Application Deadline: April 26, 2026 (23:59 East Africa Time – GMT+3)
The call for applications is now open for the 2026 cohort of the AWARD Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship. This prestigious fellowship is spearheaded by African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) as part of the Africa-Australia Partnership for Climate Responsive Agriculture initiative.
Inspired by the successful AWARD Fellowship framework, this career advancement program is designed to empower African women agricultural scientists by enhancing their skills, confidence, and leadership capabilities. The primary aim is to equip these women to take on prominent roles and contribute significantly to climate-resilient agricultural research and innovation across the continent.
The fellowship offers a robust combination of leadership training, mentorship opportunities, and technical skill development. This holistic approach is intended to elevate the professional growth of the Fellows, positioning them as key influencers within agrifood systems as well as climate adaptation efforts.
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship specifically targets female researchers from six African nations: Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Senegal. Two separate cohorts, each consisting of 50 Fellows, will be selected through a competitive, multi-stage process. Candidates will be assessed based on their academic credentials, experience related to agrifood systems and climate resilience, demonstrated leadership potential, and professional aspirations.
Ideal applicants are mid-career researchers working in agriculture and climate change fields. They may be affiliated with national or international agricultural research organizations, government ministries of agriculture, universities, or other relevant institutions, ensuring a diverse and representative group from across the agrifood and climate research sectors.
Application Requirements
- Applicants must be female agricultural researchers from one of the six designated African countries.
- They should currently live in Africa and be actively engaged in research, policymaking, or practical initiatives connected to climate change and smallholder agriculture on the continent.
- A minimum qualification of a master’s degree in agriculture, climate change, or a related discipline—such as agricultural economics, agricultural extension, natural resource management, food science and nutrition, or climate science—from a recognized university is required.
- Candidates must have at least seven years of relevant professional experience in agriculture, agrifood systems, gender, or climate-related projects, including roles in design or implementation at institutional, national, or regional levels.
To apply, eligible women must respond to the open calls for each Cohort, which will be announced on the AWARD website during the application periods. All submissions must be made via the online application portal available on the AWARD website and can be completed in either English or French.
Benefits of the Fellowship
Those selected as Fellows will embark on an intensive professional development journey that includes:
- Training in leadership and negotiation skills tailored to agrifood and climate sectors.
- Mentorship partnerships that involve both experienced mentors and mentees, facilitating two-way learning.
- Instruction on integrating gender perspectives into climate adaptation strategies.
- Courses on science communication and academic publishing to bolster research dissemination skills.
- Opportunities for networking with experts in agricultural research and climate resilience.
- Collaboration and engagement with a wide network of AWARD alumni and partner organizations.
The fellowship program aims to positively impact up to 300 individuals, including 100 Fellows, 100 Mentors, and 100 Mentees, thereby creating a vibrant and supportive community of practice dedicated to advancing climate-smart agriculture across Africa.
For comprehensive details and to submit your application, please Visit the Official Webpage of the AWARD Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowshi.
