Open Call: Interns and Fellows for Community Solutions Projects in Agroecology and Organic Agriculture 2025/26

Admin,

Application Deadline: August 30, 2025

The Building Women & Youth-led Network Alliances for Agroecology and Organic Agriculture (BWYNAAO) Programme has announced applications for the 2025–2026 cohort of Community Solutions Interns and Fellows. This opportunity is designed for young professionals in Africa who are driving grassroots initiatives in sustainable food systems, agroecology, and organic agriculture.

Through this program, youth-led and women-led initiatives will receive critical support to expand their work in promoting sustainable farming practices, ecological food systems, and community development.

About the BWYNAAO Programme

The BWYNAAO Programme is a collaboration between Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD), Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Kenya, the African Green Store Network (AGSN), and the Knowledge Centre for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology (KCOA). The initiative is funded by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), with the goal of scaling up agroecology practices across Africa.

Community Solutions Projects

Community Solutions Projects are locally driven agricultural initiatives that address ecological, food security, and livelihood challenges in African communities. These projects prioritize environmentally sustainable practices while creating opportunities for women and youth.

Examples of successful past projects include:

  • Mushroom farming led by young women in Benin
  • Organic fertilizer production in Tanzania
  • Rural Grown Farms initiative in Eswatini
  • Tilapia fish farming in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Participants can either establish new projects or scale up existing ones with support from mentors, technical advisors, and financial assistance.

What Participants Will Receive

Selected interns and fellows will be part of a 10-month program (September 2025 – June 2026) with benefits such as:

  • €200 monthly stipend to support living costs
  • Up to €1,000 in project funding for starting or expanding initiatives
  • Fully funded regional travel to attend a BWYNAAO networking event
  • Mentorship and technical support from leaders in agroecology and organic farming
  • Networking opportunities with key African agricultural organizations
  • Access to digital knowledge platforms and tools from KCOA

The program emphasizes capacity building, leadership development, and peer-to-peer learning, ensuring participants gain both professional growth and long-term impact.

Eligibility Criteria

The call is open to early-career African professionals who meet the following requirements:

  • Age: 18–35 years
  • Location: Must reside in Africa, preferably in KCOA partner countries (Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Cameroon, Benin) or other Sub-Saharan nations
  • Education:
    • Interns: Currently enrolled in a degree program in agriculture, agribusiness, environmental sciences, or related fields
    • Fellows: Completed formal education and pursuing careers in agroecology or food systems
  • Project readiness: Must have an active project or a well-structured idea focused on agroecology or organic agriculture
  • Skills: Basic digital and project management skills, plus reliable internet access
  • Commitment: Ability to dedicate 16–20 hours per month for the full program duration
  • Inclusion: Applications are strongly encouraged from women, Indigenous youth, persons with disabilities, and individuals from marginalized communities

Application Process

Interested applicants should carefully review the Terms of Reference (TOR) and Expression of Interest (EOI) documents on the official YPARD website.

Applications must clearly outline:

  • The vision and objectives of the proposed project
  • The potential community and ecological impact
  • How participation in the program will enhance personal and professional growth

Key Dates

  • Deadline: August 30, 2025
  • Program Start: September 2025
  • Program End: June 2026

Why This Matters

The BWYNAAO Programme is more than just a fellowship. It represents a movement to empower young African leaders, enabling them to transform their innovative ideas into practical, community-driven agricultural solutions. By combining mentorship, financial resources, and regional networking, the program builds stronger, more resilient food systems across Africa.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE 

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