Zentrum für Entwicklungsforschung Center for Development Research University of

Bonn International Graduate School for Development Research BIGS-DR We want to express special thanks to our numerous donors who have made BIGS-DR possible: German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), State of North -Westphalia via University of Bonn, German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), Robert Bosch Stiftung, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), Volkswagen Foundation, Dreyer Foundation, SAP Company, European Union, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Konrad-Adenauer- Stiftung, Fulbright Foundation, Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Katholischer Akademischer Ausländer-Dienst (KAAD), Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (EED), United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU- EHS), Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), and governments of several countries.  Contents

Why study in ? 4 The City of Bonn 6 The University of Bonn 7 The Center for Development Research (ZEF) 8 The Bonn International Graduate School for Development Research (BIGS-DR) 11 Educational Concept and Timeframe 12 The PhD Course Program 13 PhD Research Areas 14 Land Use and Degradation 15 Water Security 17 Biodiversity and its Conservation 18 Sustainable Energy 19 Health 20 Disciplinary Research Programs 22 Cooperation and Networks 25 The ZEF Alumni Network 26 ZEF Alumni Careers 27 Admission Requirements 28 Financial Matters and Fellowships 28 Application Procedure 30

 Why study in Germany?

here is practically no academic field that you German universities attach great importance to cannot study in Germany. Its universities offer an basic research. Leading researchers from all around Tenormously wide and diversified range of studies the world conduct top-class research and teach in and qualification opportunities. You can develop your Germany. The equal significance of high-level research personal and professional skills and gain a considerable and teaching is the basis of excellent training offered amount of new and exciting knowledge. at Germany´s universities. The success of world-class technology “Made in Germany” shows how the combination of basic and applied research leads to successful solutions. Germany, the world’s third largest economy, has demon- strated that protect- ing the environment and nature while maintaining high liv- ing standards and in- dustrialization levels is not a contradiction per se. Germany has the world’s strictest environmental The Gate in is the symbol of the city. As it was situated in the no man‘s land just behind the “wall“, and standards. Numerous public and private organiza- it became symbolic of the division of the city and also of the tions work together to conserve the ecological balance division of entire Germany. and preserve the species diversity of flora and fauna. A large number of universities offer environment-focused degree programs. Bundesrepublik Deutschland Federal Republic of Germany

Capital Berlin Official language German Government Parliamentary Federal Republic Area 357,050 km² (63rd) Population 82,310,000 GDP (PPP Total) $2.522 trillion (5th) Per capita income $30,579 (17th) Currency Euro (€) Time zone CET (UTC+1)

At almost 3,000 metres (10,000 ft), the Zugspitze is Germany‘s highest mountain.

 Germany is often called das Land der Dichter und Denker (the land of poets and thinkers). It has been the home of some of the most prominent composers, e.g. , Johann Sebastian Bach, and Richard Wagner, painters, like Albrecht Dürer, Caspar David Friedrich and , philosophers including Immanuel Kant, and , and researchers in various scientific fields like Alexander von Humboldt, Carl Friedrich Gauss, Albert Einstein, Max Planck, Werner Heisenberg, , Joseph von Fraunhofer, and Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen. Many German researchers, inventors and Location of Germany (orange) engineers have contributed to making the world a more livable place. Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin, Germany is a democratic country with a republican Gottlieb Daimler, Rudolf Diesel, and Karl Benz helped form of governance. The political system aims at to shape modern automotive and air transportation integrating as many social groups as possible into technology. Today, German engineers and scientists the policymaking process. The Federal Republic of are among the world’s leading scientists, above Germany has a Federal Government (for the country all in nanotechnology, environmental research, as a whole) and is made up of 16 states (Länder) automotive engineering, engineering and technology. with, correspondingly, 16 state governments. Today, In environmental research, for example, Germany Germany is a multicultural society. Of the 82 million is the world’s number one with a 23% share of all inhabitants living in Germany, 9% are foreigners and environmental protection patents registered each 10% are Germans with an immigrant background. year.

The cathedral with its two spires 157 metres in height, has been the city‘s most famous landmark for centuries and the most well-known architectural monument in Germany. It took 632 years until the construction of the largest German cathedral was completed.

 The City of Bonn

he City of Bonn can look back upon a history of more than 2,000 years. Bonn, originally Tfounded by the Romans, is a pretty and lively university town in the West of Germany, located about 20 kilometers south of Cologne on the Rhine River in the Federal State of North Rhine- Westphalia. Bonn was the capital of West Germany from 1949 to 1990 and the official seat of the Federal Government until 1999. Since the move of the Federal Government to Berlin, Bonn has developed into a hub of international cooperation, in particular in the area of environment and sustainable development. It is a city of political competence and international importance where many national and international conventions and conferences were and are held, like the World Climate Summits in 1999 and 2001 and the UN Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2008. The city currently hosts 12 United Nations institutions and a number of other international organizations, such as the IUCN Environmental Center (IUCN ELC), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Bonn is the seat of Germany’s largest telecommunication and logistics companies, /DHL and Mobile Com, as well. The City of Bonn also offers a variety of cultural opportunities, including the Museumsmeile, the birth house of Beethoven, and many historic buildings. The University of Germany’s weather is in fact much better than its reputation, Bonn is situated in a wonderful city where people and Bonn is one of the country’s warmest places. The can live comfortably. In the summer, thousands summers are often humid warm with average temperatures of students enjoy the open-air facilities in and of around 20°C, sometimes rising to 35°C in extremes. The around Bonn, making the Hofgarten, a large park winters are usually mild, rarely with temperatures below in front of the university, a popular place to meet, the freezing point or with snow. study, play ball-games and relax. In general, Bonn Bonn‘s old Town Hall conveys a (multi-)cultural, academic, historical, but also modern and personable atmosphere.

