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Thesis research topics

Research topics:

*Working title*	Evolution of community-based institutions and implications for forest management. A comparative analysis of the Bakossi and Santchou Reserves (Cameroon)
Level	MSc
Context, objectives and research methods	Recent theoretical constructs seek to understand how and why institutions change in complex socio-ecological environments, involving economic factors (e.g. market access), technological and demographic changes, among others. Building on Ostrom’s design principles and on the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework, scientific investigations that seek to understand the processes and contexts within which novel institutions are crafted have become the subject of interest. Therefore, understanding the evolution and forest management implications of community-based institutions in socio-culturally diverse settings, shaped by different colonial histories, presents a justified starting point for sub-Saharan Africa. The proposed study seeks to: (1) comparatively analyze the evolution of community-based institutions in selected Bakossi and Santchou reserve communities of Cameroon, and (2) explore the extent to which the dynamics of these institutions have defined (and continue to define) forest resource use and management. Country of studies: Cameroon
Design/Methods	Case study Qualitative (key informant/expert interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation/shadowing) Framework/thematic analysis, and process tracing
Timeframe	Timeframe (between May 2020 and August 2021)
Partner	College of Technology (COLTECH), The University of Bamenda, Cameroon
Funding	Die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)
Contact	Dr. Jude Kimengsi, email:

*Working title*	Measuring the effect of formal and informal institutions on forest management choices: Case study of The Santchou Reserve in Cameroon
Level	MSc
Context, objectives and research methods	The New Institutional Economics (NIEs) provides a sound theoretical foundation for analyzing the impact of formal and informal institutions on the management of forest resources. However, scientific investigations have, for the most part independently analyzed both institutions, showing varying outcomes in regulating natural resource use. Crucially, the latent nature of institutions continues to attract significant interest with respect to effectively operationalizing institutional variables and measuring their effect on forest resource management choices Therefore, research approaches and theoretical constructs are needed to enhance understanding of how two forms of institutions (formal and informal) affect the intentions of agents (humans), and regulate their actions, regarding the use and management of forest resources forests). Such an investigation in socio-culturally diverse settings, presents a justified starting point in the Congo Basin forest of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), of which a substantial part is located within the borders of Cameroon. The proposed study seeks to (1) explore the existence and effectiveness of formal and informal institutions, (2) analyze households’ knowledge and compliance determinants of both institutions, and (3) estimate the effect of formal and informal institutional parameters on forest management choices. Country of studies: Cameroon
Design/Methods	Mixed-methods; qualitative (key informant interviews, focus group discussions); quantitative (surveys) Thematic analysis Binary logistic regression
Timeframe	Timeframe (between May 2020 and August 2021)
Partner	College of Technology (COLTECH), The University of Bamenda, Cameroon
Funding	Die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)
Contact	Dr. Jude Kimengsi, email:

*Working title*	Rural transformation (social, institutional, economic) and forestry: potentials, challenges and upscaling options in the Global South
Level	MSc
Context, objectives and research methods	A significant proportion of rural areas are found close to forest areas, indicating a strong relationship between the process of rural change and natural resource (forest)-linked livelihoods. Rural transformation as a societal change process, is linked to the diversification of income-generating activities, and equally suggests a shift away from natural resource-dependent options. Despite significant interest on this subject, not enough context-specific information exists on how the rural transformation process is conceptualized. Furthermore, the potentials and risks associated with transformation, and the differing outcomes for forests and forest products still demonstrates lacunae. The proposed study seeks to: (1) identify and characterize the rural transformation process for selected forest-adjacent communities, (2) analyze the household level determinants of forest-based transformation choices, and (3) explore forest-based transformation opportunities (models) for rural communities. Country of studies: Cameroon, Ghana, Namibia and Bhutan
Design/Methods	Mixed-methods; qualitative (focus group discussions); quantitative (surveys) Thematic analysis Binary logistic regression
Timeframe	Timeframe (between March 2020 and August 2021)
Funding	Individually by the student (e.g. Promos)
Contact	Dr. Jude Kimengsi, email:

*Working title*	Determining recovery rates of current small-scale sawmilling practices in Uganda
Level	MSc, BSc (one of the objectives 1, 2a, 2b objectives)
Context, objectives and research methods	In Uganda, like in many other countries of the Global South, round wood from smallholder tree grower is milled with simple technologies, resulting in recovery rates below 20%. Improvements in technology would contribute to higher effectivity in the sector, and indirectly reduce pressure on the remaining forest resources. The WoodCluster project has started to work with smallholder tree growers in the Mubende Region, Uganda. Now research on processing and marketing of their products is planned, in detail: (1) Explorative mapping of saw-milling enterprises/operators (stationary and mobile) in Mubende Region, Uganda, including a brief documentation of their milling technology, products, annual round wood inputs, turn over, … (2) Collection of quality features and quality classes, including: - (2a) the standing trees (tree stands) and round wood logs purchased by saw millers for milling; and - (2b) the sawn timber products and by-products, sold to lumber retailer and final users like construction companies; (3) based on analysis of the collected data, identification of quality classes for both the logs/trees and the milled products (lumber, sawn timber) have to be suggested and defined. Methods to use are: purposive interviews (snowballing) for mapping the sawmill enterprises (1), structured interviews for the collection of quality features (2), and a statistical analysis, e.g. a cluster analysis, for the determination of the (3) quality classes. Results should to be published or summarized as hands-on for the support organizations and partners (research, NGO, GO) Before starting fieldwork, the research design has to be outlined and agreed upon in detail with the partners.
Timeframe	Timeframe: to determine upon individual agreement (rainy seasons: Mar to May and Oct-Nov)
Partner	WoodCluster team from the Makarere University, Uganda, Chair of Forest Utilization, TU Dresden Chair of Tropical Forestry, TU Dresden
Funding	Individually by the student (e.g. Promos), lump sum from WoodCluster project depending on the quality of the research proposal
Contact	Dr. Eckhard Auch, Before starting fieldwork, the research design has to be outlined and agreed upon in detail with the partners.

*Working title*	Determining single-tree growth of selected native timer tree species in Uganda
Level	BSc, MSc
Context, objectives and research methods	In eastern Africa several native tree species growing on individually hold farm land are used for timber for locally produced furniture. To encourage farmers to grow these species, data for the increment is required. Promising species have to be identified (expert interviews, literature) and measured in the field (diameter, height, crown cover, quality) and complemented with information from the farmer (age, sivicultural management, site conditions) and users (farmers, carpenters, timber trader). Results have to be published or provided as hands-on for the local support actors (research, NGO, GO)
Timeframe	Timeframe to determine upon individual agreement, rainy seasons: Mar to May and Oct-Nov
Partner	WoodCluster team from the Makarere University, Uganda, Chair of Forest Growth and Woody Biomass Production, TU Dresden Chair of Tropical Forestry, TU Dresden
Funding	Individually by the student (e.g. Promos), lump sum from WoodCluster project depending on the quality of the research proposal
Contact	Dr. Eckhard Auch, Before starting fieldwork, the research design has to be outlined and agreed upon in detail with the partners.

*Working title*	Determining increment and production of small holder wood lots in Uganda
Level	BSc, MSc
Context, objectives and research methods	Growing of eucalyptus and pine by small holders is widely practiced in Uganda, especially to produce transmission poles and logs for sawn wood. Up to now, the productivity of such stands is estimated on the base of the age only. Reliable data on real increment and true volume production of these systems as well as the structure of dimensions of the trees in the stand is important for designing recommendations for optimal management and rotation period of the tree plantations. Wood lots have to be selected accordingly to their representativeness for the area, the site conditions and for the silvicultural management (expert interviews, tree grower interviews, literature) Stands have to be inventorized (sampling) and basic grow and production parameters have to calculated, including height, volume and DBH distribution. A sampling design is available and should be further adopted. A simplified production scheme, including the yield structure of different rotation periods, are to elaborate based on the measured data. Results have to be published or provided as hands-on for the local support actors (research, NGO, GO)
Timeframe	Timeframe to determine upon individual agreement, rainy seasons: Mar to May and Oct-Nov
Partner	WoodCluster team from the Makarere University, Uganda Chair of Forest Growth and Woody Biomass Production, TU Dresden Chair of Tropical Forestry, TU Dresden
Funding	Individually by the student (e.g. Promos), lump sum from WoodCluster project depending on the quality of the research proposal
Contact	Dr. Eckhard Auch, Before starting fieldwork, the research design has to be outlined and agreed upon in detail with the partners.

