معرفی
Dr. Hauke-Peter Vehrs is an Assistant Professor and study coordinator for the "Culture and Environment in Africa" (CEA) program at the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology, University of Cologne. Since 2018, he has been conducting post-doctoral research in the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centre 228: Future Rural Africa. His work focuses on human-environment relations, conservation, and pastoralism in Eastern and Southern Africa, with fieldwork conducted in Kenya, Namibia, and Nigeria.
Dr. Vehrs' academic background includes:
- PhD in Anthropology, University of Cologne (2016-2018)
- PhD in Anthropology, University of Bayreuth (cancelled)
- MA in Human and Social Ecology, IFF Vienna
- BA in Culture and Society of Africa, University of Bayreuth
Dr. Vehrs' research centers on human-environment relations with particular focus on conservation practices, pastoral livelihoods, and environmental justice in African contexts. His work employs decolonial critique and implements multispecies ethnography approaches to understand complex socio-ecological transformations. He examines how communities navigate environmental changes, conservation policies, and economic pressures, with special attention to historical trajectories and future-making practices. His methodological toolkit includes cognitive methods and cultural mapping to capture local perspectives on landscape transformations.
Analysis of Dr. Vehrs' recent publications reveals a strong focus on multispecies relations in conservation landscapes, particularly in Southern Africa. His work examines the historical and political contexts shaping human-animal relationships, conservation-induced displacements, and environmental injustices. A recurring theme is the tension between global conservation visions and local realities, with particular attention to how conservation policies affect pastoral communities. His research spans multiple African regions, demonstrating comparative insights while maintaining deep contextual understanding of specific places like Namibia's Zambezi region and Kenya's East Pokot.
Dr. Vehrs has been actively involved in academic service and knowledge dissemination:
- Coordinator of the "Culture and Environment in Africa" study program
- Member of the DFG Collaborative Research Centre 228: Future Rural Africa
- Co-organizer of workshops on ethics in anthropological fieldwork
- Active participant in conferences including ECAS and VAD
- Contributor to the "Mtu ni Watu" documentary project
Dr. Vehrs is committed to promoting fair conditions for students as a first-generation academic. His teaching covers diverse topics including human-environment relations, environmental justice, qualitative research methods, and career orientation for anthropology students. He has taught numerous seminars at both BA and MA levels at the University of Cologne and has collaborated with institutions like the University of Namibia.
