List of Master`s Thesis Proposals

Bern University of Applied Sciences
School of Agricultural, Forest and Food
Sciences HAFL
List of Master’s Thesis Proposals
Sustainable Agricultural and Forestry Production Systems (SPS)
Topics and Further Information
Geography
Contact
Seed Production for Seeding of Species-rich Meadows
Comparison of seed production potential in two different threshing
procedures for the production of seed for meadows (Heudrusch), with
possible seed potential of one meadow flower species (e.g. Salvia
pratensis). In cooperation with UFA (seed industry).
Switzerland
Beat Reidy
Natural Spread of Plant Species
Investigation of natural spread of a meadow flowers sown strip in an
existing meadow. Indiviudual plant observation with GPS tracking. In
cooperation with UFA (Seed industry).
Switzerland
Beat Reidy
Comparison of Single Plants in a Population of Typical Species within an Extensive Meadow
For seeding species-rich extensive meadows, Swiss produced seeds are
used, which are collected in natural meadows. As it is quite costly to
produce and collect these plants, the question arises: How many mother plants are needed to produce a sufficient volume of seeds?
Switzerland
Beat Reidy
Influence of Biogas Slurry on Plant Growth
How does biogas slurry influence plant growth?
Agricultural biogas plants are allowed to use up to 50% of co-substrate.
Type and composition of the co-substrate used can highly differ and
have an influence on nutrient composition of the produced slurry. Further, the use of a special co-substrate may have negative impacts on
plant growth. The aim of this thesis is to investigate, how biogas slurry
of different origin affects plant growth in comparison to normal slurry
and mineral fertilisers.
Switzerland
Beat Reidy
Untersuchung und Bewertung älterer und neuerer Englischen
Raigras-Sorten
Welche Raigras-Sorten erbringen welche Leistungen?
In einem Versuch an der HAFL wurden ältere und neuere englisch
Raigras-Sorten angesät. Eine Untersuchung der Ertrags- und Qualitätsleistung in Abhängigkeit von Düngungs- und Nutzungsintensität soll
Aufschluss über die Eigenschaften der verschiedenen Sorten bringen.
Switzerland
Beat Reidy
Vergleich der Leistung und der Wuchsform unterschiedlicher Rotkleesorten
Switzerland
Beat Reidy
Développement d’une stratégie contre les millets d’été en Tessin
Développement d’un protocole de travail et mise en place d’un essaye
contre la lutte des millets d’été (plantes C4 comme Setaria, Digitaria,
Echinocloa,…). Le travail à le but d’analyser l’impact de différents types
de gestion sur les mauvaises herbes (millets d’été) et la production des
foins.
Switzerland
Beat Reidy
Einfluss des Witterungsverlaufs auf die Milchleistung auf Vollweidebetrieben
Der Verlauf der Witterung hat einen direkten Einfluss auf den Nährstoffgehalt des Wiesenfutters. In der Arbeit wird der Verlauf der Witterung auf die tägliche gemolkene Milchmenge unterschiedlicher Vollweidebetriebe untersucht werden.
Switzerland
Beat Reidy
Nährstoffflüsse auf Wildheuflächen im Kanton Graubünden
Im Rahmen einer Fallstudie soll untersucht werden, welche Auswirkungen sich durch die Verfütterung von Wildheu und den damit verbundenen zusätzlichen Nährstoffflüssen (Stickstoff, Phosphor, Kalium) über
Switzerland
Beat Reidy
Crop Production, Switzerland
Bern University of Applied Sciences
School of Agricultural, Forest and Food
Sciences HAFL
den Düngeraustrag für einen Landwirtschaftsbetrieb ergeben. Im Rahmen der Studie soll die Wirkung auf die Empfängerflächen abgeschätzt
und Konsequenzen für die floristische Biodiversität beurteilt werden.
Flower Meadow Project in Thurgau – Success of Seeding Speciesrich Arrhenatherum Elatius Meadows
Investigation of different parameters (seeding mixture, seed bed preparation, seed timing, site conditions, and weather conditions) in order to
understand their impact on seedling success of species-rich flower
meadows. Seedings of the years 2009 to 2015 of the flower meadow
project in Thurgau can be used for evaluation. Recommendations
should be given for choice of an optimal seeding mixture, most promising seed bed preparation and seeding point, depending on local site
conditions.
Switzerland
Beat Reidy
Stickstoff-Flüsse in zwei Milchviehweidesystemen
Im Projekt NiceGras in Posieux werden für zwei Weidesysteme (1. Vollweide ohne Ausgleich des Proteinüberschusses; 2. Vollweide mit Ausgleich des Proteinüberschusses durch Beifütterung von Maissilage) alle
N-Flüsse in Fütterung, Ausscheidungen der Tiere und Emissionen in Luft
und Gewässer erfasst. In dieser Masterarbeit geht es nun darum, den NHaushalt gesamtheitlich zu interpretieren und daraus Optionen zur
Verbesserung der N-Effizienz sowie zur Minimierung der Umweltbelastung abzuleiten. Kann kombiniert werden mit einer Teilzeitanstellung
als Praktikant/in während der Vegetationsperiode zur Unterstützung
der Versuchstätigkeit (Verzehrsschätzung, Probenahme, Tierbeobachtung etc.). In Zusammenarbeit mit H. Menzi, Posieux.