 The University of Bonn

he Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität of Bonn was founded almost 200 years ago and is Facts and figures of the University of Tconsidered to be one of Germany’s and Europe’s Bonn (as of April 2007): most important institutes of higher education. With a Personnel student population of 27,000, the University of Bonn 500 professors is not only one of the largest in Germany, but also an 2,100 other academic staff institution rich in tradition. 1,500 non-academic staff Bonn is a research university that operates internationally. It has partnerships with 55 renowned Students universities worldwide. Foreign postgraduates and 27,000 students academics currently participate in more than 1,500 4,100 foreign students international research projects. Many foreign guest lecturers and scientists come to our university on the Studies Rhine to teach and research. For years, Bonn has been 90 separate degree programs offered among the most sought-after universities in Germany for holders of research fellowships and prizewinners Budget of the eminent Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. Total expenditures: 302.6 million Euro More than 4,100 foreign students from 140 countries are currently enrolled at the university. Research Making up about 15.2% of the student body, the Funds attracted from third parties: 77.6 million University of Bonn has a quota of international euros students well above the average for Germany. Their 8 collaborative research centers presence underlines the international character of the 7 postgraduate collegia university and enriches both academic and social life 8 research groups and clinical research groups in Bonn. University premises 371 buildings spread throughout the city

University of Bonn libraries Main university library (2.22 million volumes) approximately 100 decentralized institute libraries

University clinics 3,200 non-academic staff budget: 482 million Euro 30 clinics 1,314 beds

The Palace of Bonn, erected by Prince-Elect Clemens-August, who reigned from 1723-1761, today  houses the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität. The Center for Development Research (ZEF)

he Center for Development Research (ZEF) task of advising and supporting the Center in is an international academic player with a its ongoing activities and future strategy. Ttransdisciplinary approach to research and The challenge of ZEF is to capture and teaching on international development. Established in move beyond the best current research and 1997, ZEF is an institute affiliated to the University of teaching on development, which in many Bonn directly subordinated to the university’s senate. cases means thinking more holistically The goal of ZEF’s core research work and its graduate about development and cutting across program is to produce and disseminate sound traditional academic disciplines. ZEF development research that can make a contribution works on research themes of central im- to reducing poverty and enhancing sustainable portance to the developing world. The development. It also strives to improve development research programs build on the meth- policymaking and support cooperative research with ods and analytical approaches of the scholars in developing nations; to use doctoral studies disciplinary research areas and link to build greater capacity for improved policy analysis and integrate knowledge and ca- and policymaking in developed and developing pacities from these different areas. countries; and to disseminate its research results Results of ZEF’s research are pub- beyond the research community through policy lished in its own scientific series, dialogues, workshops, seminars, and a variety of other in the ZEF Discussion Papers on activities. Development Policy, in renowned In correspondence with its three major research academic journals and in books. areas, ZEF has three departments, which work ZEF’s research, advisory conjointly: work and teaching are carried out in close cooperation with • Political and Cultural Change (ZEF A) national and international partners all over the world. • Economic and Technological Change (ZEF B) This is an important part of the partnership effort. About 50% • Ecology and Natural Resources Management of ZEF’s personnel is recruited (ZEF C) internationally. To support its objectives The three departmental heads form the ZEF and tasks, ZEF organizes Directorate. The directors of ZEFConsult and UNU-EHS international conferences, are ex-officio members of the directorate. The three expert rounds and public departments cooperate closely with the university's lectures on development issues. respective faculties. ZEF’s work is supported by an In addition, ZEF publishes Policy external, international advisory board that plays a Briefs which are relevant for key role in its development. The ZEF Board comprises policymakers and, for a broader about 15 members with diverse backgrounds in audience, a newsletter (ZEF policymaking, business, and research. The board news) as well as an Annual monitors and evaluates ZEF’s activities and has the Report. The ZEF homepage provides up-to-date information on ZEF’s activities and personnel.

 The Directorate of ZEF

Prof. Dr. Solvay Gerke Political and Cultural Change (ZEF A)

Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hiemenz Economic and Technological Change (ZEF B)

Prof. Dr. Paul L.G. Vlek Ecology and Natural Resource Management (ZEF C)

Prof. Dr. Janos Bogardi United Nations University – Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) (ex-officio director)

Dr. Hartmut Ihne ZEFConsult (ex-officio director)

 The International Advisory Board of ZEF

Prof. Dr. Hans J.A. von Ginkel Under-Secretary General of the UN and Rector of the United Nations University in Tokyo (Chairman of the Board)

Dr. Maritta von Bieberstein Koch-Weser Founder and President of Earth 3000, former Director General of IUCN – The World Conservation Union; Chief Executive Officer of The Global Exchange for Social Investment (GEXSI – Global Headquarters), Germany Prof. Dr. Bohnet Former General Director, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Representative of BMZ for the new EU Member States, Germany Mr. Gisbert Dreyer G. Dreyer Planungsgesellschaft m.b.h.; founder of the Dreyer Foundation, Germany

Mr. Hartmut F. Grübel Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Research for Sustainability, Germany

Prof. Dr. Donald L. Horowitz Professor of Law and Political Science, Duke University, USA

Mr. Minister of the State Ministry for Generations, Family, Women, and Integration of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany Mr. Hans-Dietrich Lehmann General Director, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Germany

Dr. Eitaro Miwa President NARO (National Agricultural Research Organization), Japan

Prof. Dr. Per Pinstrup-Andersen Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, USA

Prof. Dr. Günther Schlee Director at the Max Planck Institute of Social Anthropology in Halle, Germany

