THE NELSON MANDELA

AFRICAN INSTITUTION OF SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY
(NM-AIST)
MASTERS AND PhD FELLOWSHIP IN LIVESTOCK
VALUE CHAIN
The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST),
Arusha, Tanzania in collaboration with Sokoine University of Agriculture
(SUA), Tanzania Livestock Research Institute (TALIRI), Mabuki Research
Centre, Mwanza and International Livestock Research Centre (ILRI), Nairobi
will be implementing a Community Action Research Project (CARP)
entitled Testing and Scaling-up Application of Innovative Animal
Feeding and Health Management Technologies for Improved Dairy
Productivity among Smallholder Farmers in Tanzania hereinafter
abbreviated as CARP-LIVESTOCK.
Supported by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in
Agriculture (RUFORUM), the project will involve a multidisciplinary team of
researchers from the Universities (NM-AIST and SUA), and local and
international research institutions (TALIRI and ILRI). The project will leverage
on the already existing network of institutions established by the ILRIsupported Maziwa Zaidi project including Heifer Project Tanzania and SNV
Netherlands Development Organisation, Tanzania Dairy Board and farmers
organizations, all which are important stakeholders for the project.
Under the research-intensive training project, a multidisciplinary cohort of
PhD and Masters students, supported by competent team of supervisors and
mentors will be engaged in testing and scaling up the application of various
innovative technologies in smallholder dairy farms in Lushoto district of
Tanga region, Tanzania for improvement of animal feeding, health
management and manure utilization.
The potential projects by PhD and Master Students are expected to:
(i) Improve the nutrition of animals in the smallholder farms through
application of innovative and sustainable animal feeding technologies and
utilization of existing on-farm resources;
One PhD student will undertake the feed characterization,
formulation and feeding studies assisted by one BSc student.
Characterization of the types and seasonal availability of animal
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feeds (pastures, forage or concentrates) and analysis of nutritive

value depending on season and preservation methods used by
farmers will be made. Existing feeding practices will be assessed
and documented in terms of quantity and quality of feed given to
different categories of animals
(ii) Introduce and promote technologies for management and utilization of
manure and bio-slurry;
One Master student will be assisted with one BSc student to
estimate amount of manure produced per animal or farm/per day.
Manure processing and/or management practices by farmers will be
documented. On-farm demonstrations for manure management for
improving its value as an organic fertilizer and use for
establishment of home pasture and fodder gardens, and leguminous
fodder trees will be undertaken. Alternative use of manure for
biogas production and the use of the by-product (bio-slurry) as a
feed for monogastric animals such as pigs, poultry and fish will be
investigated.
(iii) Establish animal health programs for enhanced prevention and control
of animal disease constraints at farm level; and
One Master student assisted by one BSc student will undertake
research on animal disease problems. A cross-sectional study will be
undertaken using epidemiological, clinical and pathological
examinations and laboratory procedures to establish prevalent
diseases. This information will be supplemented by disease records
accumulated over years from the extension offices. Indigenous
knowledge on diagnosis and management of endemic disease will
be documented.
(iv) Facilitate formation of sustainable farmers innovation platforms that
are effectively linked to markets as part of university-facilitated
outreach/engagements with communities.
One Master student assisted by one BSc student will characterise
the existing market constraints and opportunities in dairy
production system in the project area. Key stakeholders within the
market value chain will be characterized, different market segments
will be identified and characterised; demand and supply patterns for
the dairy products at different seasons will be documented in order
to inform planning at farm level. The students will work with the
existing farmers networks, associations, private entrepreneurs and
NGO to identify business opportunities and feasible market
segments for increased and new products resulting from the above
interventions.
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The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology is soliciting

applications from qualified candidates for One (1) PhD and Three (3)
Masters fellowship under the CARP-LIVESTOCK project for the 2015/16
academic year, from any qualified applicants within East African countries.
The NM-AIST prospective students who have provisional admission letter are
encouraged to apply for the CARP-LIVESTOCK Fellowship. Furthermore, the
NM-AIST prospective students who have applied for Admission at NM-AIST
but not yet received admission letter are also encouraged to apply for the
fellowship.

Applicants for CARP LIVESTOCK Fellowship should submit the following

1. Duly completed application forms
2. Certified photocopies of relevant certificates and academic transcripts.
3. Concept note
PhD applicant two pages concept note of what he/she wishes to
research on
Masters applicant one page concept note on what he/she wishes
to research on
4. Most recent Curriculum Vitae
5. Names and contact details of at least two professional referees.
6. Contact details: Telephone, E-mail and Postal Addresses.
Selected candidates will be registered at NM-AIST and pursue studies by
thesis and, upon successful completion of studies they will be awarded a PhD
and Masters degrees of NM-AIST.
Application for fellowship containing the above document should be titled
Application for PhD/Masters Fellowship under the CARP
LIVESTOCK Project it should be send;
a) By e-mail to: admissions@nm-aist.ac.tz
b) By Post to: Admissions and Students Fellowship Department, The
Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, P.O. Box
447, Arusha, Tanzania,
c) By Hand Delivery to: The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science
and Technology, Tengeru Campus, Admission and Students fellowship
Department, Administration Block, Wing E, Office N0. 105,

Female candidates are very highly encouraged to apply.

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Deadline for receipt of applications: 31th July 2015.