Deadline: 19-Jun-2026
The IFRA–Nairobi Fieldwork Grants are research funding awards designed to support academic fieldwork in social sciences and humanities across East Africa.
They are primarily intended for early-career and advanced researchers who need financial assistance to conduct on-the-ground data collection and field-based research.
Core Objectives of the Programme
Primary Goals
- Support academic fieldwork in East Africa
- Strengthen research in social sciences and humanities
- Encourage critical and decolonial approaches to African studies
- Promote interdisciplinary academic inquiry
- Improve understanding of political, social, and cultural dynamics
Priority Research Themes
The programme prioritizes research that addresses key societal and academic issues in East Africa.
1. Politics, Governance, and Elections
- Elections and democratic governance in East Africa
- Political systems and institutional dynamics
- Civic participation and political change
2. Land, Agriculture, and Rural Transformation
- Land ownership and land conflicts
- Agrarian change and rural economies
- Food systems and agricultural transformation
3. Youth and Political Engagement
- Youth politics and activism
- Gen Z political participation
- Social movements and civic engagement
4. Labour, Work, and Economy
- Workers and employment conditions
- Labour markets and informal economies
- Economic transformation in East Africa
5. Culture, Identity, and Society
- Music, art, heritage, and cultural expression
- Social identity and community structures
- Cultural transformation in African societies
6. Migration, Refugees, and Humanitarian Governance
- Refugee experiences and policy frameworks
- Humanitarian systems and governance
- Forced displacement and mobility
7. Gender and Sexuality Studies
- Gender relations in theory and practice
- LGBTQ+ issues in African contexts
- Feminist and gender-based analysis
8. Urban Studies and Inequality
- Urban inequality and spatial justice
- African city development
- Urban governance and infrastructure
9. Intellectual and Theoretical Development
- Decolonizing African studies
- African socialism and Pan-Africanism
- African intellectual traditions and thinkers
Eligible Research Locations
Research must focus on East African countries, including:
Who Can Apply?
Eligible Applicants
- Master’s students
- PhD candidates
- Postdoctoral researchers
Nationality Requirement
- Open to all nationalities
- Research must be conducted in East Africa
Funding Details
Grant Amount
- Between €400 and €1,200
Purpose of Funding
- Fieldwork-related expenses such as:
- Travel for data collection
- Local research costs
- Field interviews and surveys
- Archival or site-based research expenses
Important Conditions
- Grants are not taxable
- No social security coverage included
Application Process
Applications are submitted via email and must include three main documents:
1. Cover Letter (Approx. 2 pages)
Must include:
- Project summary
- Applicant profile
- Justification for funding
- Information on other funding sources
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic background
- Relevant publications
- Research experience
3. Research Proposal (Up to 5 pages)
Must include:
- Research objectives
- Methodology
- Fieldwork location
- Detailed research plan
Accepted Languages
- English
- French
Evaluation and Selection Process
Assessment Criteria
- Academic quality and rigor
- Relevance to East African context
- Contribution to social sciences or humanities
- Methodological clarity
- Fieldwork feasibility
Feedback
- Applicants typically receive feedback shortly after submission
Flexibility in Research Topics
While priority themes are emphasized, the programme also allows flexibility:
- Proposals outside listed themes may be considered
- Must demonstrate strong academic relevance
- Must contribute meaningfully to African studies or related disciplines
What Makes a Strong Application?
Key Success Factors
- Clear and focused research question
- Strong methodological design
- Direct connection to East African field context
- Well-defined fieldwork plan
- Clear justification for financial need
- Strong academic CV and publication record
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Weak Fieldwork Justification
Applications must clearly explain why funding is needed for field research.
2. Vague Research Design
Unclear methodology reduces competitiveness.
3. Lack of Regional Focus
Research must be explicitly tied to East Africa.
4. Missing Required Documents
Incomplete applications are typically rejected.
5. Overly Broad Topics
Focused and well-defined research questions perform better.
Why IFRA Fieldwork Grants Matter
1. Supports Early-Career Research
Enables students and researchers to conduct essential fieldwork.
2. Strengthens African Studies
Encourages high-quality, locally grounded research.
3. Promotes Intellectual Diversity
Supports decolonial and interdisciplinary approaches.
4. Enables Field-Based Knowledge Production
Funds real-world data collection in East African contexts.
5. Encourages Thematic Depth
Supports critical research on politics, culture, economy, and society.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What are IFRA–Nairobi Fieldwork Grants?
They are small research grants supporting social sciences and humanities fieldwork in East Africa.
2. Who can apply?
Master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral researchers from any nationality.
3. How much funding is available?
Between €400 and €1,200 per grant.
4. Where must research be conducted?
In East African countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and Eastern Congo.
5. What expenses are covered?
Fieldwork-related costs such as travel, interviews, and data collection.
6. What languages can applications be submitted in?
English or French.
7. Are all research topics accepted?
Priority themes are preferred, but strong relevant proposals outside them may also be considered.
Conclusion
The IFRA–Nairobi Fieldwork Grants provide essential financial support for researchers conducting field-based social sciences and humanities studies in East Africa. By focusing on governance, culture, labour, youth, and decolonial knowledge production, the programme strengthens academic understanding of the region while enabling high-quality, grounded research.
Its core purpose is to support fieldwork-driven scholarship that deepens knowledge of East African societies and contributes to global academic discourse.
For more information, visit IFRA Nairobi.