Switzerland
Thomas Kupper
Beat Reidy
Verteilung der Weideexkremente von Milchkühen und Konsequenzen für deren potentielle Düngewirkung
Auf ausgewählten Flächen wird in den zwei Weidesystemen des Projektes NiceGras in Posieux mittels Kameraaufzeichnung und anderen noch
zu prüfenden Verfahren die räumliche Verteilung von Harn- und Kotstellen bestimmt. Die Fläche und die Nährstoffkonzentration der Harn- und
Kotstellen wird untersucht und in Zusammenhang gesetzt mit den gesamten Stoffströmen (vom Projekt erhoben). Die Konsequenzen für die
Düngewirkung der Exkremente und die Auswirkungen auf die Umwelt
wird diskutiert. Kann kombiniert werden mit einer Teilzeitanstellung als
Praktikant/in während der Vegetationsperiode zur Unterstützung der
Versuchstätigkeit. In Zusammenarbeit mit H. Menzi, Posieux.
Switzerland
Thomas Kupper
Beat Reidy
Verbesserung der N-Effizienz von Milchproduktionsbetrieben durch
Optimierung der Hofdüngerwirtschaft
Durch die Optimierung der Hofdüngerwirtschaft können die N-Verluste
von Landwirtschaftsbetrieben deutlich reduziert werden. Wie gross ist
dieses Potenzial und was sind die wichtigsten Faktoren, um die Effizienz zu verbessern? Im Emmental haben im Rahmen von Arbeitskreisen
Betriebe während Jahren ihre Hofdüngerwirtschaft bewusst optimiert.
Auf 70 dieser Betriebe sollen Daten zu N-Flüssen (inklusive Ammoniakverlusten) gesammelt und einzelbetrieblich analysiert werden. In Diskussionen mit den Landwirten werden diese Analysen mit ihren Strategien verglichen und daraus Erfolgsfaktoren abgeleitet. Deutschsprachigkeit ist Bedingung. In Zusammenarbeit mit H. Menzi, Posieux.
Switzerland
Thomas Kupper
Beat Reidy
Mycorrhiza Dependency of Grassland Species
How successfully do herbaceous plants establish from seed after extreme summer drought? In the context of grassland dynamics due to
global change, the HAFL-based SNF-project Drought Legacy Effects on
Grassland Invasibility has investigated this question by experimentally
adding seeds of 36 species to grasslands using a multi-site approach
across Switzerland. How much do these species depend on mycorrhizal
fungi? A Master's Thesis Project could answer this question by growing
the same species from seed in pots with sterile substrate and pots with
sterile substrate infected with mycorrhizal fungi.
Switzerland
Andreas Stampfli
2
Bern University of Applied Sciences
School of Agricultural, Forest and Food
Sciences HAFL
Autonomous Agricultural Vehicles: Feasibility Study and Key Figures
In the framework of a feasibility study on the development of autonomous agricultural vehicles, key figures on the power requirements,
efficiency and performance of miniaturized machines for tillage, and
seeding have to be investigated.
Zollikofen
Bernhard Streit
Optimization of Nitrogen Fertilization with Precision Farming Techniques
Zollikofen
Bernhard Streit
Optimization of Seeding with Precision Farming Techniques
Site specific key parameters for seeding density and seeding depth have
to be identified and application functions have to be calculated.
Zollikofen
Bernhard Streit
Cover Crops for Conservation Agriculture (CC4CA)
The use of cover crops is the key to optimize cropping systems with
conservation agriculture and in particular no-tillage. The aim of this
project will be to screen already known and new cover crop species
between two main crops with focus on weed suppression and nutrient
balance.
Zollikofen
Bernhard Streit
Ecological and Economic Consequences of Chaff Collection During
Cereal Harvest
There is an increasing interest in collecting chaff as a substitute of
straw and as source for bioenergy. Removing chaff from the fields alters the micro-environment and, thus, weed populations and nutrient
cycles. On the other hand, farmers have an additional income selling
the raw material. Therefore, the aim of this study is to quantify these
effects.
Bern Region
Bernhard Streit
Alternative Control Strategies for the Sugar Beet Stem Nematode
Ditylenchus dipsaci
The stem and leaf nematode, Ditylenchus dipsaci, is a serious threat to
sugar beet production areas in Switzerland. Currently, chemical control
using granular nematicides is the only option to mitigate yield losses by
this nematode. However, due to the potential phase out of this group of
chemical nematicides, there is an urgent need for alternative control
strategies.
Switzerland
Andreas Keiser
Effects of Bacterial Tuber Contamination and Agronomic Factors on
Blackleg in Potato Fields
The aim of the project is to improve the health status of seed tubers
relating to Dickeya spp. (former name Erwinia chrysanthemi)
Switzerland
Andreas Keiser
Epidemiological and Genetic Study of Rhizoctonia solani Focussed
on Symptoms
With this research we want to identify a link between tuber symptoms
(cracks, sclerotium or dry core) and the genetics of the pathogen (anastomosis group). This research will also investigate if those Rhizoctonia
strains will develop the same symptoms after inoculation of healthy
tubers.
Switzerland
Andreas Keiser
Verification of Thresholds of Important Agricultural Pests (Blossom
Rape Beetle, Cereal Leaf Beetle, Colorado Beetle)
In order to receive direct payments, Swiss farmers have to fulfil certain
requirements. One of these is, e.g. that direct plant protection
measures only are permitted after the attainment of controlled thresholds. The existing thresholds are partly obsolete, partly no longer
adapted to the practice. In collaboration with the Federal Research Station Changins and the cantonal plant protection services important
thresholds are tested. Field experiments take place all over Switzerland.
Switzerland
Hans Ramseier
Molecular Detection and Control of Colletotrichum lupini, the Causal Agent of Anthracnose Disease, in Lupin Seed (Lupinus Albus)
Swiss agriculture is highly dependent on importing protein crops, mostly soybean, from outside Europe. For the organic sector in particular, a
Switzerland
Hans Ramseier
3
Bern University of Applied Sciences
School of Agricultural, Forest and Food
Sciences HAFL
more sustainable and local production of legumes is urgently needed.
