, using tree and forest inventory methods.
Level: Bachelor/ Master
Period: Summer Term 2022 or later
Supervisor:
Prof. Gebauer, Prof. Darr, Mr. Bomblat (Stadt Kleve)
Development of a horticultural concept of an “edible forest” for Kleve municipality.
The municipality of Kleve plans to establish a multi-species perennial “food/ edible forest” near the city centre; the concept serves to identify suitable tree and shrub species, their spatial arrangement, and develop a management concept.
Level: Bachelor/ Master
Period: Summer Term 2022 or later
Supervisor:
Prof. Gebauer, Mr. Bomblat (Stadt Kleve)
Analysing the heat reduction effect of urban trees in Kleve.
Trees in cities can contribute to reducing the Urban Heat Island effect during hot summer days, thereby contributing to reduced energy consumption (for air conditioners) and health problems resulting from heat stress, for example. This thesis aims to experimentally determine the magnitude of this effect for selected urban green spaces in Kleve.
Level: Bachelor/ Master
Period: Summer Term 2022 or later
Supervisor:
Prof. Kleinke, Mr. Bomblat (Stadt Kleve)
Analysis and recommendation of suitable urban tree species and management strategies under conditions of climate change.
Dry summers, the spread of non-native tree pests and other consequences of global warming put high stress on urban trees. This research, through a review of literature and expert interviews, aims to identify promising approaches for the city of Kleve to make its urban trees future proof, including species selection and tree management strategies.
Level: Bachelor/ Master
Period: Summer Term 2022 or later
Supervisor:
Prof. Gebauer, Mr. Bomblat (Stadt Kleve)
Analysis of vegetation and plant biodiversity around “Haus Balken”
Carrying out a tree inventory and vegetation survey. The site is located in Xanten, ca. 20 km away from the campus.
Level: Bachelor/ Master Period: Summer Term 2022 or later Supervising professor: Prof. Gebauer
Analysis of soil biota around “Haus Balken”
The site is located in Xanten, ca. 20 km away from the campus.
Level: Bachelor/ Master Period: Summer Term 2022 or later Supervising professor: Prof. Wichern
Analysis of the water status at Hohe/ Niedere Ley
Limnological analysis, investigation of macrozoobenthos and/or aquatic flora, nutrient analysis (possibly in 2 separate theses). The site is located in Xanten, ca. 20 km away from the campus.
Economic valuation of selected ecosystem services around “Haus Balken”
Economic analysis based on the primary data collected in the other student research projects at Haus Balken, secondary sources, surveys if necessary. The site is located in Xanten, ca. 20 km away from the campus.
Level: Bachelor/ Master
Period: After completion of vegetation, soil and water analyses, around Winter Term 2022-23 or later
Supervising professor:
Prof. Tiedemann, Prof. Darr
Conversion of a conventionally managed arable farm into a multifunctional woody polyculture/ agroforestry farm considering current CAP regulations
Including financial analysis and analysis of subsidy schemes and legal context. The total area is 2.5 ha. The site is located in Frasselt/ Kranenburg, ca. 10 km away from the campus.
Level: Bachelor/ Master
Period: Summer Term 2022 or later
Supervising professor: Prof. Darr
Analysis of ecosystem services and socioeconomic performance of traditional silvopastoral systems in the Brazilian Cerrado (several research topics)
The topic provides the opportunity for a field research stay in Brazil. The research will be carried out in the context of a DAAD-funded collaboration between HSRW, the Universidade Federal de Viçosa and Embrapa (national agricultural research institute located in Brasilia).
Analysis of ecosystem services and socioeconomic performance of agroforestry systems in Kyrgyzstan (several research topics)
The topic provides the opportunity for a field research stay in Kyrgyzstan, co-funded by the DAAD project. The research will be carried out in the context of a DAAD-funded collaboration between HSRW, ICRAF Central Asia (international agricultural research centre located in Bishkek) and further university partners.