*Working title*	Business plan elaboration for a charcoal production from sawdust from small-scale sawmills
Level	BSc, MSc
Context, objectives and research methods	In eastern Africa the timber grown by smallholders is largely converted by small-scale sawmills to lumber. Currently there is no use of the by-product sawdust. In addition, charcoal is a well-established energy source, especially for the poor. Improved small-scale technology for charcoal production is developed (e.g. Pyreg), combined with pelleting/briquetting, the system could be feasible to produce charcoal for local markets. Substantial supply of such charcoal would reduce the degradation and conversion of native forests for charcoal production. Required information is to collect (literature, expert interviews), and for a given case (Uganda or Tanzania) a business plan is to elaborate and to discuss.
Timeframe	Timeframe to determine upon individual agreement
Partner	WoodCluster team from the Makarere University, Uganda or Sokoine University, Tanzania
Funding	Individually by the student (e.g. Promos), lump sum from WoodCluster project depending on the quality of the research proposal
Contact	Dr. Eckhard Auch, Before starting fieldwork, the research design has to be outlined and agreed upon in detail with the partners.

*Working title*	Bee honey and wax value chains for sustaining tropical forests
Level	BSc, MSc
Context, objectives and research methods	Bee keeping in the Tropics is considered as highly efficient for the prevention of forest fire and conservation of natural tree species, and it contributes substantially to rural cash income. Bee products are exported in large scales to the EU, and contribute significant to national economies by foreign currency earnings. A successful bee keeping cooperation has to be selected and studied (expert interviews, literature, reports, internet documents): The production system is to describe, including the management of bee keeping, structure and extend of the bee pasture, management of the bee pasture for bee keeping (and possible conflicts), economic estimate of the inputs, outputs and income from bee keeping The subsequent value chain for honey and bee wax is to describe, with actor groups, role of bee product income per group, value added, flow of information, coordination of the chain, major markets and standards require by each market Country of studies: Uganda
Timeframe	Timeframe to determine upon individual agreement
Partner	WoodCluster team Makarere University, Uganda
Funding	Individually by the student (e.g. Promos)
Contact	Dr. Eckhard Auch, Before starting fieldwork, the research design has to be outlined and agreed upon in detail with the partners.

*Working title*	Bee honey and wax value chains for sustaining tropical forests
Level	BSc, MSc
Context, objectives and research methods	Bee keeping in the Tropics is considered as highly efficient for the prevention of forest fire and the conservation of natural tree species, and it contributes substantially to rural cash income. Bee products are exported in large scales to the EU, and contribute significant to national economies through foreign currency earnings. A successful bee keeping cooperation has to be selected and studied (expert interviews, literature, reports, internet documents): The production system is to describe, including the management of bee keeping, structure and extent of bee pasture, management of the bee pasture for bee keeping (and possible conflicts), economic estimate of the inputs, outputs and income from bee keeping The subsequent value chain for honey and bee wax is to describe, with actor groups, role of bee product income per group, value added, flow of information, coordination of the chain, major markets and standards require by each market Another important component is the identification or creation of organized production and commercialization platforms (groups) to control the entire process. Country of studies: Cameroon
Timeframe	Timeframe to determine upon individual agreement
Partner	Dr. Jude Kimengsi, Catholic University of Cameroon (CATUC), Cameroon
Funding	Individually by the student (e.g. Promos)
Contact	Dr. Eckhard Auch, Dr. Jude Kimengsi, Before starting fieldwork, the research design has to be outlined and agreed upon in detail with the partners.

*Working title*	Analyzing the ebony supply chain in Cameroon: A case of Crelicam Company
Level	BSc, MSc
Context, objectives and research methods	Ebony timber is an essential wood source which contributes to the national economy of Cameroon Cameroon has seen the introduction of wood processing industries – leading to a significant increase in ebony wood extraction. The alarming extraction rates in the Centre, South and East regions of the country, is likely to affect future supplies. More so, local dealers make limited income from the sector, while the greater benefits are reaped at the intermediate and higher levels. An explorative study to obtain an overview on traders and buyers in Cameroon, Africa and Europe is required. Assessing the production systems (natural stands, planted stands) and evaluating their productivity and sustainability Literature research, Expert interviews, value chain analysis.
Timeframe	Timeframe to determine upon individual agreement
Partner	Dr. Jude Kimengsi, Cameroon, (and/or partners in more growing areas, e.g. Tanzania, Sudan)
Funding	Individual (to be organized by the student, e.g. Promos application)
Contact	Dr. Eckhard Auch, eckhard.auch@tu-dresden.de Dr. Jude Kimengsi, Before starting fieldwork, the research design has to be outlined and agreed upon in detail with the partners.

