Deadline: April 23, 2026
The Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship for the Africa–Australia Partnership for Climate Responsive Agriculture is a prestigious professional development initiative designed to strengthen the leadership capacity of African women scientists working in agriculture and climate-related research.
The fellowship is implemented by the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) under the Africa–Australia Partnership for Climate Responsive Agriculture. The programme seeks to empower women researchers with the leadership skills, mentorship, and technical knowledge needed to drive climate-resilient agricultural innovation across Africa.
Through a comprehensive leadership development framework, the Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship for the Africa–Australia Partnership for Climate Responsive Agriculture equips fellows with the tools and networks required to influence research agendas, shape agricultural policies, and strengthen climate-responsive food systems across the continent.
This fellowship represents a significant opportunity for mid-career African women scientists who are passionate about advancing sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, and gender-responsive research.
About the Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship
The Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship is a 24-month career development and leadership training programme aimed at strengthening the professional capacity of African women scientists working in agriculture and climate-responsive agrifood systems.
The programme is designed to address the gender gap in agricultural research leadership by supporting women researchers with targeted leadership training, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Women scientists play a critical role in agricultural innovation and climate adaptation. However, they remain underrepresented in leadership positions within agricultural research institutions. This fellowship aims to bridge that gap by equipping participants with the skills required to become influential leaders in their respective fields.
The programme focuses on developing leadership capacity, strengthening research impact, and improving the integration of gender-responsive approaches into climate-resilient agricultural solutions.
Participants will engage in a combination of leadership development activities, mentoring relationships, professional networking, and technical training designed to enhance their influence within research institutions, government agencies, and agricultural organisations.
Objectives of the Fellowship
The fellowship seeks to achieve several key objectives that contribute to sustainable agricultural development and climate resilience across Africa.
Strengthening Women’s Leadership in Agricultural Research
One of the core objectives of the programme is to increase the number of women leaders in agricultural research institutions. By building leadership capacity, the fellowship helps women scientists take on influential roles in shaping agricultural innovation and policy.
Promoting Gender-Responsive Agricultural Innovation
The programme promotes the integration of gender perspectives in agricultural research and innovation. Fellows will gain the knowledge and tools needed to ensure that agricultural solutions address the needs of both women and men farmers.
Supporting Climate-Responsive Agriculture
Climate change continues to pose serious challenges to agricultural productivity across Africa. The fellowship focuses on equipping participants with expertise in climate adaptation, sustainable farming systems, and resilience-building strategies.
Expanding Professional Networks
Another important objective of the programme is to strengthen collaboration among agricultural researchers across Africa. Fellows will join a dynamic network of researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners working to transform agrifood systems.
Duration of the Fellowship
The Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship is structured as a two-year programme (24 months).
During this period, fellows will participate in a series of structured activities designed to support professional development, including leadership training workshops, mentorship programmes, collaborative learning sessions, and research communication training.
The long-term structure of the programme allows fellows to apply newly acquired skills directly within their professional environments while receiving ongoing mentorship and support.
Eligible Countries
The fellowship is open to applicants from selected African countries participating in the Africa–Australia Partnership for Climate Responsive Agriculture.
Eligible applicants must be nationals and residents of the following countries:
- Egypt
- Ghana
- Morocco
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
Women scientists from these countries who are actively working in agricultural research, climate science, or agrifood systems are strongly encouraged to apply.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants interested in the fellowship must meet several eligibility requirements.
Gender Requirement
Applicants must be women scientists currently working in agriculture, climate science, or related disciplines.
Academic Qualifications
Applicants must hold at least a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as:
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Extension
- Food Science
- Natural Resource Management
- Climate Science
- Environmental Science
- Nutrition or related disciplines
Candidates with doctoral degrees are also encouraged to apply.
Professional Experience
Applicants must have a minimum of seven years of professional experience in agricultural research, climate science, or related sectors.
The programme specifically targets mid-career women scientists who have demonstrated strong potential to become leaders within their organisations.
Institutional Affiliation
Applicants must be employed by an eligible organisation such as:
- National Agricultural Research Institutions
- Universities or academic institutions
- Ministries of agriculture or government agencies
- International agricultural research organisations
Applicants must remain employed at their institution throughout the fellowship period.
Language Proficiency
Candidates must be proficient in English or French, as programme activities will be conducted in these languages.
Residence Requirement
Applicants must be living and working in one of the eligible African countries listed above.
Fellowship Benefits
The fellowship provides participants with a wide range of professional development opportunities designed to strengthen leadership capacity and enhance research impact.
