AWARD Women in Agriculture Leadership Program 2026–2027 | Fellowship for African Women Scientists

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. It equips African women researchers with the skills, mentorship, and networks needed to become influential leaders in agricultural and climate research.

Through two fellowship cohorts, the programme will directly benefit 300 participants, including 100 Fellows, 100 Mentors, and 100 Mentees. 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.

The program operates through two complementary tracks: the Career Development Fellowship Track, which focuses on strengthening individual leadership, mentoring, and professional growth, and the Institutional Strengthening Track, which works with selected research institutions to improve gender integration within organizational policies and practices.