FiBL supports the organic grain legume production in Switzerland focussing research on pea, faba bean, soybean and lupin. Lupin is tolerant to cool spring and dry summer conditions and accumulates nitrogen in the soil leaving a fertile, well-structured soil for the following
crop. It is also known to offer nourishment for bees and other insects
and produce protein rich seeds for animal feed and human consumption. One of the three commonly cultivated lupin species in Europe, the
white lupin (Lupinus albus), is well suited for the majority of Swiss soils.
However, it is currently not grown due to a risk of anthracnose infection, caused by Colletotrichum lupini (Nirenberg et al., 2002). The fungus is transmitted via the seed and can cause substantial or near-total
yield loss. In 2014, FiBL has started a lupin variety field trial to promote
lupin growing in Switzerland and initiate a breeding programme for
anthracnose resistance. The aim of this study is to reduce the sources
of primary field infection by developing a PCR-based diagnostic seed
test and by evaluating different methods of seed treatments for their
effectiveness to reduce pathogen infection.
Crop Production, International
Improving the Livelihoods of Farmers and Fishers Community Living from Coastal Resources of the Gulf of Mottama by Maintaining
and Sustainably Using its Unique Biodiversity
The goal of the project is to conserve and use the unique biodiversity of
the Gulf of Mottama in a sustainable manner in order to benefit human
communities that depend on it.
The project aims to improve the livelihoods of rural and ethnically diverse men, women and youth living from coastal resources by addressing three key outcomes focusing on improving the fishery sector, diversifying livelihoods, and promoting sustainable co-management and
conservation of natural resources.
Myanmar
Hans Schaltenbrand
Pastures and Shrubs in Australia, Potential for CO2 Abatement
Australia
Christoph Studer
Grain Storage Experiments with Clay Silos Looking at Storage Losses and Seed Germination, Mozambique
In the context of a seed program for maize and cowpeas, a locally developed clay silo (capacity 200 kg) was developed. The thesis should
compare this clay silo with the farmers' practice and with completely
sealed containers (Superbags and tin silos).
Mozambique
Urs Scheidegger
Impact Study of a Community-Based Seed Program for Basic Food
Crops (Maize, Cowpeas) in Northern Mozambique
Starting out from seed banks in a sample of communities, the flows of
seed from the bank to farmers and onwards to other farmers are to be
quantified over three generations of seed. Outcomes and impacts (yield
stability, economic benefits, food security, and resilience of seed supply, community ownership and finally effects on livelihood) are to be
measured. Information is to be disaggregated by social strata, gender,
crop and variety type (local or improved) and access to markets.
Mozambique
Urs Scheidegger
Study of Farmer-to-Farmer Seed Flows (Quality and Volumes) Triggered by the Mongolian Potato Project
The Mongolian Potato Project has triggered an extensive dissemination
of new varieties from farmer to farmer. The scope of these informal
seed flows is to be quantified and the health of respective seed along
the flows characterized (evaluation of symptoms of seed-borne diseases). Factors for success and risks are to be identified.
Mongolia
Urs Scheidegger
4
Bern University of Applied Sciences
School of Agricultural, Forest and Food
Sciences HAFL
Dynamics of Organic Matter in Slash-and-Char Systems
When adding Biochar to improve the fertility of tropical soils, the dynamics of soil organic matter seems to be profoundly changed. These
changes are to be studied through field trials and observational settings.
Cameroon
or Benin
Urs Scheidegger
Land Tenure Issues Relevant for Conversion of Slash-and-Burn to
Slash-and-Char Farming
Study of the present situation and ex-ante analysis of policy interventions regarding land tenure. Land tenure could play a crucial role in
farmers’ decisions to adopt slash-and-char Biochar.
Cameroon
or Benin
Urs Scheidegger
Positive Selection and Sprout Cuttings to Improve Seed Quality of
Native Potatoes
In a food security project of World Vision community-based seed production looks very promising. In a factorial experiment the effect of
positive selection and sprout cutting will be studied, starting and ending in farmers’ fields. The work will be in tandem with a student from a
Bolivian university.
Bolivia, Northern Potosí
(3500 – 4000
m)
Urs Scheidegger
Precision Agriculture for Small-Scale Farmers: Organic Fertilizers in
Rice Production
In a contract growing setting run by RMG (a commercial enterprise
linked to Syngenta Foundation), the IRRI nutrient manager is to be calibrated for conditions in Africa and for organic fertilizers.
Burkina Faso
Urs Scheidegger
Precision Agriculture for Small-Scale Rice Farmers: Rice Nutrient
Manager via Mobile Phone
In a contract growing setting run by RMG (a commercial enterprise
linked to Syngenta Foundation), the IRRI nutrient manager is to be integrated into the mobile phone app the contract farmers already use
(FarmForce).
Burkina Faso
Urs Scheidegger
Resource Conservation by Intercropping and Under sowing
More efficient use of light, water, nutrients and energy is a great challenge for the future. Intercropping and under sowing are possible solutions in arable farming and should be studied in depth. In several European countries, more research is done in this area.
Moldova and
or
Switzerland
Hans Ramseier
Investigation of Technical and Economic Aspects for Energy Production Using Horse Manure
The disposal & recycling of horse manure is a central problem, especially for horse farms without access to arable land. 'Swiss Horse Professionals' – the largest horse association in Switzerland – is seeking for
innovative solutions regarding the disposal and treatment of horse
manure. However, before concrete solutions can be offered, more
knowledge of the composition and energetic output of horse manure is
required. This project offers students the opportunity to expand their
personal knowledge in the field of alternative energy sources, for example Ethanol. Furthermore, valuable experiences and contacts in collaborating with the association 'Swiss Horse Professionals' can be made.
