African women scientists working in agriculture and climate research can now apply for the Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship 2026, a prestigious leadership and career development program focused on climate-resilient agriculture and gender-responsive agrifood systems.
The fellowship is implemented by African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) under the Africa–Australia Partnership for Climate Responsive Agriculture and aims to strengthen the leadership capacity of women researchers driving climate adaptation and sustainable agriculture across Africa.
Key Details
Fellowship: Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship
Organizer: African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD)
Program Duration: 24 months
Eligible Countries: Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone
Target Participants: African women scientists in agriculture and climate research
Degree Requirement: Minimum Master’s degree in a relevant discipline
Experience Required: At least 7 years of professional experience
Language Requirement: English or French proficiency
Application Fee: None (Free to apply)
Application Deadline: April 26, 2026 (23:59 East Africa Time – GMT+3)
About the Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship
The Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship is designed to strengthen the capability, confidence, and influence of African women scientists working in agriculture and climate research.
Through leadership development, mentoring partnerships, and technical learning opportunities, the fellowship prepares women researchers to become leaders in climate-resilient agriculture and agrifood systems innovation.
The program draws inspiration from the successful AWARD Fellowship Model, connecting participants with a broader ecosystem of agricultural researchers, mentors, and leaders.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will participate in a comprehensive professional development program that includes:
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Leadership and negotiation training
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Mentoring partnerships with both mentors and mentees
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Training on gender integration in climate adaptation
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Science communication and publishing courses
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Networking with agricultural and climate research experts
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Collaboration with AWARD alumni and partner networks
The fellowship will engage up to 300 beneficiaries, including:
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100 Fellows
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100 Mentors
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100 Mentees
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, applicants must:
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Be African women scientists working in agriculture, climate science, or agrifood systems
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Have a minimum of seven years of professional experience in agriculture, climate research, gender integration, or related fields
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Hold at least a master’s degree in a relevant discipline such as:
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Agriculture
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Agricultural Economics
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Agricultural Extension
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Natural Resource Management
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Food Science and Nutrition
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Climate Science
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Be nationals of the target countries and residing in Africa
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Demonstrate strong interest in advancing gender-responsive and climate-resilient research
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Be proficient in English or French
Applicants must also show the potential to influence research, policy, and innovation in agrifood systems.
Program Approach
The program adopts a two-track implementation approach:
Fellowship Track
This track focuses on career development for women scientists, providing mentorship, leadership training, and professional growth opportunities.
Institutional Strengthening Track
This component supports national agricultural research systems (NARS) in integrating gender-responsive approaches into institutional policies and research programs for equitable climate action.
Target Participants
Participants will be drawn from institutions across the agricultural research ecosystem, including:
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National Agricultural Research Institutions (NARIs)
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Ministries of Agriculture
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Universities and academic institutions
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International agricultural research organizations
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Climate and agrifood research centers
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official fellowship application portal.
Applicants should apply through the appropriate portal depending on their language preference:
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English-speaking applicants: Apply through the English application portal here
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French-speaking applicants: Apply through the French application portal here
Applicants living with disabilities who require reasonable adjustments during the application process can contact:
please email T.Wangaya@cifor-icraf.org .
There is no application or registration fee.
📅 Application Deadline: April 26, 2026 (23:59 East Africa Time – GMT+3)
Late applications will not be accepted.
For more information, please download and read:
Interested candidates are invited to apply by April 26, 2026, at 23:59 East Africa Time (GMT+3). Applications will NOT be accepted after this date.
About the Africa–Australia Partnership for Climate Responsive Agriculture
The Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship is funded through the Africa–Australia Partnership for Climate Responsive Agriculture.
The partnership aims to strengthen agricultural research capacity and increase the number of women leading climate-resilient agriculture initiatives across Africa.
The program is delivered by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) in collaboration with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Why This Fellowship Matters
Women scientists are critical to transforming Africa’s agricultural systems, climate resilience strategies, and food security efforts.
By investing in leadership development and research capacity, the fellowship helps ensure that women researchers play a central role in shaping sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient agrifood systems across Africa.
Acknowledgement
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. It seeks to contribute to the Partnership’s end-of-program outcome two (EOPO2): “Australia leverages its funding to national and multilateral agricultural research institutes to increase the number of women leading and participating in climate resilient agriculture”. The Africa—Australia Partnership is delivered by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Source https://awardfellowships.org/news/call-to-apply-for-the-women-in-agriculture-leadership-program-fellowship-for-the-africa-australia-partnership-for-climate-responsive-agriculture/