Deadline: 31-Dec-2025
AfricaLics has opened a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for African scholars to join the Advancing Inclusive Agricultural Innovation for Climate Resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa (AACRA) Research Coordination Area. This initiative builds a collaborative research community focused on inclusive agricultural innovation, climate resilience, and sustainable development across Africa.
Overview
The African Network for Economics of Learning, Innovation and Competence Building Systems (AfricaLics) invites Expressions of Interest from African scholars and researchers to participate in the Advancing Inclusive Agricultural Innovation for Climate Resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa (AACRA) Research Coordination Area (RCA). This initiative targets researchers based both within Africa and in the African diaspora, with the goal of strengthening research collaboration and evidence-based policy engagement on agricultural innovation and climate resilience.
Purpose of the AACRA Initiative
The AACRA Research Coordination Area is designed to advance understanding of how innovation, science, and technology can strengthen social, economic, and ecological resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa. The initiative emphasizes inclusive and sustainable development by integrating research on innovation systems, climate adaptation, and agricultural transformation. Through structured collaboration, AACRA supports high-quality research that informs development practice and policy dialogue.
Key Focus Areas
Research under the AACRA RCA will concentrate on the following thematic areas: inclusive agricultural innovation systems; gender and innovation in agriculture; indigenous knowledge systems and local innovation practices; promotion of underutilized crops and agrobiodiversity; climate-smart and sustainable agricultural technologies; development of climate resilience indicators and measurement frameworks; and research–policy linkages for sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Research Community of Practice on Agricultural Innovation and Resilience
AACRA operates as a Research Community of Practice on Agricultural Innovation and Resilience in Africa. This community brings together scholars committed to collaborative learning, peer exchange, and joint knowledge production. Participants engage in collective reflection on how innovation and competence-building systems can enhance resilience at local, national, and regional levels across the continent.
What the Research Coordination Area Offers
The Research Coordination Area provides a structured platform for sustained academic collaboration. Participants will take part in peer-learning activities, joint research design, and intellectual exchange. Expected outputs include collaborative research proposals, academic journal articles, working papers, and policy briefs aimed at influencing development practice and policy processes.
Why This Opportunity Matters
The AACRA RCA aligns closely with AfricaLics’ mission to strengthen African research capacity and promote evidence-based discussions on innovation for development. Participation enables scholars to increase research visibility, access mentorship opportunities, and engage with a vibrant network of African and international researchers working on agricultural innovation, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The call is open to African scholars and researchers affiliated with universities or research institutions within Africa or abroad. Researchers with demonstrated interest or experience in agricultural innovation, development economics, science and technology policy, climate resilience, or related fields are eligible. Applicants with prior experience in collaborative research, interdisciplinary work, or policy engagement are particularly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply: Submission Requirements
Interested applicants must submit a concise application package consisting of a one-page Expression of Interest and a short curriculum vitae. The Expression of Interest should clearly outline the applicant’s research interests, current institutional affiliation, and motivation for joining the AACRA Research Coordination Area. The CV should be no longer than two pages and highlight relevant research experience, publications, and policy engagement activities.
Application Deadline
All Expressions of Interest must be submitted by 31 December 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting Expressions of Interest longer than one page. Failing to clearly link research interests to AACRA focus areas. Providing CVs that exceed the two-page limit. Omitting current affiliation or motivation for participation. Missing the application deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply to the AACRA Research Coordination Area?
African scholars based in Africa or abroad who are affiliated with universities or research institutions and have relevant research interests may apply.
Is this a funded fellowship or a research grant?
This call is for participation in a Research Coordination Area and Community of Practice, not a standalone research grant or fellowship.
What research areas are prioritized?
Priority areas include inclusive innovation systems, gender, indigenous knowledge, agrobiodiversity, climate-smart agriculture, resilience indicators, and research–policy linkages.
What are the expected outputs for participants?
Participants are expected to contribute to collaborative research outputs such as proposals, academic publications, and policy briefs.
Can early-career researchers apply?
Yes. Early-career researchers with relevant interests and demonstrated research capacity are encouraged to apply.
Is participation limited to scholars based in Africa?
No. African scholars based outside Africa are also eligible to apply.
Conclusion
The AfricaLics AACRA Research Coordination Area offers a strategic platform for African scholars to collaborate on inclusive agricultural innovation and climate resilience research. By joining this initiative, researchers can contribute to impactful knowledge generation, strengthen policy engagement, and support sustainable development pathways across Sub-Saharan Africa.
For more information, visit AfricaLics.