Prof. Dr. Matthias Winiger Rector of the University of Bonn, Germany

10 The Bonn International Graduate School for Development Research (BIGS-DR)

hrough its Bonn International Graduate School The structure of the doctoral program is tailored for Development Research (BIGS-DR), the Center to the individual academic needs of the students, in Tfor Development Research (ZEF) intends to particular for those coming from developing countries. strengthen the development research community in ZEF provides intense study counseling and academic Germany, Europe, and worldwide. The program aims support services by tutors and mentors. It offers at educating future decision-makers from developing an all-round service to ensure that you can quickly countries and Europe for international careers. It is an settle into your studies and everyday life in Bonn. initiative to provide a high qualification to upcoming The services range from helping to find a place to live young scientists, academic staff, advisers, and through support for visa application to preparations managers for both the private and the public sector. for the field research. The program offers training for doctoral degrees in The program has become internationally renowned social and natural sciences, , and agriculture since its inception in 1999. In its size (around 140 PhD at the University of Bonn and other universities. students per year), internationality (students from Development is an expanding field of research around 72 different countries) and interdisciplinarity, and professional employment. Working in this field the program is unique in Germany and Europe. requires interdisciplinary skills and competences. BIGS-DR safeguards disciplinary excellence while requiring an understanding of and an ability to work in other development related fields. Combining theory, practical research experience and implementation in the areas of social, economic, and ecological change enables students to explore new fields and be competitive on the international job market. BIGS-DR offers an interdisciplinary approach to research on development issues and provides doctoral students with a broad view on development, in addition to sound training in theories and methods of their disciplines. ZEF attaches great importance to research carried out in a developing country or a development-related institution. Leading researchers Dr. Günther Manske from all over the world conduct research at ZEF and Academic Coordinator, BIGS-DR also teach at BIGS-DR.

11 Educational Concept and Timeframe

n line with ZEF’s philosophy that development is the student’s discipline while simultaneously teaching rarely constrained by a single problem within a an understanding of and an ability to work in other Isingle discipline, the BIGS-DR curriculum is based development-related disciplines. on crosscutting themes of central importance to the Although the structure of the doctoral program is developing world. The orientation is interdisciplinarity tailored to individual needs, the timeframe is limited to in the sense of integrating natural and social science three years in duration. Normally, students will qualify perspectives, rather than the integration of, say, for entry to the research phase within 6 to 12 months, hydrology and ecology into hydroecology, or economics followed by a research phase of 1 to 2 years. A final and anthropology into economic anthropology. period of 6 to 12 months for synthesis and writing BIGS-DR aims at transferring so-called “T-shaped completes the program. Thesis writing is done in Bonn skills.” While the vertical line represents the ability to under the close supervision of a committee whose conduct a profound analysis of the disciplinary problem members are experts in the research field covered by to be solved, the top of the T represents the ability to the student. Although the individual phases of the think in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary terms doctoral thesis might vary according to discipline and and analyze the problem in a development context. subject, the complete duration is fixed. This educational approach safeguards excellence in

August – September Course October – November Module 1: Interdisciplinary Course, Termpaper November Refresher Course on and Statistics Module 2: Disciplinary Courses December – January Course on Sociology, Cultural Change and Development (ZEFa) December – March Course on Economic Analysis of Development and Development Policy (ZEFb) February – March Course on Ecology and Development (ZEFc)

Special Courses 3 years GIS & Remote Sensing UNU-EHS Course (Disaster Risk Reduction) Intercultural Weekend Seminar

Study Plan BIGS-DR CropSyst training-course Modeling courses Duration of the complete PhD study: April Start of the field Research

12 The PhD Course Program

he BIGS-DR course program consists of a set • Special short courses: mathematics and statistics, of intensive, tailor-made block courses. These remote sensing, geographic information systems, Tare conducted by professors, fellows and intercultural seminar senior researchers of ZEF as well as by professors of participating faculties at the University of Bonn This allows the doctoral candidates to earn the and affiliated institutions and guest professors. The required number of credits for the certificate of courses provide students with inter- and trans- "Doctoral Courses in Development Research at ZEF" in disciplinary skills and disciplinary knowledge and a credit point system. Usually, there is an examination tools to ensure that their research has a development on the subjects of each course at the end of each focus. The courses include the classical fields of module. Successful participation in the courses is a environmental disciplines within natural sciences, and prerequisite for a doctoral degree supported by ZEF. the economic, political, and social-cultural dimensions During the first – 6 12 months of the course, the of development. They are offered in three modules, students are also expected to work with their tutor and divided into periods of one to three months: supervising professor on fine-tuning their proposals, working out the necessary budgets, and organizing • Module I: A four-week interdisciplinary course, the infrastructure and institutional arrangements which intends to broaden insights in development of their field research within the host country. The issues and open the minds of the doctoral field research proposal is presented to the scholars students to other disciplines as well as shape in Bonn and the interested faculty for comments their working mentality for their future doctoral and suggestions before clearance is given to travel research. Three additional weeks are dedicated to abroad. improving research skills by writing a term paper, which is mandatory for all students.

• Module II: Disciplinary courses structured along disciplinary lines in economics, social sciences, and ecology, with a special emphasis on theory and methodology (mandatory for the students of the respective discipline)

• Module III: Courses on specific topics, or specific training for individual students provided in laboratories at the University of Bonn, or other cooperating institutes in Germany or abroad.

ZEF’s library 13 PhD Research Areas

octoral research is based on field research in ZEF´s five crosscutting themes are: the broad area of development cooperation, Drelated to issues of social, economic, and • Land Use and Degradation ecological change. Thus students work on current topics at the forefront of the international debate • Water Security on development corresponding to their expected involvement in practice-oriented research or practical • Biodiversity development work. The doctoral students of BIGS-DR are integrated • Sustainable Energy in ZEF`s research groups and often conduct their field research in one of ZEF´s large long-term research projects • Health abroad. This gives the students the opportunity to work closely with experienced scientists and use the project’s infrastructure. ZEF’s doctoral research is closely aligned with ZEF´s three core area programs, economic resources, ecological resources, and political and cultural resources, or ZEF´s crosscutting research themes (see figure).

Crosscutting Themes In ZEF´s crosscutting research activities the various disciplines jointly analyze global environmental change issues and seek entry points to mitigate or cope with these phenomena in the course of pursuing sustainable development.