Switzerland
Michael Studer
Conny Herholz
Ammonia Emission in Relation to Feeding and Bedding Materials in
Horse Stables.
The objective of this study is to evaluate the generation of ammonia in
different bedding materials as well as after feeding EM Active+ Carbon
Feed in horse stables. Ammonia is one of the most important noxious
gases present in stable air and one that can damage the respiratory
tract. Over 80% of all horses are stabled in box stalls. Therefore the
quality of the surrounding air in horse stables and the generation of
ammonia from urine and feces are important factors regarding the impact on horses’ health and the environment.
Switzerland
Conny Herholz
Thomas Kupper
Animal Science, Switzerland
5
Bern University of Applied Sciences
School of Agricultural, Forest and Food
Sciences HAFL
Heritability and Breeding Values for Behaviour Traits in Cattle
The aim of this study is the estimation of heritability and breeding values for behaviour traits of one cattle breed of Switzerland using different methods.
Switzerland
Christine Flury
Woodland Egg Production in Switzerland
Egg production from hens kept below trees is advocated and marketed
as a particularly animal-friendly production system in the UK as well as
other European countries. This logic stems from the fact that these
hens can freely move around and live in an environment that resembles
that of wild Bankiva Chicken. Can this production system improve animal welfare in Switzerland as well, and can products be marketed with
an added value to the producer? Are there producers who already have
such a system in place? Can egg production be combined with fruit
production, or does this cause hygienic problems. Note: The main advisor for this thesis should be an expert for chicken production.
Switzerland
Jan Grenz
Resilience of Fodder Quality to Extreme Summer Drought in Hay
Meadows
Investigating drought effects on grassland in a multi-site experiment
over a wide gradient of productivity (land-use intensity, SNSF 20142017) we sampled harvests in hay meadows of canton Ticino, Wallis,
and Bern to investigate the resistance and the resilience of grassland
yield and vegetation structure to experimental summer precipitation
treatments (extremely dry, constantly humid, ambient) and the resistance of vegetation to plant invasion (invasibility). An open question
is how summer precipitation affects fodder quality, especially energy
and protein values. As soil nutrient supply increases after drought we
predict that fodder quality might temporarily be increased in autumn.
Zollikofen /
Zürich
Stefan Probst,
Andreas Stampfli
Effectiveness of Veterinarians without Borders
To elaborate a report on the effectiveness (Wirkungsbericht) of Veterinaire sans Fontière Suisse (VSF) for the years 2010 to 2015.
The objective of such a report is to inform different stakeholders on the
impact VSF Suisse has achieved through its work, e.g. answering the
following questions:
1. Where and how have the invested funds helped to improve local living conditions?
2. Who benefits from this engagement?
3. How does the work of VSF- Suisse contribute to the achievement of
the SDGs of the Agenda 2030
4. What are major potential and challenges of VSF Suisse today?
Desk review of VSF documentation (in particular yearly and evaluation
reports) and extraction of key information enabling to quantify effectiveness/impact.
Identification of knowledge/data gaps and elaboration of a proposal
for additional data collection
Field trip in some of the countries to collect additional data
Redaction of two documents: Comprehensive report (master thesis),
Short version for communication with professional layout
includes 6
African countries (Mali,
Togo, South
Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya,
and Somalia)
Pascale Waelti
Developing and Evaluating Integrated Farming Systems for Improvement of Smallholder Dairy Production in Milkshed Areas of
Malawi and Zambia
Agroscope's research group in business management is working with
local partners in Malawi in order to increase the milk production in
smallholder mixed production systems. Based on a survey among small
farmers and group discussions, specific measures have been defined.
These will be implemented in the coming months by specially trained
Malawi
Urs Egger
Animal Sciences, International
6
Bern University of Applied Sciences
School of Agricultural, Forest and Food
Sciences HAFL
small farmers (Lead-Farmer approach), in the hope that more small
farmers, e.g. their neighbors, also adapt the appropriate measures and
reach a production increase. In the frame of this project there are different opportunities to conduct a Master Thesis in the topic of agricultural economy or animal production.
Intensification of Dairy Production in Rwanda
This thesis will be done in collaboration with the NGO Food for the
Hungry in Rwanda. The objective is to evaluate sustainable ways of
improving milk production, using crossbreds, in particular by improving
feeding management.
Rwanda
Pascale Waelti
Quantifying the Environmental Footprint of Dairy Production and
the Potential for Reduction
Dairy farms usually have a large material turnover: large quantities of
feed, fertilizer, water and energy are needed for production, and emissions of methane, ammonia, nitrate, phosphate and nitrous oxide result
from it. Analyses of dairy farm sustainability done with the RISE method
(rise.hafl.bfh.ch) in China, India, Brazil and Mexico have shown that
there are major improvement potentials concerning the management of
feed and manure flows. The pattern and magnitude of environmental
impacts strongly differs between pasture-based and feedlot-based dairy
production. The significance of e.g. water and land use for dairy production strongly differs between densely- and sparsely-populated areas
(e.g. the Punjab vs southern Chile), and according to climate. How big is
the exact “environmental footprint” of dairy production? What are the
differences between different production systems and regions? By how
much can environmental damage be reduced through improved management and technology? Answers to these questions shall be sought
for three regions with different climate and population density. Data
collection will draw upon national and international databases (e.g.
FAOSTAT, Global Water Tool), scientific literature and expert interviews
with milk farmers, milk buyers and scientists.
Upon
Definition
Jan Grenz
Switzerland
Jan Grenz
Morocco
(Midelt)
Pascale Wälti
Rural Economics, Switzerland
How to Guide and Motivate Farmers to Become Sustainable Entrepreneurs?
