The African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) has opened applications for the second cohort of its Women in Agriculture Leadership Program, an initiative designed to strengthen the leadership skills, technical expertise and professional networks of African women scientists working in climate-resilient agriculture.

The programme operates under the Africa–Australia Partnership for Climate Responsive Agriculture (AAPCRA) and aims to increase women’s representation in agricultural research leadership while promoting gender-responsive innovations that address the needs of smallholder farmers across Africa.

The fellowship combines leadership training, mentoring and technical development to help women researchers strengthen their influence in agricultural science, policy and innovation. It also includes an institutional strengthening component intended to support national agricultural research systems in integrating gender-responsive policies and practices.

Across two fellowship cohorts, the programme aims to benefit 300 participants, comprising 100 Fellows, 100 Mentors and 100 Mentees.

Six African countries eligible

The fellowship is open to eligible applicants from Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone. Participants may come from National Agricultural Research Systems, ministries of agriculture, universities and other academic or research institutions working in agriculture, food systems and climate research.

Selected fellows will receive leadership development training, one-on-one mentoring and opportunities to build professional networks with researchers and institutions across Africa. The programme will also strengthen participants’ technical capacity in climate-resilient agriculture and support their ability to contribute to agricultural research and policymaking.

The initiative is intended to help women scientists advance their careers while developing solutions that improve agricultural productivity, strengthen climate adaptation and support more sustainable food systems.

Individual leadership and institutional change

The Women in Agriculture Leadership Program operates through two complementary tracks. The Career Development Fellowship Track focuses on individual leadership, mentoring and professional growth, while the Institutional Strengthening Track works with selected research institutions to improve gender integration in organisational policies, practices and systems.

By addressing both individual development and institutional barriers, the programme seeks to create more supportive environments for women working in agricultural research and climate-related fields.

Women play important roles in African agriculture and food production, yet their representation in research leadership remains a concern. Expanding their participation in decision-making and scientific innovation could help research institutions develop more inclusive solutions that respond to the needs of diverse farming communities.

How to apply

Applications are subject to a competitive selection process. Interested candidates should consult AWARD’s official fellowship portal for the application form, eligibility criteria, programme brochure and submission instructions.

Applicants should ensure that they meet the requirements and demonstrate leadership potential, a commitment to gender-responsive agricultural innovation and an interest in advancing climate-resilient food systems.

The programme offers an opportunity to strengthen the capacity of African women scientists while supporting wider efforts to improve agricultural research, climate adaptation and food security across the continent.