Scholarship Overview
Overview
The African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) has opened applications for the second cohort of its Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship. This two-year non-residential program targets mid-career African women agricultural scientists seeking to strengthen their capability, confidence, and influence in leading climate-responsive agricultural research and agrifood systems.
The Fellowship is funded under the Africa-Australia Partnership for Climate Responsive Agriculture, delivered by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
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What the Fellowship Covers
Selected Fellows engage in comprehensive professional development activities including:
- A mentoring program where Fellows are matched with both a mentor and a mentee
- Training courses on leadership and negotiation skills
- Gender integration in climate adaptation training
- Science communication workshops
- Research proposal writing courses
The inaugural cohort of 50 Fellows commenced their journey in July 2026 with a five-day Women’s Leadership and Negotiation Skills Course held in Dakar, Senegal. Fellows represent 31 institutions across diverse disciplines.
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Eligibility Requirements
The Fellowship targets specific African countries and professional profiles. You must meet all criteria to apply.
Eligible Countries
Applicants must be working in one of the following countries:
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- Egypt
- Morocco
- Ghana
- Nigeria
- Sierra Leone
- Senegal
Note for Zimbabwe/SADC applicants: Zimbabwe is not currently listed among eligible countries. However, if you are a Zimbabwean national working in one of the eligible countries listed above, you may qualify. The research does not explicitly confirm this, so contact AWARD directly to verify your eligibility.
Professional Requirements
- Mid-career African woman agricultural scientist
- Employed by national agricultural research institutions, government ministries, universities, or international research organizations
- Minimum of a master’s degree in a relevant discipline
- At least seven years of work experience in agriculture and agrifood systems
- Experience may include gender in agriculture research and programming
Application Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application opens | September 11, 2026 |
| Information Webinar | October 7, 2026, 15:00 EAT |
| Application deadline | November 6, 2026, 23:59 EAT (GMT+3) |
Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted under any circumstances.
How to Apply
Applications are strictly via online portal and must be submitted through language-specific links:
- English-speaking candidates: Use the English application portal
- French-speaking candidates: Use the French application portal
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Review the Fellowship brochure (available in English or French)
- Read the frequently asked questions document
- Register for the Information Webinar on October 7, 2026 to learn more
- Prepare your application materials demonstrating leadership qualities and relevant experience
- Submit via the appropriate online portal before November 6, 2026, 23:59 EAT
Accessibility Support
If you are a person living with disability and require reasonable adjustments to remove barriers to participation in the application process, email T.Wangaya[at]landscapealliance.org.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by a panel of experts who make final selections based on applicants’ demonstrated qualities sought by the Program. The selection emphasizes:
- Leadership potential
- Technical expertise in agriculture and agrifood systems
- Commitment to climate-responsive research
- Ability to contribute to and benefit from the Fellowship network
Program Benefits
Past Fellows highlight transformative outcomes:
“For me, the AWARD Fellowship is not only about training; it is also an opportunity to join a network of experienced African women, become part of a community, and move from technical expertise towards strategic leadership.” — Latifa Seroukh, Morocco
“The Fellowship is an opportunity to strengthen my leadership and support more women in stepping forward in the agricultural sector.” — Raymonda Adeline Bernardette Johnson, Sierra Leone
Additional Resources
AWARD provides supporting materials to help applicants prepare:
- Fellowship brochure (English and French)
- Frequently asked questions document (English and French)
- Video featuring selected Fellows’ aspirations
Contact Information
Organization: African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD)
Hosted by: World Agroforestry Centre, United Nations Avenue, Gigiri
Address: P.O Box 30677-00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +254 (0) 20 722 4242