Leadership Development Training
Fellows will participate in intensive leadership development workshops focusing on areas such as strategic leadership, negotiation skills, decision-making, and organisational influence.
These sessions are designed to help participants build the confidence and skills required to lead research teams, manage projects, and influence policy.
Structured Mentorship Programme
A key component of the fellowship is a structured mentorship framework that supports professional growth.
The programme uses a three-tier mentorship model, which includes:
- Senior mentors who provide strategic career guidance
- Mid-career fellows who receive mentorship and leadership training
- Early-career researchers who benefit from the fellows’ mentorship
This cascading mentorship model helps strengthen leadership pipelines within agricultural research institutions.
Gender Integration Training
Participants will receive specialised training on how to integrate gender considerations into agricultural research programmes, climate adaptation strategies, and agrifood policy initiatives.
This ensures that agricultural innovations developed through research are inclusive and responsive to the needs of different groups within rural communities.
Science Communication and Research Publishing
Fellows will also receive training in science communication and research dissemination.
These sessions will focus on:
- Communicating research findings to policymakers
- Writing policy briefs
- Publishing scientific papers
- Engaging with media and stakeholders
Effective communication skills are essential for increasing the visibility and impact of agricultural research.
Networking Opportunities
The programme provides extensive networking opportunities with researchers, policymakers, and agricultural development professionals.
Fellows will become part of the growing AWARD alumni network, which includes women leaders from across Africa who are shaping the future of agricultural research and innovation.
Collaboration Opportunities
Participants will also have the opportunity to collaborate with other fellows and institutions working on climate-responsive agriculture.
These collaborations may lead to joint research initiatives, partnerships, and knowledge exchange across the continent.
Target Participants
The programme is designed for mid-career African women scientists who are committed to advancing agricultural research and climate resilience.
Typical participants may include professionals working in:
- Agricultural research institutes
- Universities and academic institutions
- Government ministries and agricultural agencies
- International development organisations
- Non-governmental organisations working on agriculture and climate adaptation
The fellowship prioritises applicants who demonstrate strong leadership potential and a commitment to advancing gender-responsive agricultural innovation.
Programme Structure
The Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship consists of two complementary tracks designed to strengthen both individual leadership capacity and institutional effectiveness.
Fellowship Track
The fellowship track focuses on developing the leadership skills and professional capacity of individual participants.
Activities in this track include:
- Leadership development training
- Mentorship and coaching
- Professional networking
- Communication and policy engagement training
Fellows will also participate in collaborative learning activities with other participants across the programme.
Institutional Strengthening Track
The second track focuses on supporting participating institutions in integrating gender-responsive practices into their research programmes.
Institutions will receive support in areas such as:
- Gender policy development
- Research programme design
- Institutional leadership development
- Capacity building for gender integration
This dual approach ensures that both individuals and institutions benefit from the programme.
Importance of the Fellowship for Climate-Responsive Agriculture
Agriculture remains one of the most climate-sensitive sectors in Africa. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events are affecting agricultural productivity and food security across the continent.
Women play a central role in agriculture, yet they are often underrepresented in decision-making processes related to agricultural research and policy.
The Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship addresses this challenge by empowering women scientists with the leadership skills required to influence climate-resilient agricultural innovation.
By strengthening the leadership capacity of women researchers, the programme contributes to the development of more inclusive and effective agricultural systems capable of responding to climate challenges.
Application Deadline
Interested candidates must submit their applications before the official deadline.
Application Deadline:
26 April 2026
Applications submitted after this deadline will not be considered.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to begin the application process early to ensure they have enough time to prepare all required documentation.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the official programme portal.
Applications typically require the submission of supporting materials such as academic qualifications, professional experience details, and statements outlining leadership goals and research interests.
Applicants are advised to carefully review all eligibility requirements and application instructions before submitting their application.
Final Thoughts
The Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship for the Africa–Australia Partnership for Climate Responsive Agriculture represents a powerful opportunity for African women scientists to advance their leadership potential and contribute to sustainable agricultural development.
Through leadership training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and gender-responsive research capacity building, the fellowship prepares participants to become influential leaders in climate-responsive agriculture.
By investing in women researchers, the programme strengthens Africa’s ability to develop innovative solutions to climate challenges while promoting inclusive agricultural growth.
For women scientists who are passionate about advancing agricultural research, shaping policy, and driving climate resilience, this fellowship offers a valuable platform for professional and leadership development.
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