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AWARD Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship 2026–2028

The AWARD Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship is a two-year non-residential program strengthening mid-career African women scientists to lead climate-responsive agricultural research. The second cohort application closes November 6, 2026.

October 19, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Nov 6, 2026

Quick Overview

Host CountryKenya (program administered from); activities in multiple African countries
Degree LevelProfessional Development, Fellowship
Funding TypePartial Funding
Fields of StudyAgricultural Research, Agrifood Systems, Climate Adaptation, Gender in Agriculture
DeadlineNovember 6, 2026

Scholarship Overview

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

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Program Overview

The Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship is an initiative of African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), funded under the Africa-Australia Partnership for Climate Responsive Agriculture. The program is delivered by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

This two-year non-residential Fellowship targets mid-career African women agricultural scientists seeking to strengthen their capability, confidence, and influence to lead and contribute to climate-responsive agricultural research and agrifood systems.

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What the Fellowship Covers

Selected Fellows engage in a comprehensive program including:

  • A mentoring program with matching to both a mentor and a mentee
  • Training courses on leadership and negotiation skills
  • Training on gender integration in climate adaptation
  • Science communication workshops
  • Research proposal writing training
  • A five-day Women’s Leadership and Negotiation Skills Course (the inaugural cohort commenced with this in Dakar, Senegal in July 2026)

The Fellowship does not appear to provide direct salary replacement or living stipends; the focus is on professional development, networking, and skills enhancement.

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Eligibility Requirements

The Fellowship has specific eligibility criteria:

  • Gender: Women only
  • Career stage: Mid-career scientists
  • Nationality/Location: Must be working in Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, or Senegal
  • Employment: Working in national agricultural research institutions, government ministries, universities, or international research organizations
  • Education: Minimum of a master’s degree in a relevant discipline
  • Experience: Minimum of seven years of work experience in agriculture and agrifood systems, including gender in agriculture research and programming

Note for Zimbabwe/SADC applicants: The current eligibility is restricted to the six countries listed above. Zimbabwe and other SADC nations are not included in this cohort. You may wish to monitor AWARD’s communications for future expansion or similar programs.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through the online portal:

  • English-speaking candidates: Dedicated application portal (link available on official AWARD website)
  • French-speaking candidates: Separate application portal (link available on official AWARD website)

Important: Applications are strictly via the online portal. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed by a panel of experts who make final selections based on applicants’ demonstrated qualities aligned with the Program’s objectives. The selection emphasizes leadership potential, commitment to agricultural research, and ability to contribute to climate-responsive agrifood systems.

Key Dates

  • Application opens: September 11, 2026
  • Application deadline: November 6, 2026 at 23:59 East Africa Time (GMT+3)
  • Information webinar: Held October 7, 2026 (recording available)
  • Fellowship duration: Two years (non-residential)

The inaugural cohort of 50 Fellows commenced their journey in July 2026. The second cohort will follow a similar timeline.

Support for Applicants with Disabilities

AWARD is committed to accessibility. If you are a person living with disability and require reasonable adjustments to remove barriers to participation in the application process, contact T.Wangaya[at]landscapealliance.org.

Program Impact and Testimonials

The inaugural cohort comprises 50 Fellows from 31 institutions working in diverse disciplines.

Latifa Seroukh (Morocco): “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.”

Raymonda Adeline Bernardette Johnson (Sierra Leone): “The Fellowship is an opportunity to strengthen my leadership and support more women in stepping forward in the agricultural sector.”

Resources Available

AWARD provides several resources to help applicants:

  • Fellowship brochure (English and French)
  • Frequently asked questions document (English and French)
  • Video capturing selected Fellows’ aspirations
  • Recorded information webinar from October 7, 2026

Contact Information

Organization: African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD)
Hosted by: World Agroforestry Centre, United Nations Avenue, Gigiri
P.O Box 30677-00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +254 (0) 20 722 4242

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

Professional development including mentoring, training courses, and networking opportunities. No published information on living stipends or direct financial awards.

Eligibility Criteria

Mid-career African women scientists with master's degree, 7+ years experience, working in Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, or Senegal in agricultural research institutions, government, universities, or international organizations

Required Documents

Not specified in available materials; likely CV, statement of purpose, proof of employment, academic transcripts. Check official brochure for complete list.

Application Process

1) Review eligibility and country restrictions. 2) Download brochure and FAQs. 3) Watch recorded webinar. 4) Prepare application materials. 5) Submit via online portal by deadline (separate portals for English and French speakers). 6) Await panel review and selection notification.
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Frequently Asked Questions

The published materials do not specify a living stipend or direct financial award. The Fellowship provides professional development including mentoring, training courses, leadership workshops, and networking opportunities. Review the official brochure for any updated funding details.
No. The current eligibility is restricted to scientists working in Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Senegal only. Zimbabwe and other SADC nations are not eligible for this cohort. Monitor AWARD's website for potential future expansion.
The deadline is November 6, 2026 at 23:59 East Africa Time (GMT+3). Applications will NOT be accepted after this date under any circumstances.
The Fellowship is non-residential. You continue working in your current position while participating in program activities, which include a five-day intensive course (the inaugural cohort met in Dakar, Senegal) and ongoing virtual mentoring and training.
The research materials do not specify exact document requirements. Typically, such programs require a CV, statement of purpose, proof of employment, academic transcripts, and references. Download the official Fellowship brochure from the AWARD website for the complete document checklist.
The inaugural cohort selected 50 Fellows from 31 institutions. Selection is competitive and based on demonstrated leadership potential, alignment with program goals, and ability to contribute to climate-responsive agricultural research. The expert panel evaluates all applications against these criteria.