*Working title*	Ecotourism Business model in the campo Ma’an national park (CMNP) of Cameroon
Level	BSc, MSc
Context, objectives and research methods	The CMNP has significant potentials for ecotourism Created close to 2 decades ago, it has a stable population of gorillas, chimps and elephants. Gorilla habituation process ongoing as a step towards promoting ecotourism However, there is no clear ecotourism business model to attract investors, enhance public-private sector partnerships and usher in service providers These are all needed to support local livelihoods of the indigenous populations, and contribute to the regional and national economy. An explorative study to obtain an overview on ecotouristic attractions and market potential is needed. Literature research, Expert interviews, feasibility studies to: Identify potential ecotourism products and packages paying particular attention to those that can be the subject of a community-private sector partnership, and individual local enterprises; Conduct feasibility studies including market assessment for the CMNP destination as a whole and for the individual ecotourism products and services identified Propose a business model to enhance the quality of the ecotourism products and services identified, minimise the environmental impact and maximise the local beneﬁt of ecotourism; Propose a capacity building plan and training program for communities;
Timeframe	Timeframe to determine upon individual agreement
Partner	Dr. Jude Kimengsi, Catholic University of Cameroon (CATUC), Cameroon
Funding	Individual (to be organized by the student, e.g. Promos application)
Contact	Dr. Eckhard Auch, eckhard.auch@tu-dresden.de Dr. Jude Kimengsi, Before starting fieldwork, the research design has to be outlined and agreed upon in detail with the partners.

Working title	Farm diversification with production of trees and medicinal plants: assessing the feasibility for the case of small holder farmer in Chefasine, Ethiopia
Level	MSc
Context, objectives and research methods	Small farmer in Ethiopia are growing several commercial crops. As additional option the cultivation of medicinal plants have been introduced in the case study village, 10 model farmers will start to grow selected medicinal plants on their farms (in-situ). The experiences made so far have to be captured, structured and analyzed as preliminary business plan and as feasibility study and critically discussed. Required information is to collect from project resources and local actors, including participative sessions with the producers. Results have to be published or provided as hands-on for the project and for local support actors (research, NGO, GO)
Timeframe	The village can be visited in during the WoodCluster summerschool in July 2019, Time frame for fieldwork: July 2019 – April 2020
Partner	PhytoWood team from the Hawasa University, Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Ethiopia
Funding	Travel and lump sum from PhytoWood project, depending on the quality of the research proposal
Contact	Dr. Maxi Domke, Dr. Eckhard Auch, Before starting fieldwork, the research design has to be outlined and agreed upon in detail with the partners.

*Working title*	Determining increment of short rotation coppice tree production systems in Ethiopia
Level	BSc, MSc
Context, objectives and research methods	Short rotation coppice of eucalyptus by small holders is widely practiced in Ethiopia, to produce poles and firewood. Up to now, the production of such stands is hardly assessed by research. Reliable data on increment and volume production of these systems is important for designing recommendations for optimal management of the tree growing systems. Wood lots have to be selected accordingly to their representativeness for the area, the site conditions and for the silvicultural management (expert interviews, tree grower interviews, literature) Stands have to be inventoried (sampling) and basic grow and production parameters have to calculated, including height, volume and DBH distribution. A sampling design is available and should be further adopted. A simplified production scheme, including the yield structure of different rotation periods, are to elaborate based on the measured data. Results have to be published or provided as hands-on for the local support actors (research, NGO, GO)
Timeframe	Timeframe to determine upon individual agreement
Partner	WoodCluster team from the Hawasa University, Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Ethiopia Chair of Forest Growth and Woody Biomass Production, TU Dresden Chair of Tropical Forestry, TU Dresden
Funding	Individually by the student (e.g. Promos), lump sum from WoodCluster project depending on the quality of the research proposal
Contact	Dr. Eckhard Auch, Before starting fieldwork, the research design has to be outlined and agreed upon in detail with the partners.

*Working title*	Assessing single-tree productivity of selected native timer tree species in Ethiopia
Level	BSc, MSc
Context, objectives and research methods	In eastern Africa several native tree species from individually hold farms are used for timber for locally produced furniture. To encourage farmers to grow these species, data for the increment is required. Promising species have to be identified (expert interviews, literature) and measured in the field (diameter, height, crown cover, quality) and complemented with information from the farmer (age, sivicultural management, site conditions) and users (carpenters). Results have to be published or provided as hands-on for the local support actors (research, NGO, GO)
Timeframe	Timeframe to determine upon individual agreement
Partner	WoodCluster team from the Hawasa University, Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Ethiopia Chair of Forest Growth and Woody Biomass Production, TU Dresden Chair of Tropical Forestry, TU Dresden
Funding	Individually by the student (e.g. Promos), lump sum from WoodCluster project depending on the quality of the research proposal
Contact	Dr. Eckhard Auch, Before starting fieldwork, the research design has to be outlined and agreed upon in detail with the partners.

Heidrun Wende

Last modified: Apr 29, 2020

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