One Masters level bursary (R80 000 pa) and one PhD level bursary (R120 000 pa) are available for an exciting interdisciplinary project in the Eastern Cape,

and based at Rhodes University in Grahamstown.

 

Project title: A place to belong: urban planning, housing and greening

We seek motivated and enthusiastic students to conduct Masters and PhD research as part of an interdisciplinary team to investigate the worldviews and experiences of nature and use of natural resources and elements in the context of urban residents and its implications for urban planning, housing and greening. This research project forms part of a collaboration of researchers from the Biocultural Diversity Conservation Programme (BCDC) and SARChI Chair in ‘Interdisciplinary Science in Land & Natural Resource Use for Sustainable Livelihoods’ based at Rhodes University (RU). This collaboration brings together an in-depth understanding of links between biodiversity and human well-being in the Eastern Cape with an urban planning and greening perspective. The research is facilitated by Dr Michelle Cocks (BCDC Research Program – Anthropology Department and Professor Charlie Shackleton (SARChI Chair – Environmental Science Department, RU).

Our ongoing research has shown that many Xhosa speaking residents in the Eastern Cape have strong material and spiritual links to nature. Nature provides resources for utilitarian use, traditional customs and rites and religious functions and contributes to a sense of personal well-being. Indeed, the benefits of nature experience to human well-being and quality of life is increasingly acknowledged locally and internationally. Yet during the last century most urbanisation processes in South Africa have resulted in reduced areas of green space and biodiversity, especially in the poorer township and RDP areas.

We suggest that urban development in South Africa undermines the cultural needs and contexts of most South African urban residents negatively affecting quality of life, identity andplace making. The project therefore aims to investigate the multiple realities of urban dwellers’ worldviews, appreciation, needs and uses of urban greenspaces (in the broad sense) and elements therein. The proposed research will be undertaken in small/medium sized towns in the Eastern Cape.

Funding for the Masters research will be made available for two years and for three years for the PhD research. Students will be expected to present their findings at relevant conferences to publish the research in peer-reviewed journals. Students with a strong academic back ground in social anthropology and environmental science, and an enthusiasm for doing field-based research are encouraged to apply.

To apply please send the following to m.cocks@ru.ac.za asap:

  • 1-page motivation including your research interests
  • Your academic qualifications and results
  • CV
  • Two contactable references

Please contact Michelle Cocks (m.cocks@ru.ac.za) or Charlie Shackleton (c.shackleton@ru.ac.za) for more information and to discuss the application process.