The objective of this thesis is to discuss different scenarios for the
Swiss agriculture policy looking for models with more market and motivation (and less rules and regulations). These scenarios should be developed based on the comparison of the framework conditions for agriculture and the sustainability level of farms in different countries. The
RISE tool developed at HAFL may be used to analyze sustainability at
farm level and to evaluate a farm consultancy process focused on fostering the intrinsically motivated implementation of sustainable practice. Interviews with farmers, farm consultants, retailers, customers and
authorities should complete the picture.
Rural Economics, International
Participatory Promotion of New Value Chains for the Diversification
of Income (Apple processing, Beekeeping, Agrotourism, Medicinal
Plants)
FAO is developing, together with other actors such as SDC, an innovative approach of participatory watershed planning and management in
the Atlas Mountains of Morocco (GIBV-MA). HAFL, together with the
Centre for Environment and Development (CDE) of Bern University, is
backstopping this project. The Midelt region, targeted by the project, is
one of the poorest of the country. It is famous for its apple production,
produced under irrigation. On the other hand, the level of degradation
of the natural resources (erosion and deforestation) is extreme, leading
to recurrent natural disasters such as floods and decreased productivity. One of the project's objectives is to develop promising or new value
chains that will contribute to the diversification of income of the local
7
Bern University of Applied Sciences
School of Agricultural, Forest and Food
Sciences HAFL
population. Apple is the most important agricultural production, but
there is no processing of this commodity and losses are important.
Other promising value chains are aromatic and medicinal plants, beekeeping/honey and agrotourism. The Master student will support a
process of participatory market chain approach to develop or improve
one selected value chain.
Applying Ethical Biotrade Principles to Promote the Conservation of
Biodiversity through Sustainable Trade of Natural Ingredients to
Benefit Poor Rural and Forest Dwellers in Myanmar
A regional project on Biotrade has just started in three countries in
Southeast Asia: Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos. Biotrade refers to the collection, production, transformation and market of products derived
from native biodiversity under the criteria of environmental, social and
economic sustainability. The research focuses on the interaction between producers/users of natural ingredients which increases the competitiveness of local exporters/producers as well as the livelihood benefits (income and jobs) of the rural population through the ethical Biotrade principles and criteria. The study will work along the value chains
of products like medicinal plants, essential oils or lac, gums, resins with
the dual aim of preserving the rich biodiversity of Myanmar and increase the economic benefit for the communities collecting and producing natural ingredients used for traditional medicine, cosmetics, and
other chemical-based products (i.e. eco-friendly dyes, food supplements
organic pesticides, etc.). Possible topics for MSc students' work:
1. Work on natural ingredients identified value chains to build capacities of market chain actors to implement Biotrade principles along the
chain. The work entails a deep analysis of bottlenecks in the identified
natural ingredients value chain(s) which hamper a fair distribution of
rent among the small-holder rural and forest dwellers, who produce/collect natural ingredients. Following the analysis, the work requires a work on capacitating the companies working on the processing
of natural ingredients to put in place the ethical Biotrade principles
2. Through an analysis of a number of value chains on natural ingredients production and processing, design an ethical Biotrade business
model using ABS (Access and Benefit Sharing) perspective on natural
resources, for possible adoption Possibility to study the adoption of the
new business model on one company.
*more information about ABS:
http://biotradevietnam.org/en/news/news/38-debriefing-accessbenefit-sharing.html. The thesis filed work is foreseen in the second
half of 2017
Myanmar
Hans Schaltenbrand
Alessandra Giuliani
Fishermen become farmers: Development of a vocational training
concept and elaboration and testing of training modules for coastal
regions of the Gulf of Mottama in Myanmar
In partnership with Helvetas Myanmar and the Yezin Agricultural University YAU, Myanmar (http://www.yaummr.org/). The idea is to enable
fishermen communities to get alternative incomes from non-fish aquaculture production and from farming. A specific training programme
needs to be developed with the help of one MSc student from YAU and
one from HAFL. Field research is to be completed in 2016.
Myanmar
Hans Schaltenbrand
Switzerland
Bernhard Pauli
Alexandra Mueller
Forestry, Switzerland
Ganzheitliche ökonomische Bewertung von Waldleistungen
Ziel ist es, im Rahmen von Expertenbefragungen (Waldbesitzer, Forstbetriebsleitende, etc.), ein realistisches Bild zu erhalten, welche Kombinationen von Koeffizienten die Wirklichkeit bzw. die gestellten Ansprüche
an den Wald und seine Leistungen am besten abbilden und daher in ein
Modell zur ganzheitlichen ökonomischen Bewertung von Waldleistungen einfliessen sollen. Details Bestandteil einer laufenden Dissertation
8
Bern University of Applied Sciences
School of Agricultural, Forest and Food
Sciences HAFL
Almond Trees as an Alternative to Sweet Cherries
The number of cherry trees that belong to old varieties and that form a
traditional element of cultural landscapes, across Switzerland, is constantly decreasing. The harvest of cherries is expensive, and quality
loss due to bad weather and insect damage is a big problem. Therefore,
additional tree species need to be explored that could help to stop the
decline of such cultural landscapes. Almond trees for example, can be
grown further north now, due to global warming. For example in Belgium there are some sites where almond trees are successfully cultivated. However, the biggest risk to almond and cherry production alike is
a late frost coinciding with flowering and impeding fruit set.
Research questions: i) In which regions and to what extent can almond
trees become an alternative for Swiss agriculture? ii) Which varieties and
management practices, such as harvesting and pro-cessing, are suitable? Feasible planting schemes should be designed, in collaboration
with local farm-ers and other experts. If an interested farmer is found,
first trees can be planted, for example in the Basel region. iii) How do
consumer, food industry and farmer accept the local production of almonds?
