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
Right Livelihood College Workshop 2025
At ZEF Bonn, the Right Livelihood College Workshop 2025 brought together young researchers and global experts working on rural development, smallholder agriculture, and sustainable value chains. Supported by the DAAD German Academic Exchange Service with funds from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the workshop fostered rich dialogue and collaboration across disciplines and regions.
Oct 16, 2025
© ZEF
Tag der Vereinten Nationen, UN Day 2025
UN Day 2025 in Bonn was an inspiring celebration of global cooperation and sustainable development at the Bonn Market Square. The event brought together organizations, researchers, and citizens committed to advancing the goals and values of the United Nations.
Oct 15, 2025
© ZEF
Public Lecture at ZEF / October 16, 2025
Thursday, October 16, 2025 | 13:30–14:30Venue: Conference Room Faith and Flow in Ghana’s Water Sector – How Religious Collaboration Enhances Bill Payment and Conservation …to be presented by Prof. Dr. Anthony Amoah, Dean of the School of Sustainable Development, University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Ghana.
Oct 14, 2025
© ZEF
New ZEF Working Paper no. 248
Drivers of Commercial Poultry Development in Sub-Saharan AfricaLessons from Case Studies of Commercial Poultry Operations in Nigeria and SenegalBy Amy Faye, Carlos Seré, Funso Sonaiya, and Cheikh Ly
Oct 13, 2025
© pixabay

ZEF Research Projects

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

Upcoming Events
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Thursday Dec 11, 2025
ZEF Public Lecture: Reframing Soil Knowledge
Genscherallee 3, 53113 ...
01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
From Extraction to Coexistence for a Sustainable Future Soils have always shaped our (agri)cultural practices and landscaped human life, yet we rarely ...