Ecosystem services and pest control in agroforestry systems in Bali, Indonesia

There is the need to promote sustainable farming systems that provide social and economic equity and protect ecosystem services on which agriculture depends. The student will access different agroforestry systems with different crop compositions (e.g., cocoa, vanilla, coffee, patchouli, cardamom) in West Bali and measure ecosystem services provided (e.g., soil invertebrates, pollinators).

In addition, the student will assess the current strategies of pest control adopted by local communities, which will inform testing of different pest control methods to optimise crop protection. The research seeks to provide practical solutions for farmers (e.g., optimal crop/tree composition, pest control) that can be integrated into their management. The project will be in collaboration with local universities (Universitas Gadjah Mada, Udayana University) and with the local forestry department Kesatuan Pengelolaan Hutan Lindung Bali Barat).

Director of Studies: Dr Andrew Jones

Other Supervisors: Dr Marco Campera

The applicant is expected to spend about six months in Bali for data collection and testing. The student will have full support in Indonesia from an extended network of partners and stakeholders plus regular online communication with the supervisory team.

Whilst studying at Oxford Brookes, the student will be in face-to-face communication with the supervisory team at least on a weekly basis.

There is an additional requirement to undertake up to 6 hours undergraduate teaching/week during semesters and to participate in a teaching skills course without further remuneration.