Project Description:
This project will explore the potential for irrigation to improve food security in Kenya to directly support the iSPARK project (https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/directories0/dir-record/research-projects/1986/ispark-innovation-in-sustainability-policy-adaptation-and-resilience-in-kenya). The student will use policy documents with existing crop-climate model output and observed datasets to assess projected production changes in Kenya with and without irrigation expansion. Results will be presented as scenarios that articulate possible futures, assessing where irrigation expansion could happen, and how this might impact food security. Existing knowledge of programming language(s) will be used, together with support from members of the Climate Impacts Group, led by Andy Challinor. The student will also participate in group meetings (Mondays) and informal lunches (Fridays), and potentially iSPARK project meetings.
The steps in the work are:
1. Assess existing model simulations that explore expansion of irrigation to meet specific future targets, as specified in Kenya’s National Water Master Plan 2030. Plots will be made to map where the expansion is projected to occur – which regions of Kenya will see the most expansion?
2. Explore the National Water Master Plan 2030, and other literature as needed, to determine a thorough understanding of the challenges of expanding irrigation, and how model projections compare to policy implementation plans. For example, where will the water for increased irrigation come from, and how can this happen given the crop and water use projections from the models?
3. Discuss results with the iSPARK team at Leeds and collectively generate a plan to use remote sensing data to assess existing irrigation areas.
Pre-requisites:
Experience in R or Python
Supervisory Team:
Andrew Challinor
Contact:
Andrew Challinor: a.j.challinor@leeds.ac.uk
How to apply:
- Complete the online REP application form one for each project of interest.
- Email a copy of your CV to yes-dtn@leeds.ac.uk (only once is needed).
- Complete the EDI Form (only one is needed). Although this is optional, if places are over-subscribed, preference will be given to under-represented groups, as defined above.