- 2 yearsFellowship Duration
- Non-residentialProgram Type
- ~6 target countriesEligible Countries
- Mid-career African womenTarget Group
- Deadline: 2026-11-06Application Deadline
- ~1000+ women supported by AWARD since 2008Provider Impact
At a glance
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Funding
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Max amount
Nov 6, 2026
Deadline
Egypt
Country
AWARD
Provider
The AWARD Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship is a two-year, non-residential fellowship designed to empower African women scientists in agricultural research and agrifood systems. Established by AWARD, an organization that has supported over 1,000 women agricultural researchers since its inception in 2008, this program strengthens capabilities in leadership and climate-responsive research. The fellowship targets mid-career women scientists working in national agricultural research institutions, government ministries, universities, and international research organizations across six specific African countries. It aims to enhance their confidence and influence in addressing critical issues like climate adaptation and food security. Participants engage in a structured program that includes mentorship, training, and networking opportunities, fostering a new generation of leaders capable of driving change in African agriculture. The deadline for the 2026/2027 cohort is November 6, 2026. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- Mentoring Program — Fellows are matched with a mentor and a mentee to foster professional development and knowledge exchange.
- Leadership and Negotiation Training — Comprehensive courses designed to enhance leadership qualities and negotiation skills.
- Gender Integration Training — Training focused on integrating gender perspectives into climate adaptation research.
- Science Communication Training — Workshops to improve skills in effectively communicating scientific research findings.
- Research Proposal Writing — Guidance and training on developing strong research proposals.
- Financial Support — The program is described as a 'Fellowship' implying full coverage of program costs, including training, travel for program activities, and mentorship support. A specific monetary value is not stated, but the comprehensive nature suggests significant support, potentially equivalent to ~USD 10,000 to 20,000 (est.) per fellow over the two years, covering program-related expenses.
How to apply
Applications for the AWARD Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship are exclusively submitted through an online portal. Prospective fellows should prepare all required documents and submit them before the stated deadline, ensuring they use the correct portal for their language preference.
- Review Eligibility Criteria — Carefully read all eligibility requirements, including academic qualifications, professional experience, nationality, and language proficiency, to ensure you qualify for the fellowship.
- Prepare Application Materials — Gather all necessary documents, which may include your master's degree certificate, proof of seven years' experience, and potentially a research statement or letter of intent.
- Access the Online Portal — Navigate to the official application portal. Ensure you select the correct portal based on your preferred language of application (English or French).
- Complete the Application Form — Fill out all sections of the online application form accurately and completely, providing all requested personal, academic, and professional details.
- Upload Supporting Documents — Attach all required documents as specified in the application guidelines to your online application.
- Submit Application — Submit your completed application through the online portal before the deadline. Late applications will not be accepted.
Eligibility
NationalityMust be nationals of Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, or Senegal.
ResidencyMust reside in Africa for the entire duration of the Fellowship period.
Academic QualificationHold at least a master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
Professional ExperienceA minimum of seven years of experience in agriculture, agrifood systems, gender, and climate-related work.
Current EngagementCurrently actively engaged in research, policy, or practice relevant to climate change and smallholder agriculture, working in NARIs, government agencies, academia, NGOs, or the private sector.
Language ProficiencyProficiency in English or French.
Applicants must ensure their professional engagement aligns with climate change and smallholder agriculture and be committed to the full two-year, non-residential fellowship.
Eligible countries
Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal
Deadlines
2026/2027 Cohort 22026-11-06
Selection
Selection for the AWARD Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship is based on a competitive process that evaluates applicants' academic qualifications, professional experience in agriculture, and their active engagement in climate change and smallholder agriculture research or practice. Candidates' potential for leadership and their alignment with the program's objectives to strengthen African women scientists' influence are key factors. Proficiency in either English or French is also a mandatory requirement.
About the provider
AWARD (African Women in Agricultural Research and Development) is a career development program that equips African women agricultural scientists with science, leadership, and mentoring skills. Since its founding in 2008, AWARD has supported over 1,000 women researchers across Africa.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the AWARD Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship?
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This is a two-year, non-residential fellowship by AWARD that aims to enhance the leadership and scientific capabilities of African women agricultural scientists, particularly in climate-responsive agriculture and agrifood systems.
What does the fellowship cover?
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The fellowship covers a range of activities including a mentoring program, and various training courses on leadership, negotiation skills, gender integration in climate adaptation, science communication, and research proposal writing.
What is the monetary value of the award?
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The page does not specify a direct monetary award to fellows. However, it covers participation in a comprehensive program, including mentoring and various training activities, which implies full funding for program-related costs, potentially valued at ~USD 10,000 to 20,000 (est.) in services and support.
Who is eligible to apply for this fellowship?
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Eligible applicants are mid-career African women agricultural scientists with at least a master's degree and a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience. They must be actively engaged in research, policy, or practice related to climate change and smallholder agriculture.
Which countries are eligible for this fellowship?
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Applicants must be nationals of and reside in one of the following target countries: Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Senegal.
What degree levels are eligible for this fellowship?
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Applicants must hold at least a master’s degree in a relevant discipline. While not explicitly stated, PhD holders actively working in the field would also be eligible.
What is the application deadline for the next cycle?
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The application deadline for the 2026/2027 Cohort 2 is November 6, 2026, at 23:59 East Africa Time (GMT+3).
How do I apply for the fellowship?
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Applications are strictly online and must be submitted through the official portal. There are separate portals for English-speaking and French-speaking candidates.
What documents are required for the application?
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Required documents typically include a master's degree, proof of seven years of relevant experience, nationality proof, and proficiency in English or French. Other documents like a CV, statement of interest, or reference letters may also be required (est.).
How are fellows selected?
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Fellows are selected based on their qualifications, experience in agriculture, engagement in climate change work, and potential for leadership. The selection process evaluates their alignment with the program's goal of empowering African women scientists.
What is the duration of the fellowship and is it renewable?
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The fellowship is a two-year, non-residential program. The page does not mention provisions for renewal, implying it is a one-time award for the specified duration.
Where can I find more information and confirm details?
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For more detailed and current information, please visit the official AWARD Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship website or the application portal provided for English and French-speaking candidates.