14 eflecting the recent international policy consensus, the ZEF’s general theme is “Global Environmental Change and Human Development.“ Among all factors connecting economic and political development, Rnatural and social sciences as well as human health, the most significant is likely to be global environmental change. Global environmental change [...] refers not only to the impacts of increases in CO2 and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, but also to broad-scale changes in land cover and land surface processes that accompany increasing human population, patterns of human settlement and economic activities. The interaction of these factors as well as the different velocities of change in environmental and human development will lead to emergent phenomena that may lie outside historical experience, and as a consequence will pose extraordinary challenges to transdisciplinary development research. Dealing with global environmental change is rarely a technical issue alone. A thorough understanding of global environmental change phenomena and its drivers will be of little consequence if ways to have local communities and policymakers act to mitigate or adapt are not found. ZEF’s crosscutting research aims at establishing this link. A Strategy for the Future of ZEF – The Next Decade (June 2007)

Land Use and Degradation

EF‘s research on land use and degradation seeks to increase the understanding of degradation Zprocesses, and their social and economic causes and consequences. In many areas of environmental change, no solutions or adequate strategic responses have been found yet; in others, there is a lack of societal awareness and political will for corrective measures. Proper land management or reclamation is therefore not a task for land managers or soil specialists alone. It also requires a policy environment that supports sustainable changes in land use, such as sound policies on tenure and property rights on land and water. These should provide incentives for farmers to invest in improvements of the productivity of land and water, thus allowing them to continue living off their land without destroying it. It is at this point that both biophysical and socio-economic research, i.e. interdisciplinarity, become a must. Within ZEF’s terrestrial ecosystem research program, land-use change processes are given attention in two areas:

• at the ecosystem edge where land conversion is taking place, such as forest margins, wetland margins, and desert margins (e.g. North Ethiopia, Sahel, the Bragantina zone in North Brazil);

• at locations where intensive land-use practices are leading to land degradation, and require new designs for sustainable land use (e.g. the Khorezm region in the Aral Sea Basin).

15 Asia Khamzina from Uzbekistan

“My doctoral thesis contributed to finding solutions to mitigate land degradation problems in the ecologically deteriorated Aral Sea Area in my home country of Uzbekistan. I completed my work as a junior researcher in ZEF’s long-term project on ecological and economical restructuring of land and water use in Uzbekistan’s Khorezm Region. Working with ZEF allowed me to design and lead a field study using high-tech equipment and state-of-the art research methods supported by a unique multi-disciplinary team of junior and senior researchers. Not only did my research benefit from working as part of ZEF’s project team in Khorezm, but my educational experience was also greatly enhanced by my course work with ZEF students from around the world.“ Dr. Asia Khamzina did her doctoral study from 2002 until 2006. The research was funded by the Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF).

A research approach: Complexity and Computer Models

The insights into processes affecting land degradation made by social and natural scientists are usually based on on-site plot studies. Models reflecting these insights are developed within the respective disciplines, also at ZEF, including systems of scaling up from plot studies on land degradation to the landscape level. However, integrating such models from different disciplines has proven to be difficult. Recently, a promising approach to modeling the complex interactions of land degradation and mitigating action was pioneered by ZEF in a research project in Vietnam and is based on a Multi-Agent System (MAS) approach. The MAS provides a description of the human- environment system that can capture complexities of hierarchy, interdependence and heterogeneity and is flexible in design as it is easily adjusted to changes in number of agents to be considered.

16 Water Security

Charlotte van der Schaaf from ccess to water sufficient in quantity and quality the Netherlands for domestic, agricultural, economic and cultural Arequirements is a prerequisite for development in any meaningful sense of the word. Apart from its “I was attracted essential role in supporting healthy, productive and to ZEF by the pos- dignified domestic living conditions, water is the factor sibility to combine that defines agricultural productivity in many of the scientific, theoret- world’s most densely populated regions. Its availability ical concepts with directly influences the energy sector via hydropower their practical im- generation and power demand for pumping, and plementation. it protects and promotes ecosystem health and I did my doctoral biodiversity. Transdisciplinary research on water in its research on irriga- physical, ecological, socio-economic, political, and legal tion management, contexts is thus integral to ZEF’s research agenda. decentralisation The livelihoods of roughly 70% of the world’s poor are processes and the tied closely to agriculture, and irrigation development water sector reform in Burkina Faso in the frame- has been demonstrated clearly to increase employment work of the GLOWA Volta Project in West Africa. and income and to reduce the price of food. However, In my current position as a water policy advisor at irrigation development also has negative impacts on the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) I realize the physical environment. It has been estimated that how much I benefit from my education at ZEF. reductions in irrigation water use relative to present First of all, it is rather unique how much project levels will be required to maintain ecosystem health experience I collected during my 14 months of globally. Efforts to reconcile poverty alleviation and field research in Burkina Faso. But also the inter- ecological sustainability objectives require protocols cultural and multidisciplinary setting at ZEF, the for the management of water resources that take full teamwork within the project and the training in account of the value of water in supporting ecosystem conceptual and analytical thinking contributed to function, which in turn must acknowledge the complex becoming an expert in water-related development system of rights and entitlements that underlies the issues, working in countries all over the world.” water governance process. The broad objective of Charlotte van der Schaaf received her doctorate in ZEF’s water management research agenda is to arrive July 2007. She was sponsored by the ZEF-led GLOWA at integrated approaches, in partnership with actors Volta project, funded by BMBF and ZEF. in the “problem watersheds” that are the subject of our investigations. The water crisis is a crisis of governance – not one of scarcity. From: The No Water No Future preparatory document for the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development.

17 As noted in the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) “Biodiversity is the fruit of billions of years of evolution, shaped by natural processes and, increasingly, by the influence of humans. It forms the web of life of which we are an integral part and upon which we so fully Biodiversity and its Conservation depend.”

iodiversity is a measure of the abundance and ZEF recognizes that driving forces and measures for variety of life at different scales. It is defined by the conservation and use of biodiversity vary within Bthe diversity of genes, species, and ecosystems. and between cultures and depend on a multitude of But apart from quantitative attributes it also includes factors such as resource availability, social norms and functional attributes and humans who attach various cohesion, skills for exploitation, education, availability values and rules to it in order to protect and use of information or market access. The combination of biodiversity for human development or for its own the different features and functions of biodiversity sake. Today it is recognized that biodiversity loss with the attributes of the users of biodiversity and can undermine the prospects of future generations their abilities in responding to environmental change to adequately respond to environmental changes, by adaptive social organization yields a complex diseases, changing consumer trends and other research domain. Exploring and understanding this challenges that we currently cannot foresee or predict. complexity requires interdisciplinary approaches. Human population growth, policy and institutional ZEF, therefore, works on biodiversity conservation failures, and poverty have been frequently identified and management concepts that equally consider as causes of biodiversity loss, which need to be dealt ecological, economic, and cultural factors. with to achieve sustainable development.

