PhD Study : The lived experience of farming households in the contemporary agricultural transition – An Irish cross-border perspective

Summary

Agricultural production is an important facet of the economy on the island of Ireland. However, its sustainability is threatened by climate change and the associated pressures this brings to reconfigure traditional farming practices. Policymakers are placing farm businesses under increasing pressure to swiftly change centuries-old norms to reduce GHG emissions and comply with international agreements. Yet, Irish farm businesses are traditionally small, family-based enterprises whose pace of change is inherently linked with the life cycle of the farming household. Farming is usually a whole-life vocation linked with a single farm for life. This creates a close connection with the land, and a lived “way of doing things”. As a result, the sheer pace of current changes in farming practices is likely to significantly exacerbate anxiety for many farmers. And this is against a backdrop of already significant issues with mental health and a lack of viability in many farming sectors.

The move, then, to closely link the environment with farm payments, raises questions about the adaptability and occupational stress associated with this great transition and how it might be eased with appropriate supports and better recognition of issues of fairness and justice.

At present, the literature examining this transition to environmentally sustainable farm business models is limited. Existing studies identify access to government subsidies, the perceived profitability of new farming practices and environmental consciousness as influential in farmers’ attitudes towards change. However, no study has examined the ‘lived experience’ of change and how this impacts the farm business model, farm income and farmer happiness. It is this holistic perspective that this project aims to deliver. A particular novelty of the research is its multi-stakeholder participatory emphasis to build consensus and make recommendations in relation to farming across the island of Ireland. This is a promising avenue for delivering policy-relevant conclusions.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living