Switzerland
Basel region
Jan Grenz
Coppice forestry: A Valid Alternative Forest Management Option for
the Future in Switzerland?
Considering economic situations and challenges posed by climate
change. Literature studies, interviews and some comparative analysis
with field observations.
Switzerland
Jürgen Blaser
Comparative Analysis of the REDD+ Strategies of Member Countries
of the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility
More than 20 countries have embarked in major analysis of deforestation and forest degradation and proposed REDD+ strategies for this
purpose. What are these strategies and what can be learnt from the
initial implementation of these?
Desk Work +
(2-3) Case
Countries
Jürgen Blaser
Coppice Silviculture and its Importance in Climate Change Adaptation
Oak and Beech coppice forest management systems will be analysed in
view of alternative forest management systems to respond to climate
change challenges.
Macedonia
Jürgen Blaser
Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainability of Private Forests in
Upper Bregalnica, Macedonia
Small private forests plots in state forest dominated mountainous regions of Eastern Macedonia.
Macedonia
Jürgen Blaser
Interaction Between Sheep Grazing and Forest Landscape Conservation in Eastern Macedonia
Socio-cultural and biodiversity study to better understand and value the
interaction of sheep breading and forest management.
Macedonia
Jürgen Blaser
Analysis of the Wood Flow (from Forests to End Use) in Eastern
Macedonia
Macedonia
Jürgen Blaser
Ecosystem Services in the Upper Watershed of Bregalnica – Their
Potential and Economic Valuation
Macedonia
Jürgen Blaser
Dynamics of Cloud Forests in Northern Andean Forests Under Consideration of Climate Change
Based on an initial study in the framework of a B.Sc. Thesis, in-depth
silvicultural analysis of forest dynamics of natural mountain forests.
Venezuela
Jürgen Blaser
Forestry, International
9
Bern University of Applied Sciences
School of Agricultural, Forest and Food
Sciences HAFL
Cross-Cutting Questions and Others, Switzerland
Combined Heat-power Generation from Biogas in a Swiss Dairy Factory
A reduced environmental impact of operations has become an important performance indicator in many companies. The key resources
whose consumption is to be reduced include freshwater, land and energy. As for waste and emissions, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are in
the center of con-cern. This also applies to Nestlé Switzerland, which
pledged to reduce GHG emissions and freshwater consumption by 50%
(in absolute terms, by 27,300 tons CO2-eq resp. 3.7 million m3 of water) from 2010 until 2020 . A reduction by about 25% has already been
achieved through energy-saving measures. One of the company’s major
energy and water consumers is the dairy factory located in Konolfingen,
in the Emmental region, where an annual 65 GWh of heat and 21 GWh
of electricity are used. As most of the processed milk is sourced from
the region, the factory is connected with a population of tens of thousands of dairy cows that produce large quantities of slurry and manure
– and thus a poten-tial source of biogas that could be converted into
heat and electricity. Most of the non-grassland sur-face of the Emmental
is covered by forest, another potential source of bio-energy. Given this
situation, the factory management is considering to invest, together
with partners, into combined heat-power (CHP) generation from biogas,
obtained from fermenting the slurry of ca. 25,000 dairy cows in the
region. Transforming energy supply to a slurry-based CHP system
should help reduce the factory’s energy consumption and put it on a
more sustainable basis. In addition, ties with farmers in the region
would be further strengthened. However, several important logistical
and technical questions are to be solved prior to project implementation.
Impacts of Agri-Environment Schemes on Farm Sustainability Trade-Offs and Synergies
All across Europe, and particularly in Switzerland, farmers can participate in agri-environment schemes, implement measures to enhance
biodiversity (hedgerows, wetlands, trees, various types of ecological
infrastructures) and receive government payments. The efficacy of such
systems in fostering biodiversity has been assessed through various
studies. To date, the effects of participation in agri-environment
schemes on the economic, social and environmental sustainability of
the farm as a whole has not been investigated. It is likely that participation induces changes in workload, farm productivity and economics,
fodder availability, pest protection and other aspects of farming. Therefore, a holistic rating of the outcome can be considered relevant for a
farmer's decision whether to participate or not, as well as for the optimization of the existing schemes. The student will do whole-farm sustainability analyses for 4-5 farms of different types (arable, with livestock, special crops etc.), comparing scenarios with and without participation in an agri-environment scheme. Consequences of participation
on core areas of farm sustainability will be quantified and conclusions
drawn.
Heavy Metals in Precipitants and Their Impact on the Quality Phosphorus Fertilizers Derived from Sewage Sludge Ashes
Assessment of heavy metals in the precipitants used for phosphorus
removal in waste treatment plants. Analytical survey of commercial
precipitants in cooperation with Agroscope Reckenholz. Modelling the
heavy metal burden of phosphorus fertilizers derived from ash obtained
from separate sewage sludge incineration
Switzerland,
Emmental
Jan Grenz
Switzerland
Jan Grenz
Switzerland
Thomas Kupper
10
Bern University of Applied Sciences
School of Agricultural, Forest and Food
Sciences HAFL
Processes Influencing Ammonia Emissions from Grazing Cattle
Measurement of ammonia emissions from cattle urine with different N
contents in will be carried out at several locations using wind tunnels.
