Open Call: Women in Agriculture Leadership Fellowship Program

Deadline: 26-Apr-2026

The Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship empowers African women scientists in agriculture and climate resilience through a two-year, non-residential program. Fellows receive leadership training, mentoring, technical skills development, networking opportunities, and support for gender-responsive, climate-resilient agrifood research.

About the Fellowship

The Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship is designed to support African women scientists working on agricultural and climate resilience issues. The program combines virtual and face-to-face learning to strengthen leadership, professional networks, and research impact in agrifood systems.

Objectives of the Fellowship

The Fellowship aims to:

• Develop leadership capacity and mentoring skills

• Enhance technical excellence in agriculture and climate research

• Integrate gender perspectives into climate adaptation and agrifood systems

• Strengthen science communication and publishing skills

• Promote cross-country collaboration and research networking

• Increase visibility through storytelling and advocacy

• Foster gender-responsive and climate-resilient agrifood systems

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants are women researchers from the following countries:

• Egypt

• Ghana

• Morocco

• Nigeria

• Sierra Leone

• Senegal

Eligibility Criteria:

• Actively engaged in agricultural or climate research

• Affiliated with national agricultural research institutes, government ministries, universities, or international research organizations

• Demonstrated leadership potential and career aspirations in agrifood systems

Two cohorts of 50 Fellows each are competitively selected based on academic qualifications, professional experience, and leadership potential.

Fellowship Structure

The program is structured as a two-year, non-residential fellowship with blended learning and mentoring:

Mentoring Model

• Three-tier mentoring system:

  • Year 1: Each Fellow is paired with a senior mentor aligned with professional goals

  • Year 2: Fellows mentor an emerging scientist, continuing the cycle of leadership development

• Mentoring Activities:

  • Eight-week virtual orientation workshop

  • Monthly mentoring meetings for progress review, challenge resolution, and career guidance

Training and Development

• Leadership and Negotiation: Five-day in-person course

• Gender in Climate Adaptation: Four-week virtual course

• Gender Integration in Agrifood Systems: Five-day workshop

• Science Communication & Proposal Writing: Four-week course

• Storytelling & Visibility: Eight-week course culminating in an in-person storytelling event

Collaboration and Networking

• Participation in cross-country research groups for joint publications and resource mobilization

• Role-modeling events within institutions or communities

• Advocacy and visibility-building activities to amplify the impact of women leaders in agricultural research

Benefits of the Fellowship

• Leadership development and mentorship opportunities

• Professional growth through training in technical, gender, and communication skills

• Access to a continental network of women scientists

• Opportunities to contribute to gender-responsive and climate-resilient agricultural research

• Increased visibility and recognition for Fellows as leaders in their field

How to Apply

1. Check Eligibility: Confirm nationality, professional affiliation, and research focus

2. Prepare Application: Include academic qualifications, professional experience, leadership potential, and a personal statement

3. Submit Proposal: Follow program-specific instructions and deadlines

4. Selection Process: Competitive evaluation based on qualifications, leadership potential, and institutional representation

Why It Matters

The Fellowship empowers African women scientists to:

• Influence agricultural research and policy

• Lead climate-resilient and gender-responsive projects

• Strengthen regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing

• Serve as role models for future generations of women in science

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without being actively engaged in agricultural or climate research

• Not demonstrating leadership potential or institutional affiliation

• Missing program deadlines or incomplete submissions

• Ignoring requirements for mentoring participation or training activities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible? Women researchers from Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Senegal working in agriculture or climate resilience.

2. How long is the Fellowship? Two years, non-residential with virtual and in-person components.

3. How many Fellows are selected? Two cohorts of 50 Fellows each.

4. What is included in the Fellowship? Mentoring, leadership training, technical courses, networking, and visibility-building activities.

5. What organizations are eligible? National agricultural research institutes, government ministries, universities, or international research organizations.

6. What mentoring support is provided? Fellows receive senior mentors in Year 1 and mentor an emerging scientist in Year 2.

7. How does the Fellowship increase visibility? Through storytelling training, role-modeling events, and advocacy initiatives.

Conclusion

The Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship equips African women scientists with leadership, technical, and advocacy skills to drive climate-resilient and gender-responsive agrifood research. By fostering mentorship, collaboration, and professional growth, the program empowers Fellows to become influential leaders and role models in agricultural science.

For more information, visit AWARD.