Website World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg)
World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg)
Internship Announcement
World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg)
The World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) is a non-profit, autonomous international agricultural research center with headquarters in Taiwan and five regional offices around the globe. WorldVeg’s research and development work focuses on breeding improved vegetable lines, developing and promoting safe production practices, reducing postharvest losses, and improving the nutritional value of vegetables. The center aims to raise awareness of the importance of vegetables for improved health and global poverty alleviation. For more information, please visit: worldveg.org
Research Internship Opportunity (June 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027)
WorldVeg seeks to recruit research interns (8 months) for assessment of farmers’ seed production and seed quality for:
- Amaranth
- Maize
- Sorghum
The intern will be hosted by WorldVeg and will have access to research fields and laboratories. Collaboration will also be with the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA) for seed health testing. The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) Seed System Lab is a scientific collaborator on the project.
MSc Thesis Topics
1. Assessment of farmers’ seed production and seed quality — Amaranth
2. Assessment of farmers’ seed production and seed quality — Maize and Sorghum
Background
Informal seed systems supply the majority of seeds used by farmers globally. These seeds are selected from harvests, stored for replanting, shared through social networks, and traded in local markets.
Although farm-saved seeds are often considered low quality due to seed-borne diseases and poor storage, some studies show they can meet national standards for certain parameters.
Understanding farmers’ seed production practices and resulting seed quality is important for strengthening seed systems.
Objective
The objective of this research is to:
- Assess farmers’ seed production practices
- Evaluate the quality of seed produced
The study will be conducted in Chamwino and Liwale Districts and will contribute to baseline studies under the Biodiversity for Opportunities, Livelihoods, and Development (BOLD) project.
Suggested Research Questions
- How do farmers perceive seed quality? What criteria do they use?
- How do these criteria compare with national seed quality standards?
- What field and post-harvest practices are used in seed production and storage?
- What is the quality of farm-saved seed at harvest and after storage?
- How do practices differ among farmers (including gender and socio-economic differences)?
Research Activities
- Interviews, field visits, and observations with farmers
- Collection of seed samples at harvest and after storage
- Laboratory analysis (purity, moisture, germination, seed health)
- Participation in household survey data collection
- Use of survey data for thesis development
Data Management
- Data will be used for master’s thesis and baseline studies
- Managed under project data management plan
- Ethical and national/international research standards apply
- Data sharing agreement will be signed
Required Qualifications
- Enrolled in a Master’s program in Crop Science, Seed Technology, or related field
- Completed required coursework
- Good English writing skills
- Knowledge of seed physiology, diseases, and storage pests (advantage)
- Experience in seed laboratory analysis (advantage)
Core Values of WorldVeg
- Dedication to innovation and knowledge sharing
- Commitment to impact
- Commitment to partnerships
- Respect for people
- Respect for the environment
How to Apply
Submit the following:
- Cover letter
- CV
- Names of three references (including at least one master supervisor)
- 3–5 page concept note (methodology + crop preference: Amaranth OR Maize & Sorghum)
📧 Email: info-esa@worldveg.org
Deadline
🗓️ 19 May 2026
To apply for this job email your details to info-esa@worldveg.org