Center for Development Research (ZEF)
ZEF is an international institute conducting interdisciplinary research on development-related issues all over the world. ZEF is part of the University of Bonn.
© Stellmacher/ZEF
International Doctoral Program (BIGS-DR)
ZEF hosts the Bonn International Graduate School for Development Research
© Pereira/ZEF
Research with the Global South
Our researchers conduct their (field) research in close collaboration with local partners from academia, policy and practice.
© Dürr/ZEF
Center for Development Research (ZEF)
International Doctoral Program (BIGS-DR)
Research with the Global South

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Center for Development Research

The Center for Development Research (ZEF) is an institute of the University of Bonn, Germany. It started its research activities in 1997. ZEF researchers aim to find science-based solutions to promote sustainable development and planetary health. ZEF’s research divisions and groups conduct inter- and trans-disciplinary research in, for and with emerging economies and on global issues with its collaborating research partners around the world. ZEF educates and trains international doctoral students in its Doctoral Studies Program. ZEF is guided by an International Advisory Board.

Latest News
© ZEF PR (Ricarda Mundt)
Philipo Jacob Mtweve defends doctoral thesis on Road Infrastructure Development in Sub-Saharan Africa
Philipo Jacob Mtweve (ZEF ECOL) obtained his doctoral degree from the Faculty of Agricultural, Nutritional and Engineering Sciences of the University of Bonn on January 21, 2026. “The choice is not whether to build roads in Sub-Saharan Africa, but where and how. This endeavor is demanding evidence-based frameworks that integrate biodiversity conservation with rural development imperatives”, says Philipo about his doctoral research, which he concluded today with a successful defense. 
Jan 21, 2026
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Fernando Rodriguez-Camayo defends doctoral thesis on Climate Resilience and Coffee Households’ Food (In) security
Fernando Rodriguez-Camayo (ZEF ECOL) defended his thesis on “Climate Resilience Actions and Coffee Households’ Food (In)security in Western Honduras” on January 19, 2026, at ZEF. 
Jan 19, 2026
© Matin Qaim
ZEF study shows how high food prices can have lifelong negative health consequences.
When food prices skyrocket during an economic crisis, urban populations and people with low levels of education are primarily affected. This can have lifelong negative health consequences – such as stunted growth in children.
Jan 06, 2026
© Amit Kumar
Right Livelihood College at ZEF organizes another workshop
On December 2-3, 2025, the Right Livelihood College at ZEF brought together 15 selected and invited international young researchers and global experts working on sustainable natural resource use, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and environmental justice at a workshop at ZEF. Contributions highlighted the varied socio-ecological pathways through which communities navigate environmental change and pursue more just, resilient futures.  
Dec 09, 2025
© pixabay

ZEF Research Projects

ZEF is running interdisciplinary research projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America. 

Upcoming Events
© Fazlullah Akhtar
Thursday Jan 29, 2026
ZEF public lecture: The Kartarpur Corridor
ZEF ground floor
01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
This research examines the Kartarpur Corridor as a transformative model of trans-local and sub-national diplomacy between India and Pakistan. Connecting shared ...
© Micelly Díaz Espaillat
Thursday Feb 05, 2026
ZEF public lecture: Deforestation in Bolivia's Amazon
ZEF ground floor
01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
Bolivia is among the countries with the highest per-capita deforestation rates globally. This environmental degradation persists despite Bolivia’s ...