PhD Position in Water Footprint Assessment and Water Credit Design for Egypt’s Horticulture

This PhD position focuses on advancing water-smart agriculture in Egypt’s horticulture sector, a critical area facing severe water scarcity and economic importance. The candidate will join the Water Footprint in Action programme, a collaborative initiative funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The research will involve quantitative analysis of water consumption, development of water footprint benchmarks, and design of credible measurement methods for water-saving incentives. The work integrates scientific rigor with applied impact, requiring close collaboration with international partners in the Netherlands and Egypt, including frequent field visits and stakeholder engagement. The successful applicant will contribute to both academic research and practical policy solutions, bridging evidence-based science with real-world implementation.

• Conduct quantitative analysis of water consumption in Egypt’s horticulture sector using crop modelling (e.g., ACEA model) and climate/socio-economic scenarios.
• Develop and apply water footprint benchmarks and performance indicators, comparing Best Available Technology and Best Available Practice standards.
• Design science-based methods for measuring water savings and improvements, ensuring credibility and transparency for policy and financing mechanisms.
• Collaborate with international partners in the Netherlands and Egypt, including agricultural and water research centres, to integrate research insights into practice.
• Engage in stakeholder interactions, conduct field visits to Egypt, and participate in knowledge exchange activities, publications, and learning programmes.
• Contribute to joint research, data exchange, and applied impact within the Water Footprint in Action programme.