The proportion of the excreted N released as NH3 has been reported to
be in a huge range (i.e. a variation of ca. a factor of 10). Studies on
NH3 emissions form pastures were mostly performed in systems with a
high N input but knowledge is lacking for a low or a medium N level of
the soil that prevail in southern countries or in countries with strict
statutory regulations for N-fertilization. In this context this project aims
to elucidate the role of the prevalent factors influencing ammonia emissions from the excretions of grazed livestock: N-status of the plant-soil
system and the N content in the cattle urine. Its outcomes will improve
the basis for emission models and to enhance N-efficiency. The management of pastures will be improved and ammonia emissions reduced.
Switzerland
Thomas Kupper
Ammonia Emissions from Field Application of Slurry After Anaerobic Digestion Using Different Spreading Technologies
Field experiments on a commercial farm, which operates a methanization plant, will be carried out. Spreading technologies include splash
plate, trailing hose etc.
Switzerland
Thomas Kupper
Technologies Mitigating Ammonia Emissions During Storage or
Field Application of Slurry and Manure
Measurement of ammonia emissions will be carried out by means of
static chambers and or wind tunnels. Different mitigation options such
as slurry separation, addition of biochar etc. will be examined.
Switzerland
Thomas Kupper
Development of a Solids-Feeding Device for Laboratory Fermenters
Predict change in plant species composition in grassland based on a
multi-site seed-addition experiment with annual weeds. The importance
of propagule pressure, management type, and neighbourhood-scale
species diversity as drivers of invisibility and degradation will be quantified.
Zollikofen
Michael Studer
Kimberley,
Northwestern
Australia
Jürgen Blaser
Christoph Studer
Cross-Cutting Questions and Others, International
Assessing the Potential of Various Land Management Approaches
and Practices for Carbon Sequestration and Emission Reductions in
a Remote Area in Northwestern Australia
Kachana (http://www.kachana.com), a small private company/project
led by two emigrated Swiss families and committed to restorative land
care, manages 77’500 ha of land in a remote area (only accessible by
aircraft, horseback or foot) approximately 120 km South-West of
Kununurra WA, Australia (-16.44327, 127.78312). The objective of the
pursued management approach (which is inspired by the holistic management approach ideas of Alan Savory) is to stabilize the eroding resource base (stop land degradation, in particular soil erosion, and improve water resources management) and to revitalize the landscape so
that the area can meet human demands.
Many of the implemented land management practices (such as prevention of bush fires, controlled herd management, erosion control or
rainwater management) obviously have the potential to mitigate climate
change through reduced greenhouse gas emissions and enhanced carbon sequestration. The objective of the Msc thesis is to identify on a
scientifically sound basis the mitigation potential of various management practices in view of possibly becoming eligible to receive carbon
abatement subsidies. The research work will involve a site visit and
modeling of the effects of selected management practices on carbon
sequestration and emission reductions. Certain supporting data for the
thesis work (such as e.g. satellite images) is available within Kachana.
Quantifying the environmental footprint of dairy production and
the potential for reducing it
The global importance of dairy farming has grown for decades. According to FAO statistics, the number of dairy cattle has increased from 0.9
Jan Grenz
11
Bern University of Applied Sciences
School of Agricultural, Forest and Food
Sciences HAFL
billion in 1961 to 1.4 billion in 2011, global milk output has grown
from 332 million tons to 711 million tons. Much of this growth has
happened in emerging coun-tries: the combined milk output of China,
India, Brazil and Mexico has grown from 29 million tons in 1961 to 205
million tons in 2011. And yet, demand outstrips production in many of
these countries, e.g. Mexico, Pakistan and India. Meeting the demand
for dairy products is thus a challenge in emerg-ing and developing
economies. Dairy farms usually have a large material turnover: large
quantities of feed, fertilizer, water and ener-gy are needed for production, and emissions of methane, ammonia, nitrate, phosphate and nitrous oxide result from it. Analyses of dairy farm sustainability done
with the RISE method (rise.hafl.bfh.ch) in the above-mentioned countries have shown that there are major improvement potentials concerning the management of feed and manure flows. The pattern and magnitude of environmental impacts strongly differs between pasture-based
and feedlot-based dairy production. The significance of e.g. water and
land use for dairy production strongly differs between densely- and
sparsely-populated are-as (e.g. the Punjab vs southern Chile), and according to climate.
Participatory Natural Resources Management by Local Community
(watershed planning by pastoralist groups)
FAO is developing, together with other actors such as SDC, an innovative approach of participatory watershed planning and management in
the Atlas Mountains of Morocco (GIBV-MA). HAFL, together with the
Centre for Environment and Development (CDE) of Bern University, is
backstopping this project. The Midelt region, targeted by the project, is
one of the poorest of the country. It is famous for its apple production,
produced under irrigation. On the other hand, the level of degradation
of the natural resources (erosion and deforestation) is extreme, leading
to recurrent natural disasters such as floods and decreased productivity. The GIBV-MA project seeks to involve the local actors and population
in the rehabilitation of four watersheds and to support the economic
development of the local population. One important natural resource
user of the targeted watersheds is the nomad pastoralists group, raising sheep and goats. However, this group is highly marginalized and
for the moment not well integrated in the process of participatory watershed planning. There is also a gap of knowledge about this group.
The Master thesis's aim will be to gain a better understanding of the
nomad pastoralists of the Midelt Region and to study ways to involve
them in participatory natural resource management processes (such as
participatory rangeland management (PRM) / participatory forest management (PFM)).
From Camel Meat to Fondue: Changing Food Habits of Somali Migrants to Switzerland
The student will work on a research project conducted within the frame
of a collaboration between two departments of the BFH (HAFL and WGS
(Business, Health, Social Work)) and MARIL, a private research institute
in Ethiopia. The project aims at assessing how rural migrant population
from pastoral societies adapt their nutrition patterns when moving to
industrialized countries. The reasons behind food choices and the impact on balanced nutrition are analysed additionally for the two settings. The focus lies on the Somali community. Intervention needs and
resources to promote healthy lifestyle changes will be identified and
enable the planning of further project stages.
