Scholarship Overview
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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 delivered by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). This two-year non-residential program targets mid-career African women agricultural scientists seeking to advance their leadership in climate-responsive agricultural research and agrifood systems.
The Fellowship combines mentoring, specialized training, and network-building to move participants from technical expertise toward strategic leadership roles. The inaugural cohort of 50 Fellows commenced in July 2026, and the second cohort will join this growing community of African women leaders in agriculture.
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What the Fellowship Covers
The Fellowship provides comprehensive professional development support including:
- Mentoring program: Fellows are matched with both a senior mentor and a junior mentee, creating a three-tier learning structure
- Leadership training: Five-day Women’s Leadership and Negotiation Skills Course (inaugural cohort held in Dakar, Senegal)
- Specialized courses: Training on gender integration in climate adaptation, science communication, and research proposal writing
- Network access: Membership in a community of experienced African women scientists across 31+ institutions
The program is non-residential, allowing Fellows to continue their professional roles while participating in scheduled activities and virtual engagements.
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Eligibility Requirements
The Fellowship has strict eligibility criteria. Applicants must meet all requirements:
- Gender: Women only
- Career stage: Mid-career agricultural scientists
- Nationality/Employment: Working in national agricultural research institutions, government ministries, universities, or international research organizations in Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, or Senegal
- 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 call is limited to the six countries listed above. Applicants from Zimbabwe and other SADC nations are not eligible for this cohort. AWARD may expand to additional countries in future calls—monitor their communications for updates.
Application Process
Applications are submitted strictly through the online portal. Follow these steps:
- Prepare your materials: Gather evidence of your master’s degree, documentation of 7+ years professional experience, and examples of your work in agriculture and agrifood systems
- Select your language portal: Use the English application portal or French application portal based on your preferred working language
- Complete the online form: Submit all required information and supporting documents
- Submit before deadline: November 06, 2026, at 23:59 East Africa Time (GMT+3). Late applications will NOT be accepted
Information Webinar: A webinar for potential applicants will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 1500hrs EAT. Registration is required—check the official AWARD website for the registration link.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by a panel of experts who make final selections based on applicants’ demonstrated ability to meet the qualities sought by the Program. The inaugural cohort comprised 50 Fellows from 31 institutions working in diverse disciplines, suggesting competitive but achievable selection odds for qualified candidates.
Accessibility Support
AWARD is committed to inclusive participation. Persons living with disabilities who require reasonable adjustments to remove barriers in the application process should email T.Wangaya[at]landscapealliance.org with specific accommodation requests.
Additional Resources
Applicants are encouraged to review:
- Fellowship brochure (available in English and French)
- Frequently Asked Questions document (English and French)
- Video testimonials from selected Fellows sharing their aspirations
Contact AWARD directly at [email protected] or +254 (0) 20 722 4242 for questions not addressed in published materials.
About AWARD
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) is hosted by the World Agroforestry Centre at United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya. The organization has established itself as a leading force in developing African women leaders who can drive transformative change in agricultural research and development across the continent.
Official scholarship page: https://awardfellowships.org/news/award-opens-call-for-second-cohort-of-women-in-agriculture-leadership-program-fellowship
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships