Fully Funded PhD Scholarship: Food Demand and Agroecological Transition in West Africa – Université de Montpellier, France
About Université de Montpellier
Applications are open for a PhD Agricultural Economics West Africa France position at Université de Montpellier and CIRAD. The research focuses on food demand and agroecological transition in Senegal’s Niayes area and Lake Guiers region. The PhD will be affiliated with the GAIA Doctoral School and will lead to enrolment at the University of Montpellier. The recruited candidate will be hosted by CIRAD for scientific supervision and will contribute to the interdisciplinary research activities of the HortSys and MoISA units, focusing on agroecological transitions and sustainable food systems. Regular fieldwork will be conducted in Senegal (Niayes area and Lake Guiers region) in collaboration with local research and development partners, including SAED, ISRA, and UGB.
Scholarship Overview
Project Description
The PhD candidate will conduct research structured around two complementary components. The first component will focus on characterizing food demand for fruits and vegetables produced under agroecological practices, including analyzing consumer preferences, sourcing practices, and the economic, social, and territorial determinants of food choices. The second component will assess the impact of existing territorial agroecological interventions on the structure of local food supply (availability, accessibility, quality, and prices), using quasi-experimental methods. The entry point will be the Mbane living lab (Lake Guiers area), with one or two additional case studies in the Niayes region identified at the beginning of the PhD.
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
This PhD is unique because it bridges agricultural economics and agronomy at a critical moment for West African food systems. You will conduct fieldwork in Senegal’s Niayes area and Lake Guiers region, working with local partners including SAED, ISRA, and UGB. The research combines consumer preference analysis (demand-side) with impact assessment of agroecological interventions (supply-side) using quasi-experimental methods. The gross monthly salary of €2,300 is competitive for French PhD positions. For a student interested in how agroecological transitions affect food demand and supply, and willing to work across disciplines and in multicultural environments, this is an opportunity to generate evidence that can inform policy and interventions.
Main Activities
- Design and implementation of quantitative and qualitative surveys
- Econometric data analysis
- Participation in participatory processes (living labs, multi-stakeholder workshops)
- Scientific dissemination (peer-reviewed publications, conferences)
Candidate Profile and Eligibility
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Master’s degree (MSc) or engineering degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Agronomy, or Rural Development |
| Quantitative Skills | Strong skills in quantitative methods and econometrics (proficiency in R or Stata) |
| Field Experience | Experience in field data collection and analysis |
| Interdisciplinary Ability | Ability to work across disciplines at the interface of economics and agronomy |
| Language | Excellent writing and synthesis skills in both French and English |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | Experience in Sub-Saharan Africa is a strong asset |
| Local Languages | Knowledge of local languages is an advantage |
| Personal Qualities | Autonomy, scientific rigor, analytical skills, ability to work in multicultural and interdisciplinary environments |
| Interest | Strong interest in agroecological transitions and sustainable food systems |
What They Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Salary | €2,300 gross per month |
| Duration | 3 years (October 2026 – September 2029) |
| Location | Montpellier, France (fieldwork in Senegal) |
| Research Environment | Interdisciplinary (economics and agronomy) with strong field engagement |
| Partners | Collaboration with SAED, ISRA, and UGB in Senegal |
My Application Strategy
- Highlight your econometrics skills – Proficiency in R or Stata is essential
- Emphasise field data collection experience – Survey design and implementation
- Show interest in agroecological transitions – Understanding of both economics and agronomy
- Demonstrate French and English proficiency – Both languages are required
- Mention any experience in Sub-Saharan Africa – This is a strong asset
- Include reference letters and academic transcripts – Required as part of the application
Who Should Apply
This PhD is perfect for a student with a background in agricultural economics, economics, or agronomy who wants to work on food systems in West Africa. If you are interested in how consumer preferences for agroecological produce shape demand, and how agroecological interventions affect local food supply, this project offers training across econometric analysis, field survey methods, and participatory research approaches.delling, and machine learning.
How to Apply
Send your application to: rahim.ouedraogo@cirad.fr; gabriela.demarchi@cirad.fr; fabrice.le_bellec@cirad.fr
Required documents:
- CV
- Cover letter
- Relevant reports (e.g. internships or theses)
- Academic transcripts and ranking
- Reference letters
Application Deadline: June 15, 2026