Li Zhaohua from China

“I did my doctoral research on ‘Diversity and ecology of mountain bamboos in the Shennongjia National Nature Reserve of Central China: Implications for resource management and biodiversity conservation’. After my graduation I returned to the Hubei University in Wuhan, China. The University asked me to ‘make a Chinese copy of ZEF’, so I founded a new Faculty on ‘Resources and Environmental Science’. Now, three years later, we have 37 academic staff members, 15 laboratories, and 467 undergraduate students participating in four programs: geographical science, geo-information science, urban and rural planning, and environmental engineering, as well as 63 postgraduates. Currently, I am Professor in Ecology and Dean of the Faculty.” Li Zhaohua was a PhD Student at ZEF from August 1998 to February 2002. His doctoral study was funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) via German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

18 Sustainable Energy

he need for energy is often met at the expense The 1st World Conference on Renewables in Bonn of conserving land, water, as well as biodiversity. in 2004 resulted in the adoption of an international TThe environmental damage caused by energy Programme of Action. The goal by 2015: one billion consumption affects the productivity of agriculture more people are to have access to clean energy from and industry, human health and education. A sound renewable sources. Currently, 1.6 billion people lack sustainable energy policy is thus a key element of any access to modern energy services and 2.3 billion strategy for sustainable development. Sustainable people rely on traditional biomass for their basic energy involves the use of renewable sources, such energy need (UNEP). Conservative forecasts see the as solar power, wind power, wave power, geothermal demand for energy in developing countries doubling power, tidal power and others, and improved energy over the next 20 years. If this demand is primarily efficiency. satisfied by fossil fuels, the result will be grave environmental damage. Doctoral Research on Renewable Supporting sustainable energy is necessarily Energy in China multi-dimensional in scope and involves the coordinated deployment of several interventions Mr. Chian Woei Shyu including: channeling services and capital resources analyzes the imple- for investment in small and medium energy mentation and so- enterprises; supporting research and knowledge cio-economic bene- about the environmental benefits and sustainability fits of the ‘Township of investments in renewable energy markets and Electrification Pro- industries; building capacity in the design and gram’ in the re- deployment of renewables-friendly policies. This is a mote rural areas of new area for ZEF, where it concentrates on selected western China. This sectors and regions in developing countries that fit program was launched by the government of the into the portfolio of ZEF´s research experience and People’s Republic of China in 2002 in the context research capacity: (1) study policy and regulatory of its policies on renewable energy. These policies measures that encourage the production of renewables focus on providing electricity based on renewable through private sector investment and lending, energy to rural areas. The ‘Township program’ aims (2) analyze the options, and the constraints and the at providing electricity by using small household technologies to produce sustainable energy and, systems based on solar energy and wind power, (3) develop alternative energy strategies and integrate especially for townships that are not connected to environmental externalities into the energy sector. grid electricity in the remote rural areas of China’s nine western provinces. This research is conducted in cooperation with the Research Center for Sus- tainable Development (RCSD) at the Chinese Acad- emy of Social Science (CASS) in Bejing, and is fi- nancially supported by BMZ via GTZ. 19 Health

ith many infectious diseases (malaria, channels, drains, and seepage ponds harbor are tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS) spreading rapidly all potential intermediate hosts for malaria and Wacross developing countries, resource bilharzia. management cannot ignore the importance of A further link between change in the hydrologic sustained health of the people it seeks to protect. cycle and adverse health effects relates to The costs of infectious diseases to the economy and contamination of surface and groundwater by their impact on human welfare and development are agrochemicals. Health risks from surface and enormous. groundwater contamination by pathogens and Changes in environmental conditions, specifically agrochemicals are highest for the rural poor especially ambient temperature and moisture regimes, can alter women and children, who are closest to points of the suitability of habitats for bacteria, viruses and application and who have low access to treated water. their vectors, including insects and rodents. Higher In addition, poor people tend to be excluded from temperatures are particularly favorable for carriers of health care either because facilities are not available many tropical diseases, including malaria and dengue or because treatment cannot be afforded. Changing fever. In addition, changing hydrologic conditions can environmental conditions are hardest on poor people exacerbate diarrheal diseases when torrential rains with few options to adjust their livelihoods, while lead to contaminated water supplies, or when drought vulnerable households may not be able to cope with conditions result in insufficient water supply for these changes at all. Reducing poverty is thus an bathing and food preparation. Climate changes important response to reduce vulnerability to illness. also affect the risk associated with In focusing on the connection between the rain fed agriculture. Responding to anthropogenic impact on the natural environment that, farmers turn more and more and how they affect human health, ZEF aims at to irrigation to reduce the risk of identifying particularly vulnerable segments of the crop failure. However, irrigation population and formulating policies that ameliorate reservoirs, flooded fields their situation. While doing so, ZEF explicitly (paddies), acknowledges the significance of socio- economic factors and cultural values within local contexts, as the causes of disease often lie, at least partially, in the social, economic, cultural, and spiritual context of the patients. Issues addressed include risk assessments, the identification of potential vulnerable populations, existing coping strategies, and risk management to reduce the poverty- illness linkage and improve resilience.