Depending on the interest of the students, his/her task will be to adapt
food frequency questionnaires for Somali migrants in Switzerland or
Somali people in their area of origin, conduct the study (individual interviews, focus group discussions) on their nutrition patterns, nutrition
changes occurred when migrated and reasons behind, perceptions
about heathy diets and lifestyle, etc. and analyse the data collection.
Language: German and or French, English
Develop new Quality Products Derived by Medicinal and Aromatic
Morocco
(Midelt)
Pascale Waelti
Horn of Africa
Switzerland
Pascale Waelti
Morocco
Pascale Waelti
12
Bern University of Applied Sciences
School of Agricultural, Forest and Food
Sciences HAFL
Plants (‘produits de terroir’) in Morocco, for the Local, National and
Export Market (i.e. in Switzerland), to Add Value to the Local Medicinal and Aromatic Plants and Benefit Poor Rural Communities Producing Medicinal Plants in Morocco
The work will be in the framework of the project ASAP-M, funded by
SDC and implemented by SBA Lausanne and HAFL.
(http://asapmaroc.com/), with the global aim of increase incomes and
improve employment in Morocco through the strengthening of professional associations related to agriculture. The work will be directly with
the SOMAPAM, the organisation for the medicinal plants in Morocco,
and the University of University of Errachidia (http://www.fsteumi.ac.ma/) Here is the possibility to work in tandem with a MSc Moroccan student. Language: French and English
Food Systems, Switzerland
Label Products from Agroforestry Systems
In Switzerland, several food products that originate from agroforestry
systems are marketed with a label (e.g. Hochstamm-Suisse, Posamenter
etc.). There is no overview of the various label products, the label conditions, the advantages and disadvantages of agroforestry label production, the quantities produced, etc. Create an inventory of agroforestry
related label production in Switzerland with an overview of label requirements, quantities produced, costs and prices (price difference to
non-label products), etc. This overview should be a basis for a Europewide inventory and overview of agroforestry label products.
Switzerland
Jan Grenz
Insects as a Source of Functional Proteins for use in Food Industry:
Screening of Potential Insects and Maggots
Switzerland
Christoph Denkel
India
Hans Schaltenbrand
Food Systems, International
Impact Study: Sustainable Basmati Production in India
HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation in cooperation with its partner organisation Intercooperation Social Development India implemented a project funded by the Swiss Coop Sustainability Fund to develop a sustainable value chain for certified organic and fairtrade basmati rice in Uttarakhand, India (see project website). The project worked in close collaboration with local farming communities (4’400 households in 2016)
and an Indian processing and exporting company. Monitoring data
suggest that farmers achieve substantially higher net profits from organic and fairtrade basmati compared to conventional hybrid paddy. An
external evaluation conducted by Baitarani Initiative after completion of
the first phase (2011-2015) concluded that the project is well on track
to achieve its objectives of setting up sustainable value chains and increasing farm incomes. A research project conducted by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) in collaboration with Wageningen University and GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology currently investigates the natural resource management questions
in the introduced farming systems. The project therefore presents a
unique opportunity to study in how far conversion to organic and
fairtrade production can contribute to livelihood improvement of smallholders while reducing environmental impact of rice systems. Helvetas
is therefore looking for a research partner interested in pursuing this
question, for example within the frame of a master thesis.
Before the end of the second phase of the project (2015-2017) an impact study shall test the hypothesis that conversion to organic farming
and fair trade contributes to improving the livelihoods of rice farmer
families and specifically of disadvantaged groups, to enhancing institutional capacities for effective participation in the bio and fair-trade market, while improving nutrition and environmental sustainability of rice
production. Target audience of the study are donors, development organisations, businesses and practitioners interested in facilitating
smallholder value chains. Findings shall also be shared with the scientific community through a joint article in a peer-reviewed journal.
13
Bern University of Applied Sciences
School of Agricultural, Forest and Food
Sciences HAFL
Improving Malnutrition in Children and Women among Disadvantaged Ethnic Group in Rural Myanmar through Enhanced Nutrition
Sensitive Agricultural Production and Marketing
CARE intends to pilot a nutrition-sensitive agriculture intervention in a
small number of villages in northern Shan State. The project's objective
is to increase the capacities of poor and vulnerable households in remote rural areas to strengthen their food and water security through
income-generating activities, access to technological agricultural innovations and products, and better access to market opportunities.
The project consists of an initial comprehensive assessment which aims
at understanding the contextual factors leading to malnutrition by looking at potential food resources, agro-ecology, seasonality of production
and income, access to productive resources such as land market opportunities and infrastructure, gender dynamics and roles, opportunities
for collaboration with other sectors or programmes, and local priorities.
The target group is smallholder farmers, poor/food insecure households, and households with children under 5 and pregnant/lactating
women from 15 villages of Lashio Township.As gender equality remains
an integral component of CARE’s strategy, a particular attention will be
given to involving women in the management of household and community resources. The topic of the MSc thesis can be one or more of the
following: Increased understanding of contextual factors leading to
malnutrition, Improved ability to adopt appropriate agricultural technological innovations and product, Increased income resulting from successful marketing of products, Increased involvement of women in the
management of household and community resources, Improved hygiene and nutrition behaviours, Increased access to water for home
consumption and agriculture. The project is looking for a MSc student
to work in small team, preferably with a field work during the first
phase of the project, under the direct supervision of an international
and national consultant who will be conducting a base line survey in the
period January-April 2017.
Last Updated: 22.11.2016 (LH)
Myanmar,
Lashio, Shan
State
Alessandra Giuliani
14