AWARD Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship 2027: Applications Open

African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) has opened applications for the second cohort of its Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship.

The two-year, non-residential fellowship is designed for mid-career African women agricultural scientists seeking to strengthen their leadership capacity and influence in climate-responsive agricultural research and agrifood systems.

The programme targets qualified women working in national agricultural research institutions, government ministries, universities and international research organisations in six African countries, including Nigeria.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will participate in a two-year professional development programme that includes:

• Leadership and negotiation skills training.
• A structured mentoring programme involving a mentor and a mentee.
• Training on gender integration in climate adaptation.
• Science communication training.
• Research proposal writing.
• Opportunities to strengthen professional networks and leadership influence.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Be a woman working in agricultural science, research or agrifood systems.
2. Hold at least a master's degree in a relevant discipline.
3. Have a minimum of seven years of professional experience in agriculture and agrifood systems, including relevant gender-related research or programming.
4. Be working in an eligible country: Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone or Senegal.
5. Work in a relevant professional setting, such as a national agricultural research institution, government ministry, university or international research organisation.

Application Requirements

Applicants should be prepared to provide information about their:

• Academic qualifications and professional background.
• Current position, organisation and leadership responsibilities.
• Agricultural research experience and relevant projects.
• Leadership experience, achievements and previous training.
• Previous fellowships, scholarships and professional recognition.
• Proposed actions for advancing gender-responsive agricultural research.

How to Apply

1. Read the official announcement and application guidelines.
2. Confirm that you meet the academic, professional and country requirements.
3. Prepare the information needed to describe your research, leadership experience and professional achievements.
4. Complete the official online application form.
5. Review your responses and submit the application before the deadline.

Application link:

(https://form.jotform.com/262501543338958)

Read the official fellowship announcement

(https://awardfellowships.org/news/award-opens-call-for-second-cohort-of-women-in-agriculture-leadership-program-fellowship/)

Application Deadline

6 November 2026

Official website: https://awardfellowships.org/

Important Information:

The fellowship is non-residential, meaning participants are not required to relocate for the entire programme.The official announcement does not specify a cash award or personal stipend.

Applicants should therefore regard it as a leadership development fellowship rather than a monetary scholarship.

The fellowship is intended for mid-career professionals with relevant experience, rather than students seeking undergraduate or postgraduate tuition funding.

The application also asks candidates to nominate potential mentors. Applicants are strongly encouraged to nominate at least one suitable mentor from their current institution or organisation, where feasible.

Candidates should read the application guidelines carefully and ensure that their responses reflect their genuine professional experience.