University student for cocoa agroforestry research

Are you a university student in Denmark or Ghana who is looking for a collaboration partner for your masters thesis

Preferred by Nature and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) are offering an exciting research opportunity as a Graduate Trainee for students interested in advancing sustainable cocoa agroforestry.

The student of the Graduate Trainee Program upon successful completion becomes a member of the International Association of Research Scholars and Fellows (IARSAF) which is an International body of Postgraduate students in areas of Agriculture and related disciplines conducting their research at IITA or any of the CGIAR Research Centers based at IITA in close collaboration with hundreds of partners under the co-supervision of CGIAR researchers and their respective Universities across the globe.

About the project

Preferred by Nature and IITA are seeking one student from a Denmark-based university and one student from a Ghana-based university to contribute to research in the Wassa Amenfi West region of Ghana. This opportunity is part of the Danida Green Business Partnership (Danida) project The Wassa Amenfi Cocoa Landscape Initiative Ghana. Led by Ferrero alongside Preferred by Nature Solidaridad and Rikolto the project aims to combat deforestation and improve cocoa farmers livelihoods through climate-smart agroforestry practices. The project runs from July 2023 to December 2027 and seeks to develop a commercially viable model for sustainable cocoa farming with potential benefits across Ghana.

Learn more about the project here: Wassa Amenfi Cocoa Initiative Preferred by Nature and Wassa Amenfi Cocoa Landscape Initiative Ghana - Danida Business Partnerships

Role overview

As a Graduate Trainee you will work closely with an IITA agroforestry expert and conduct field-based research supporting the projects ongoing activities. Your specific role will depend on the research area you choose (see potential research topics below) but general responsibilities include:

• Conducting literature reviews to inform research design

• Designing research plans questionnaires and reports

• Conducting both quantitative and qualitative research

• Collecting data through interviews focus groups and field visits

• Analysing data and contributing to final reports

Research topic opportunities

The project offers a range of research topics for you to pursue including:

• Cocoa agroforestry competitiveness Research on optimising agroforestry systems to improve cocoa yields while balancing environmental benefits.

• Policy reforms Investigating how multi-stakeholder forums can coordinate sustainability investments and align production practices with EUDR requirements.

• Yield increase Research on soil fertility management and good agricultural practices to enhance cocoa yields.

• De-risking cocoa agroforestry Exploring diversified gender-equitable farming systems to reduce risks for farmers improve livelihoods and promote resilience.

• Landscape planning Investigating how to harmonize conservation goals policies and agricultural practices for improved ecosystem functioning in cocoa landscapes.

• Data management Research on data tools and finance mechanisms to guide sustainable cocoa sourcing and prioritize investments in ecological restoration.

• Gender considerations Investigating how to implement gender-responsive approaches in cocoa agroforestry to ensure equitable access to resources and decision-making.

*Students will collaborate with IITA to develop their final research question.

What you gain from this opportunity

• Orientation session upon arrival with the Danish Embassy in Accra.

• Official Visiting Researcher status at IITA.

• Research supervision from an IITA agroforestry expert.

• Assistance with field logistics and stakeholder engagement for research.

• Hands-on experience contributing technically to a sustainable cocoa initiative.

• Access to expert networks and resources from Preferred by Nature and project partners.

Candidate qualifications

• University student at the masters level (or equivalent) enrolled in a university in Denmark or Ghana

• Relevant fields of study: agroforestry environmental science sustainable agriculture botany or related disciplines

• Formal training in qualitative research methods

• Experience in conducting or supporting qualitative research including research design data collection and analysis

• Strong research and analytical skills with the ability to work independently

• Adaptability and willingness to work in rural environments

• Cultural sensitivity and awareness especially when working with local communities

• Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential

Further details

• Number of positions: 2

• Start date: March 2026

• Duration: 1-3 months (depending on the candidate)

• Research location: Wassa Amenfi West Ghana / Accra Ghana

• Compensation: This is an unpaid opportunity; however support will be provided for essential research logistics to help reduce personal costs during fieldwork.

How to Apply

Submit your application by 25 January 2026 through Preferred by Natures Careers website.

Interviews will take place the first week of February.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a ground-breaking sustainable cocoa initiative while advancing your academic career. We look forward to your application!

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