GROW Fellowship Programme 2026 : Leadership and Mentorship Opportunity for African Women in Agricultural Research

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Application Deadline Date: July 24, 2026

Applications are now open for the GROW Fellowship Programme 2026, a unique leadership and professional development initiative created to support African women working in plant and livestock breeding. The fellowship is designed to strengthen participants’ leadership capacity while promoting gender-responsive agricultural research across the continent.

Africa’s agricultural sector depends heavily on innovation to improve food security, climate resilience, and sustainable farming systems. Yet, women scientists remain underrepresented in leadership positions despite making significant contributions to agricultural research. The GROW Fellowship Programme seeks to bridge this gap by equipping talented women researchers with the skills, networks, and confidence needed to influence research, policy, and decision-making.

Over two years, fellows will participate in structured leadership training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and collaborative learning experiences designed to accelerate their careers and expand their impact. If you are an African woman working in crop improvement or livestock breeding, this fellowship could become a major stepping stone in your professional journey.

About the GROW Fellowship Programme

The GROW Fellowship Programme is an initiative of the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) aimed at advancing the careers of African women scientists involved in plant and livestock breeding.

Beyond strengthening technical expertise, the programme recognizes that effective agricultural innovation requires inclusive leadership and diverse perspectives. By investing in women researchers, AWARD is helping create stronger research institutions and more gender-responsive agricultural systems across Africa.

The fellowship focuses on developing participants’ leadership potential while strengthening their ability to influence breeding research, institutional decision-making, and agricultural policies that directly affect farmers and food systems.

Unlike traditional academic fellowships that focus mainly on research, the GROW Fellowship combines leadership development with practical professional skills. Participants engage in a carefully designed learning journey that includes both virtual and in-person sessions, allowing them to connect with experts and fellow scientists from across Africa.

The programme is non-residential and runs over a two-year period, giving fellows enough time to apply new knowledge, build meaningful professional relationships, and grow within a supportive community of women leaders.

Why This Fellowship Matters

African agriculture is facing increasingly complex challenges, including climate change, food insecurity, emerging pests and diseases, and changing consumer demands. Addressing these challenges requires innovative research and strong scientific leadership.

Women researchers play an important role in developing improved crop varieties and livestock breeds that can increase productivity while supporting sustainable farming. However, many continue to face barriers to leadership opportunities, mentorship, and professional visibility.

The GROW Fellowship helps address these challenges by:

  • Strengthening women’s leadership in agricultural science.
  • Promoting gender-responsive crop and livestock improvement.
  • Building a strong network of African women researchers.
  • Supporting participants to influence research and policy.
  • Creating opportunities for collaboration across institutions and countries.

Ultimately, the programme contributes to building a more inclusive and resilient agricultural research ecosystem across Africa.

Benefits of the GROW Fellowship Programme

Selected fellows will receive a comprehensive professional development experience that includes:

  • Leadership and personal development training.
  • Negotiation and communication skills development.
  • Structured mentorship from experienced professionals.
  • Access to knowledge-sharing forums.
  • Professional networking opportunities across Africa.
  • Peer learning with a growing community of women researchers.
  • Opportunities to increase professional visibility.
  • Capacity building in gender-responsive crop and livestock improvement.
  • Virtual and face-to-face learning engagements over two years.
  • Access to an expanding network of agricultural science leaders.

These benefits are designed not only to strengthen participants’ careers but also to increase their long-term influence within research institutions and agricultural development across Africa.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is designed for African women actively working in plant and livestock breeding and related agricultural research fields.

Applicants should generally:

  • Be a woman from an African country.
  • Be actively engaged in plant breeding, livestock breeding, or crop improvement research.
  • Work within:
    • Universities
    • National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS)
    • Private sector organizations
    • Agricultural research institutions
    • Other related organizations involved in breeding research.
  • Demonstrate commitment to advancing gender-responsive agricultural research.
  • Be willing to fully participate throughout the two-year fellowship.
  • Commit to attending both virtual and in-person learning activities.

Prospective applicants should carefully review the official eligibility requirements before submitting an application.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official AWARD application platform before the deadline.

Important Dates

  • Application Opens: June 26, 2026
  • Application Deadline: July 24, 2026

Applicants are encouraged to prepare their application materials well ahead of the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.

For complete application guidelines and additional information, visit the official AWARD website.

You can also explore similar fellowships, scholarships, and leadership opportunities on OpportunityPool.org to discover additional programmes that match your career goals.

Tips for a Strong Application

Competition for international fellowships can be highly competitive. A thoughtful application can significantly improve your chances of selection.

Here are a few recommendations:

Demonstrate your impact

Don’t simply list your responsibilities. Highlight how your work has contributed to crop improvement, livestock breeding, research innovation, or agricultural development.

Showcase leadership potential

The programme focuses on leadership development. Include examples where you have led projects, mentored colleagues, coordinated research activities, or influenced positive change within your institution.

Connect your goals to the fellowship

Clearly explain how the GROW Fellowship aligns with your long-term career aspirations and how you plan to use the knowledge and networks gained to benefit your institution and community.

Be authentic

Strong applications tell genuine stories. Share your experiences, challenges, and motivation for advancing gender-responsive agricultural research.

Submit early

Avoid waiting until the final day. Early submission gives you time to review your application and resolve any technical issues if they arise.

Conclusion

The GROW Fellowship Programme 2026 represents far more than a professional development opportunity. It is an investment in the next generation of African women leaders who will shape the future of agricultural research, food security, and sustainable development across the continent.

If you are passionate about plant or livestock breeding and want to strengthen your leadership skills while joining a powerful network of African researchers, this fellowship is worth pursuing.

Prepare your application carefully, tell your story with confidence, and submit it before July 24, 2026. Opportunities like this can open doors to lasting collaborations, greater visibility, and meaningful career growth.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE

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