The African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) has opened applications for the Second Cohort of the Women in Agriculture Leadership Program, an initiative under the Africa–Australia Partnership for Climate Responsive Agriculture (AAPCRA). The fellowship is designed to strengthen the leadership, confidence and technical capacity of African women scientists working in climate-resilient agriculture.
The programme aims to increase the number of women leading agricultural research while supporting gender-responsive innovations that address the needs of women and men smallholder farmers across Africa.
About the Women in Agriculture Leadership Program
The Women in Agriculture Leadership Program is a flagship leadership and career development initiative that equips African women researchers with the skills, mentorship and networks needed to become influential leaders in agricultural and climate research.
The programme combines leadership development, mentoring partnerships and technical excellence to strengthen participants’ ability to lead climate-responsive agricultural research and innovation. It also includes an institutional strengthening component that supports national agricultural research systems in integrating gender-responsive policies and practices.
Through two fellowship cohorts, the programme will directly benefit 300 participants, including 100 Fellows, 100 Mentors and 100 Mentees.
Target Countries
The fellowship is open to eligible applicants from six African countries:
- Egypt
- Ghana
- Morocco
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
Participants are drawn from National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS), ministries of agriculture, universities and academic or research institutions working within the agrifood and climate research landscape.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will participate in a comprehensive leadership programme that combines professional development with practical mentoring and networking opportunities.
Participants will benefit from:
- Leadership development training
- One-on-one mentoring partnerships
- Technical capacity strengthening in climate-resilient agriculture
- Professional networking with African researchers and institutions
- Opportunities to enhance influence within agricultural research and policy
- Access to a regional community of women leaders in agriculture
The programme is specifically designed to help women scientists advance their careers while increasing their contribution to climate-responsive agricultural innovation across Africa.
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship is intended for African women agricultural and climate researchers committed to advancing climate-resilient agriculture.
Eligible participants include researchers affiliated with:
- National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS)
- Ministries of Agriculture
- Universities and academic institutions
- Agricultural and climate research organizations
Applicants should demonstrate strong potential for leadership, a commitment to gender-responsive agricultural innovation and an interest in contributing to sustainable and climate-resilient food systems.
Program Approach
The Women in Agriculture Leadership Program operates through two complementary tracks.
The Career Development Fellowship Track focuses on strengthening individual leadership, mentoring and professional growth for women scientists.
The Institutional Strengthening Track works with selected research institutions to improve gender integration within organizational policies, practices and systems that support equitable climate action.
Together, these two components aim to create both individual and institutional change across Africa’s agricultural research sector.
Selection Process
Fellows are selected through a competitive open call. Applications must be submitted online during the official application period, and successful candidates are chosen based on the programme’s eligibility and selection criteria.
Institutional participants are selected separately through a consultative process involving programme stakeholders and partner organizations.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Women remain underrepresented in agricultural research leadership despite playing critical roles in food systems and climate adaptation. This fellowship addresses that gap by empowering women scientists with leadership skills, mentorship and institutional support needed to influence research, policy and innovation.
By strengthening women’s participation in climate-responsive agriculture, the programme contributes to more inclusive research systems and improved agricultural solutions for smallholder farming communities across Africa.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the online application through the official AWARD fellowship portal during the open call period. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the programme brochure, eligibility requirements and application guidance before submitting their application.