20 Abay Getahun Asfaw from Ethiopia

“My doctoral study was in the area of health care. My particular focus was on the role of community health insurance schemes in poverty reduction and human resources development. The doctoral degree I got from ZEF has opened me a door for high-level professional jobs worldwide. Immediately after graduation, I have taken a senior researcher position at ZEF and then a postdoctoral position at International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in Washington, DC, USA. Currently, I am working for the World Bank. For my past and current work I won two prestigious prizes in Germany for my research on health insurance, poverty, obesity, and gender related issues in developing countries.” Dr. Abay Asfaw did his doctorate at ZEF from 1999 until 2002. In 2002, he received the Josef G. Knoll-Wissenschaftspreis for his PhD thesis. His research was funded by BMZ via DAAD and GTZ.

Disciplinary Research Programs

Research on Political and Cultural Resources role. Social resources refer to knowledge, institutions (rules, norms), and networks of a society. he department’s research in the field of Following this understanding of social resources, political and cultural change is concentrating ZEF concentrates on three core research areas: Ton the analysis of social, cultural, and political aspects of Global Environmental Change and • institutions and strategic groups; Human Development. ZEF’s overall understanding of resources not only encompasses the economic or • social and cultural diversity; natural dimension, but also includes the social sphere. In every society the production, access and control of • knowledge governance. social resources (or of social capital) plays a crucial

Shahjahan H. Bhuiyan from Bangladesh

“I did my doctorate on ‘Unveiling the Face of Social Capital: Evidence from Community-Based Solid Waste Management Initiatives in Urban Bangladesh’. The academic program of ZEF offers the students a combination of knowledge, methods and tools to strengthen their specialization as well as to give them an overview and insight of development-related issues and methods in general. By doing a doctoral study at ZEF, I gained knowledge on how to tackle development-related issues with a broader outlook and from a multidisciplinary scientific perspective. My education at ZEF made me familiar with a modern philosophy of teaching. Now I believe in active learning and try to maintain a vivid and interactive classroom. I understood that teaching is not only lecturing to students; it is about presenting theories, concepts, and empirical lessons to students in a way that can integrate these ideas and information into their real life experience. I try to accomplish this particularly through improving their critical thinking skills.” Dr. Shahjahan Bhuiyan’s doctoral research (2001 – 2004) was funded by BMZ via DAAD and GTZ. He now is an Associate Professor at the University of Chittagong in Bangladesh.

21 Till Stellmacher from Germany

“I joined ZEF as a doctoral student in the project Conservation and Use of wild Coffee Arabica in the montane rainforests of Ethiopia (CoCE). For my doctorate I analyzed the institutional framework affecting coffee forest resource use, management and conservation. For this, I spent more than one year in Ethiopia. Most of the time, I worked on the local level, performing interviews and group discussions with forest resource users in remote villages within the coffee forests of south-western Ethiopia. This period was definitely one of the most intensive times of my life, providing me with umpteen experiences, deep understandings and appreciations that I will treasure positively forever. After finishing my doctoral thesis I continued working as a post-doc researcher in the CoCE research project, where I do research on the evaluation of wild coffee certification mechanisms.“ Dr. Till Stellmacher did his doctorate at ZEF from 2002 – 2006. His research was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

Research on Economic Resources

From an economic perspective, development is mainly about setting the right incentives to overcome poverty and improve natural resource management. Often, technological change is the driving force behind improved efficiency, a more sustainable development, and poverty reduction. Sustainable development, poverty reduction and development- enhancing technology utilization require appropriate institutional frameworks. The international trade agenda and emerging global and regional integration set part of this institutional framework. Against this background, the disciplinary research of ZEF addresses the following issues:

• growth, inequality and poverty;

• globalization and international trade; and

• natural resources, conflict, and vulnerability.

22 Felix Asante from Ghana

“I belonged to the first batch of ZEF doctoral students arriving at ZEF. When I returned to my research institute, ISSER, at the University of Ghana in Legon, I definitely had a broadened scientific scope. ZEF’s interdisciplinary training program provided me with knowledge and insight on several development-related issues. This certainly is an advantage compared to most other graduates, who rather focus on single issues. Since I came back with a lot of ideas, I was soon assigned as the coordinator of the program ‘Master in Development Studies’ at our university. My experience in building networks also led to setting up an energy center in Ghana in cooperation with the ‘Resource Center for Energy, Economics and Regulation’ in Texas, USA.” Dr. Felix Asante did his doctorate from 1999 until 2002. It was funded by BMZ via DAAD and GTZ.

Adama Konseiga from Burkina Faso

“I did my doctoral research at ZEF from August 2000 to March 2004 and received a degree in Development Economics in the framework of a cooperation between ZEF and the Center for International Development Studies and Research (CERDI) in Clermont Ferrand (France). I specialized in migration issues and wrote my thesis on ‘Regional integration beyond the traditional trade benefits: Labor mobility contribution. The case of Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire’. After graduating I worked two years as a post-doctoral fellow at the African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC) in Nairobi, Kenya. Here, I sharpened my research interests in migration and broadend my research topics to related demographic phenomena such as urbanization, poverty, child and maternal health, HIV and orphan plight as well as human well-being at large in sub-Saharan Africa. At ZEF I developed my skills in data collection and data management which turned out to be highly appreciated for conducting a surveillance system where we interviewed households every four months. I believe the analytical skills and research capacity I brought to APHRC were very much appreciated.” Dr. Adama Konseiga’s doctoral research was funded by BMZ via GTZ and DAAD. In 2005, he received the Global Development Medal for Outstanding Research on Development for his doctoral thesis. He is now a Lecturer in Development Economics at the University of Sherbrooke in Canada. 23 Research on Ecological Resources

Natural resources form the basis for human livelihoods and development. The depletion of natural resources, loss of biodiversity, landscape changes and shifts in material and energy flows are putting critical stress on the global environment. Understanding these changes is not only a major challenge for science, but also a prerequisite for designing policies and actions to alter the course of events or temper their effects. In many areas of environmental change, we have still not found solutions or adequate strategic responses, whereas in others there is a lack of public awareness and political will for corrective measures. ZEF focuses on the following processes that may directly or indirectly affect ecosystem functioning and provisioning:

• ecosystem management

• environmental flows

• environmental change

• environmental impact analysis

René T. Capote Fuentes from Cuba

“I did my doctoral thesis on the “Resilience of mangroves on the south coast of Havana province, Cuba” and received my doctoral degree from the University of Bonn in July 2007. I did a comparative field study on the resilience of mangroves on the south coast of Havana province, Cuba, in Mexico and in the USA. My main practical conclusion is that there is no need of much new ecological knowledge to slow down the degradation of mangrove ecosystems, and to restore many of them. We know well enough by now that mangroves, together with other wetlands, are world-wide important for human food and water consumption, as well as to flood regulation and coastal protection. We know a lot about the fragile interplay between water and soil levels, enabling the restoration of mangroves that have been degraded. Generally spoken, there is too much focus on science and too little attention for the practical and technical implementation of solutions. This has to change.“ Dr. René Capote’s doctoral research was funded by BMZ via DAAD and GTZ. After graduation he returned to his Institute of Ecology and Systematics, and to Havana University.

24 Cooperation and Networks

EF and its BIGS-DR are part of Bonn’s network Institute (DIE). Other partners are: the German of international centers of science and research Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development Zas well as development policy institutions. This (BMZ), the UN Secretariat for the Convention to network offers various possibilities for graduates, e.g. Combat Desertification (UNCCD); the Secretariat of to participate in joint conferences and workshops the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and to benefit from interaction with staff, lecturers, (UNFCCC); the United Nations Volunteers (UNV); the and doctoral students from the United Nations Secretariat of the Convention on Migratory Species University – Institute for the Environment and Human (UNEP/CMS). Finally, ZEF hosts the Global Water Security (UNU/EHS), the Bonn International Center System Project (GWSP) and the University of Bonn’s for Conversion (BICC) and the German Development Interdisciplinary Latin America Center (ILZ).

Origins and research locations of BIGS-DR participants

25 ZEF Alumnus Dr. Asante was appointed as the first member of the newly established “African Good Governance Network” by the Federal President of Germany Horst Köhler and the President of Ghana John A. Kufuor. The ZEF Alumni Network

EF maintains an alumni network of development- colleagues and newsletters from other organizations oriented academics and policymakers who have as well as professional announcements and job Zbeen affiliated with ZEF. This network provides openings worldwide. ZEF with an increasing number of colleagues in key A publicly accessible data base of development positions both in research and government institutions experts (www.zef.de) has been developed as a tool to in all major developing countries. attract development organizations wishing to recruit Such a network enables ZEF to plan future experts, consultants, and policy-advisers to establish cooperative research, to initiate further projects in bilateral relationships, as well as to identify experts the educational field, and to disseminate its research and lecturers for congresses. results among those responsible for implementing ZEF is using the latest ideas and technology in development policies. The ZEF alumni network has order to facilitate communication and knowledge its own website with protected login and password. management as well as to disseminate professional Here, the alumni can find information about previous achievements among the alumni and colleagues.

355 participants from 72 countries since 1999

Latin America Asia 8% 23% USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand 1%

Central Asia, Russia 7%

North Africa, West Asia 2% Europe 31%

Sub-saharan Africa 28%

26 ZEF Alumni Careers

egular surveys among the alumni show that the alumni found jobs in international organizations the Bonn International Graduate School for like the World Bank, CGIAR centers or the United RDevelopment Research (BIGS-DR) is achieving Nations Organizations, whereas 13% found post- its main goal: that of educating future decision- doc positions in Germany. Six percent found a job in makers from developing countries as well as German another OECD country. and European scientists for an international career. The monitoring of the careers of former German By March 2007, 158 doctoral students had participants also confirms the success of the BIGS- graduated in the BIGS-DR since its interception in DR concept: immediately after completing their 1999. A survey of their career progression showed theses, most of them took up positions in national that 66% of the graduates from developing and or international organizations in a development transition countries returned to their home countries related context, in German ministries or in developing to take up positions in the fields of research, teaching, countries. administration, and governments. Twelve percent of

Careers of European ZEF alumni (n=49)

Germans in federal As consultant or Careers of ZEF Alumni ministries of Germany researcher at research 10% institutes or NGOs in from developing countries (n=109) developing countries Just finished PhD study, 4% looking for a job Working in an OECD 2% No information country 2% 6% Postdoc position in In international Germany or other organizations, World OECD countries Bank, CGIAR, UN 13% 25%

International organizations, World Bank, CGIAR, UN At European institutions 12% 59% Working in another developing country Working in the home 1% country 66%

27 Admission Requirements

he program includes students from developing in the American system, or a grade higher than 2.0 countries and students from Germany and other in the German system or equivalent) in economics, Thigh-income countries. The main target group political science, agricultural and resource economics, consists of young scientists from universities around engineering degrees, geography, mathematics, natural the world who are already employed by national or science or agriculture. international research institutions, governments, The age limit is 32 years. Only in exceptional cases or in the private sector. They should have a keen we may accept doctoral candidates who are older interest in interdisciplinary approaches to problem- than 32 years, depending on their qualifications and solving. A successful application requires an excellent the provision of scholarships by the donors. master or equivalent degree (G.P.A. higher than 3.0

Financial Matters and Fellowships

he total estimated cost of a 3-year doctoral study The students need a scholarship or have to prove at the Bonn International Graduate School for that they have sufficient financial resources for the TDevelopment Research varies from € 36.000 to € whole program period of three years. 64.000, depending on living standard and the type of doctoral research: Studying with one’s own funds or Average costs per month of living in Bonn are: stipends from third parties accommodation plus living expenses € 650 – € 950, health insurance € 40 – € 80. ZEF admits qualified participants with their own funds The University of Bonn charges a semester fee of or stipends from third parties, such as governmental € 160, which includes free public transportation for or international sponsors. the whole semester within the Bonn-Cologne area. Currently, ZEF raises no tuition for the course program If you plan to study with your own funds or if you and supervision, but adequate research funds of up to already have a scholarship award, you may submit € 25,000 per doctoral study must be secured. an application any time. The fee for the two-month German language course is around € 800. This course is optional.

