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• AEERD Graduate Interview Questions - (0.02 MB)

  AEERD Graduate Interview Questions 1. What did you study (degree) and why did you choose the field? - My study was a PhD in Environmental Economics. I chose it as a follow up to my Master’s program where I specialised in Environmental Economics. 2. What is your research topic and how did you choose the topic? - My research topic is “Using market-based instruments to reward for environmental stewardship: a case of community-based wildlife conservation policy of Zambia”. I chose the topics based on the problem I was attempting to address and the tools I though would better resolve it. 3. Can you briefly explain the topic and your findings? (please explain this in such a way that someone who has no experience in the field will understand it) - Governments in developing countries face a growing problem of poaching conducted by communities living near wildlife protected areas in search of food and money. This has makes it difficult for governments to conserve wildlife that could bring in more revenue to the whole country through tourism. The study therefore sought to address the livelihood problem of these communities by determining and quantifying alternative forms of obtaining food and money without having to engage poaching. In order to do this, governments need to ask these community members who poach what they would need for them to stop poaching. But we know that people cannot freely admit that they are poachers for fear of being arrested, as such they would not give truthful information. If we asked for what they want in order for them to stop poaching, they are likely to lie in order to please people interviewing them. In order to collect truthful information on what they need for them to stop poaching, we used two techniques called “Choice experiments” and “Indirect questioning”. These techniques help to collect sensitive important information that cannot be collected using common data collection methods used in research. I was therefore able to collect information that has enabled me make recommendations on how best to address the problem of reducing poaching and providing livelihoods for these communities, through our study. 4. Did you enjoy your studies? Was there anything in particular that you really enjoyed like a class? - Yes, I greatly enjoyed my studies. I particularly enjoyed learning how to use Choice experiments and indirect questioning techniques to collect sensitive information from respondents. 5. How does your degree prepare you for your future? - Poverty reduction and nature conservation are two critical components in attaining sustainable development. Therefore, the knowledge gained during this study will help me develop effective tools to contribute to sustainable development 6. What are some of the most important challenges facing agricultural economics, extension, and rural development today? - I find among many other, two eminent challenges in developing countries. The first is to how to develop adequate skills that would lead to production of sufficient food for the rapidly growing populations. The second is how to innovate in the midst of adverse effects of climate change to attain food security. 7. How do you see your research contributing to addressing these challenges? - Identifying alternative forms of livelihoods proposed in this study for the communities living near wildlife protected areas will help towards attainment of household food security, in addition to informing evidence-based conservation policy prescription. 8. What are your thoughts on the future of agriculture and rural development? - This will highly require substantial investment into research and innovation in that currently, food production environments are increasingly becoming harsh due to pests, diseases and climate variability. Therefore governments must brace themselves towards this commitment. 9. What lessons have learned while studying that you can pass on to the younger generation? - Two quick take homes; our knowledge as learners is always limited as such, we should always look at our teachers and supervisors advise as efforts meant to help us progress and do better in our studies. They may sometimes appear unreasonable but are all being done in our best interest. Secondly, our studies may take longer periods than we had planned due to unseen circumstances. This should not break us down but make us look out for ways out of such huddles. My own study was adversely affected by the outbreak of the Corona virus which delayed my data collection stage. 10. Why should people study Agricultural economics, Extension or Rural Development? - While not everyone can drive a car, wear a pair of shoes or own a mobile phone, it is an undeniable fact that everyone needs food, implying therefore that food security must be a priority in everyone’s mental agenda. This cannot be successfully attained without as many people as possible studying Agricultural Economics, Extension or Rural Development. 11. What is your favourite part about being a researcher? - Contribution to addressing human problems through evidence-based policy prescription. 12. How was your experience with your supervisor? What was the high point for you? - A valuable and immeasurable learning experience, one that has only been fully appreciated after completion of my studies. My high point was when my supervisors accommodated my weaknesses, even in cases where I made avoidable mistakes. *If you've published your research, please send me the links to the publications. - My research was published in the Ecological Economics Journal, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2023.107762.