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EgyptGhanaMoroccoNigeriaSierra Leone Professional DevelopmentShort Course Fully Funded

AWARD Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship 2026: Second Cohort Call

The AWARD Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship 2026 is a two-year non-residential program strengthening African women scientists' leadership in climate-responsive agricultural research. Open to mid-career professionals from six African countries with master's degrees and 7+ years experience.

September 25, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Nov 6, 2026

Quick Overview

Host CountryKenya (program administration); Fellowship activities in multiple African countries
Degree LevelShort Course, Professional Development
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyAgricultural Leadership, Agricultural Research, Agrifood Systems, Climate-Responsive Agriculture, Gender in Agriculture
DeadlineNovember 6, 2026

Scholarship Overview

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Program Overview

The Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship is a flagship initiative by African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD). The second cohort call opened on September 11, 2026, offering a transformative two-year non-residential experience designed to build capability, confidence, and influence among African women scientists.

The Fellowship specifically targets professionals working in climate-responsive agricultural research and agrifood systems. Unlike residential programs, this structure allows Fellows to remain in their current positions while participating in intensive training modules, mentoring relationships, and network-building activities.

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Host Organization and Funding

AWARD hosts this program under the Africa-Australia Partnership for Climate Responsive Agriculture, delivered by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) in collaboration with Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The inaugural cohort of 50 Fellows began their journey in July 2026 with a five-day Women’s Leadership and Negotiation Skills Course in Dakar, Senegal.

Eligible Countries

This call is restricted to applicants working in:

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  • Egypt
  • Morocco
  • Ghana
  • Nigeria
  • Sierra Leone
  • Senegal

Note for Zimbabwe/SADC applicants: Zimbabwe is not included in this specific call. However, professionals from Zimbabwe working in eligible countries (for example, at international research organizations with regional offices in Ghana or Nigeria) may qualify if they meet employment location requirements. Monitor AWARD’s communications for future expansions to additional countries.

Who Can Apply

Eligible candidates must meet strict criteria:

  • Gender: Women only
  • Career stage: Mid-career professionals
  • Employment: Working in national agricultural research institutions, government ministries, universities, or international research organizations in the eligible countries
  • Education: Minimum of a master’s degree in a relevant discipline
  • Experience: At least seven years of work experience in agriculture, agrifood systems, gender in agriculture research, or related programming

The program values diversity and explicitly welcomes applications from persons living with disabilities, with reasonable adjustments available upon request.

What the Fellowship Covers

While specific monetary values are not published, the Fellowship provides comprehensive professional development support including:

  • Mentoring program with matched mentors and mentees
  • Training courses in leadership and negotiation skills
  • Gender integration in climate adaptation
  • Science communication
  • Research proposal writing
  • Five-day intensive residential course (location varies by cohort)
  • Network access to 31+ institutions and diverse disciplinary experts

Application Process

Applications are accepted exclusively through online portals:

  1. Access the appropriate portal based on language preference
  2. Complete all required fields with accurate employment and educational history
  3. Submit before the deadline with all supporting documentation
  4. Register for the Information Webinar on October 7, 2026, at 1500hrs EAT for guidance

Portal links are available for English-speaking and French-speaking candidates separately. No late applications are accepted under any circumstances.

Selection Process

A panel of expert reviewers evaluates applications against program criteria. Final selection prioritizes candidates who demonstrate:

  • Leadership potential in agricultural research
  • Commitment to climate-responsive solutions
  • Ability to contribute to and benefit from peer networks
  • Clear articulation of career goals aligned with program objectives

Key Dates

  • Call opens: September 11, 2026
  • Information Webinar: October 7, 2026, 1500hrs EAT
  • Application deadline: November 6, 2026, 23:59 EAT (GMT+3)
  • Program duration: Two years non-residential

Resources for Applicants

AWARD provides multiple preparation materials:

  • Fellowship brochure (English and French)
  • Frequently asked questions document (English and French)
  • Video testimonials from selected Fellows

Contact T.Wangaya[at]landscapealliance.org for disability-related reasonable adjustments or accessibility inquiries.

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Official scholarship page: https://awardfellowships.org/news/award-opens-call-for-second-cohort-of-women-in-agriculture-leadership-program-fellowship/

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

Funding Coverage

Two-year professional development program including mentoring, leadership training, negotiation skills courses, gender integration training, science communication, research proposal writing support, and network access. Specific monetary values not published.

Eligibility Criteria

Mid-career African women scientists with master's degree and minimum 7 years experience in agriculture/agrifood systems, employed in national research institutions, government ministries, universities, or international research organizations in Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, or Senegal

Required Documents

Not specified in source materials; applicants should consult FAQ document and brochure for required documentation

Application Process

Apply via online portal (English or French version) before November 6, 2026, 23:59 EAT. Attend optional Information Webinar October 7, 2026. Applications reviewed by expert panel. No late submissions accepted.
Apply Now — Official Website

You will be redirected to the official scholarship application page.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. The eligibility criteria explicitly require a minimum of a master's degree in a relevant discipline, regardless of extensive work experience. This is a non-negotiable requirement.
The Fellowship is fully funded under the Africa-Australia Partnership for Climate Responsive Agriculture. Specific coverage details are not itemized, but the program includes training, mentoring, and network access without cost to selected Fellows.
Applications will NOT be accepted after November 6, 2026, at 23:59 East Africa Time (GMT+3). There are no exceptions. Monitor AWARD's website for future cohort calls.
No. This is a non-residential Fellowship designed for working professionals. You remain employed while participating in training modules, mentoring, and network activities.
The inaugural cohort selected 50 Fellows from 31 institutions. While exact application numbers are not published, the multi-stage review by expert panels and specific eligibility criteria suggest a competitive process. Strong demonstration of leadership potential and alignment with program goals improves prospects.
No, unless you are physically employed by an institution in one of the six eligible countries (Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal). Employment location, not research topic location, determines eligibility. Zimbabwe-based applicants should await future program expansions.

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