28 Fellowships directly available at ZEF scholarships are especially interesting for candidates from countries that are not considered to be developing Candidates from developing countries can apply for a countries, such as the GUS, Central Asian and European scholarship offered by the German Academic Exchange countries and others. If you want to apply for such a Service (DAAD). A number of these DAAD scholarships, scholarship, you first have to be accepted by the BIGS- which are sponsored by the German Federal Ministry DR and get the provision of a supervisor. Then you can for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), submit your application for a DAAD scholarship to a are directly available at ZEF. German embassy or DAAD office in your home country. Candidates can also apply for a doctoral position in Please ask the German embassy in your country for one of ZEF’s research projects. In this case, the topic, details and deadline of the application procedure. region and discipline of the research are determined by Applicants can also apply for a scholarship from the project. Such positions are announced on the ZEF any other foundation or sponsor. In this case too, you website (look under NEWS / SERVICE: VACANCIES). first have to be accepted by the BIGS-DR and then get the provision of a supervisor before you can apply for Short-term scholarships for external such a scholarship. participants Many countries receive loans from the World Bank or have projects with international organizations like External doctoral students can also participate in one FAO and UNDP to train young staff abroad. Candidates of ZEF´s doctoral courses. One option is to do this with for these scholarships are usually nominated by the one’s own funds. Doctoral students from developing government offices, universities and other institutions countries can directly apply at ZEF for a short- in charge. Also, the European Union offers scholarships term scholarship made available by the DAAD. For to students from developing countries. You will find application, you have to submit a letter of application, addresses of German and international scholarship a certified registration as a doctoral student ina programs at ZEF´s website: www.zef.de/donors.0.html. university, a letter of recommendation from your supervisor, a CV, copies of your degree certificates and Please note: Getting in touch with alternative the ZEF application form (available online). You can sponsors requires your own initiative. submit such an application at any time, but at least two months before the course starts.

Fellowships not directly available at ZEF

The German Ministry of External Affairs has bilateral agreements with many countries (not only developing countries) for DAAD scholarships. These DAAD

29 Application Procedure

pplying for the Bonn International Graduate The deadline of applications for DAAD scholarships School for Development Research involves two is August 31, yearly, for the courses starting in Asteps: October of the following year. The two-month German language course starts • online registration at www.zef.de on August 1, and the doctoral study courses on October 1, each year. • submission of all application documents

First you have to enter your data in an online registration database at the ZEF website (visit: www.zef.de, go to “Doctoral Program”, then click “For Application”). After having obtained your online registration ID, please send a hard copy of your application documents to ZEF (postal address see p. 31). The online registration helps to accelerate the selection and admission procedure, it is NOT a substitute for the submission of the hard copy application. All documents have to be submitted in English language.

Application Deadlines

If you plan to finance your doctoral study by yourself, you may submit your application documents at any time, particularly if you already have a scholarship or if you want to apply for a scholarship not provided by DAAD. Regardless of the option you choose, we need your complete application documents to be able to decide upon accepting you for the program and providing you with academic supervision. Online registration at www.zef.de is possible from February through September.

30 Application Documents The following documents have to be submitted as hard copies: • Letter of application (1 page), in English. • Curriculum vitae. • Copy of the passport. • ZEF application form with a recent passport photo; obtainable from ZEF´s homepage (www.zef.de). • Two letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors. • Copies of all relevant certificates of degrees obtained. You need an MSc or equivalent degree. Copies of the academic certificates can be authenticated by an Embassy or Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany. All certificates must be accompanied by an explanation of the grading system. Documents issued in languages other than German, English, French or Spanish must be accompanied by a German or English translation. • A plan of proposed research (about 8-10 pages), including a time schedule and an estimate of the expenses needed for carrying out the study; the plan should refer to the research themes of ZEF. Generally, the research proposal should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to conceptualize a research project. Usually, it will be adjusted or even revised in the course of the first doctoral studies’ year. • An abstract of the master or diploma thesis in English language. • List of publications and information on any previous study or research work considered to be significant. • Certified proficiency in English – TOEFL (550 points) or IELTS (volume 6). This is not necessary for German applicants and applicants who have English as their mother tongue or as the language of instruction at their university. • A successful GRE (www.gre.org) or GMAT (www.gmat.com) test, (especially for quantitative and analytical abilities) will enhance the odds of selection. • Statement from the current employer. (If they are interested in having you pursue this doctoral degree, this could be helpful when they grant a leave of absence for this purpose). • If available, a copy of the letter of award of a scholarship or proof of sufficient financial resources of your own. • Citizens from a developing country can apply for a DAAD scholarship. They have to submit a complete DAAD application-form obtainable from our homepage (www.zef.de) or from the DAAD home page (www.daad.de) to ZEF. • Complete applications should be sent directly to ZEF. For the application to the ZEF doctoral program, no prior contacts with German supervisors, academics, or institutes are necessary. Supervisors for the doctoral students will be arranged later under the guidance of ZEF in Bonn. Notwithstanding the information in the DAAD form, you should send only ONE copy of your application directly to Contact / Address ZEF! Center for Development Research (ZEF) Dr. Günther Manske, Coordinator BIGS-DR Please note: Incomplete applications are not Walter-Flex-Str. 3, D-53113 Bonn, Germany considered! E mail: [email protected] Phone: (++49/228) 73-1794 Fax: (++49/228) 73-1889 Internet: www.zef.de

31 Imprint Publisher: Editors: Dr. Günther Manske, Alma van der Veen, Mike Gardner Center for Development Research (ZEF) Layout: Katharina Moraht University of Bonn Printers: BGoMedia GmbH & Co. KG, Bonn Walter-Flex-Str. 3 Photos: ZEF staff, except p.4 (Presse- und Informationsamt des D-53113 Bonn Landes Berlin/Berlin Partner GmbH, www.pixelio.de), p.5 Germany (www.pixelio.de), back cover & p.6 (Presseamt Bundesstadt Bonn), p.7 (Dr. Thomas Mauersberg/University of Bonn), p.20 (Edith Fischnaller) Published in September 2007

While every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this brochure is correct, it may change over time.