Literature Review on Special Cocoa Species found in Madang, Papua New Guinea

Volunteering

Overview

Assist with conducting a literature review on special cocoa species in Madang, PNG.

You have:

• Academic Background: Preferably in agriculture, biology, environmental science, or a related field.
• Research Skills: Experience with academic research, including literature review, analysis, and synthesis of information.
• Writing Skills: Ability to write clearly and concisely, with a focus on producing a professional and coherent literature review.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to critically assess the relevance and quality of research materials.
• Teamwork: Willingness to collaborate with other volunteers and contribute to a shared goal.
• PhD Students in agriculture or specifically in Cocoa are encouraged to apply.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

We are seeking motivated and knowledgeable Online Volunteers to assist with conducting a comprehensive literature review on the special and rare cocoa species found in Madang Province, Papua New Guinea. Unlike the Studies on Sustainable Cocoa Production in Madang, PNG’s Special Cocoa Species, which focus on practical cultivation methods, production systems, and sustainability practices, this assignment is centered on desk-based research. The literature review will compile and analyze existing academic, technical, and scientific sources to build a strong knowledge base on the unique cocoa varieties of Madang.

This foundational work will inform future applied studies on sustainable cocoa production, while also contributing to biodiversity conservation and agricultural research. Online Volunteers’ contributions will help identify knowledge gaps, highlight the distinct qualities of Madang’s cocoa species, and provide critical background for subsequent field-based initiatives.

By supporting this literature review, Online Volunteers will help the Morobe Development Foundation (MDF) advance its mission to sustain rural communities in Papua New Guinea. The assignment will generate in-depth insights into the characteristics and potential of Madang’s cocoa, strengthening the agriculture sector and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in agriculture, biodiversity, and community development

Online Volunteers will be expected to:

Volunteer 1: Overview of Cocoa Cultivation in Papua New Guinea - Conduct a desk-based review of the history, current practices, and overall landscape of cocoa cultivation in Papua New Guinea.
- Summarize findings to provide a national context that frames the study of Madang’s special cocoa species.

Volunteer 2: Biodiversity of Cocoa Varieties in Madang Province - Identify and analyze existing literature on cocoa species found specifically in Madang Province.
- Highlight any unique or rare varieties and describe their characteristics based on available sources.
- Note research gaps, particularly the limited studies on Madang, and emphasize the importance of further investigation.

Volunteer 3: Geographic and Climatic Conditions of Madang - Compile information on Madang Province’s geography and climate from published sources.
- Explain how these conditions may contribute to the presence of unique cocoa varieties.

Volunteer 4: Impact of Climate and Soil Conditions on Cocoa Varieties - Review literature on how local environmental factors, such as climate and soil composition, influence cocoa growth and species characteristics in Madang Province.
- Summarize connections between these factors and the success of specific cocoa varieties.

Comparative Analysis: Cocoa-growing Regions - Use information from nearby provinces or similar environments to compare conditions.
- Provide hypotheses, based on literature, about the types of cocoa that might be found in Madang.

The Online Volunteers should have: - Academic Background: Preferably in agriculture, biology, environmental science, or a related field. - Research Skills: Experience with academic research, including literature review, analysis, and synthesis of information. - Writing Skills: Ability to write clearly and concisely, with a focus on producing a professional and coherent literature review. - Attention to Detail: Ability to critically assess the relevance and quality of research materials. - Teamwork: Willingness to collaborate with other volunteers and contribute to a shared goal.

PhD Students in agriculture or specifically in Cocoa are encouraged to apply.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 9 months ago - Updated 8 months ago - Source: unv.org