University of Fort Hare
Together in Excellence
FACULTY OF
SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES
Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship
COMMENCEMENT DATE: 1 NOVEMBER 2021
The role of ‘alternative economies’ as drivers of socio-ecologically sustainable development for South Africa’s rural provinces: a study of development alternatives for the Eastern Cape Province
In various African countries, economic policies often focus on macroeconomic development with heavy reliance on the extractive sector (minerals and agro products) which form the bulk of their foreign exchange earnings. In consequence, the extractives compromise the environment and local communities whose livelihoods depend largely on land. For instance, the 2013 Africa Peer Review Mechanism Report. noted that extractive industries, “leave the poor behind and harm the environment” (Africa Progress Panel. 2013:32). With growing unemployment rate in different African countries, such as South Africa, a shift in ‘development thinking’ is needed urgently. Such new thinking must be community-based, environmentally sustainable and leverages on existing indigenous knowledge 5Y5tems. This project examines the role of micro level ‘alternative economies’ that are rooted in indigenous knowledge systems and sustainable environmental practices as the basis of grassroots economic revolution in South Africa. The overreaching aim of this study is to explore the opportunities in rural areas of selected municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province for the development of small and medium scale economic activities, and exa mine ways of leveraging these opportunities. This non-hierarchical model, it is expected, will feed into the government’s local economic development (LED) goals.
AWARD CRITERIA & DETAILS:
- A PhD in Sociology (preferably with focus on environment and sustainability) or related fields.
- Evidence 0f prior research and publications in DHET approved journals.
- The applicants must have completed their doctoral degree in the last five years.
- The successful applicant must not be in full-time employment and is expected to dedicate his/her time wholly to the fellowship.
- The fellow shall be based in East London, South Africa. for the duration of the fellowship.
- The value of the fellowship is R300000for one year.
- The fellow must perform satisfactorily to be considered for renewal for a second year.
- The successful fellow will be expected to publish at least three (3) articles in DHET accredited journals during the fellowshipship,
- The fellow will report to Professor Ike Umejesi (Department of Sociology).
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Interested applicants are advised to send their CV and motivation to: Ms. Landela Mdangayi; email: LMdangayi@ufh.ac.za
In addition to CV and motivation letter, applicants are required to submit a proposal Of not more than 2500 words focusing on the
theme: “Interfacing indigenous knowledge system. small businesses and socio-ecologically sustainable development in South Africa”.
The proposal must demonstrate good grasp of literature and social research methodology.
DUE DATE: 24 SEPTEMBER 2021
Enquiries: Please channel all queries to Prof. Ike Umejesi
Email: iumejesi@ufh.ac.za
