Apply Now for Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship 2026.

Applications are now open for the Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship 2026 – a transformative opportunity designed specifically for mid-career African women scientists working at the intersection of agriculture, gender, and climate change.

In a region where women constitute up to 43% of the agricultural labor force yet remain underrepresented in leadership and research roles, this fellowship arrives at a critical moment. Climate change is intensifying droughts, floods, and unpredictable weather patterns across Africa, threatening food security for millions. By investing in women scientists who understand both the science and the social realities on the ground, this program promises to accelerate gender-responsive, climate-smart solutions that benefit entire communities.

If you are an African woman scientist with at least seven years of experience and a passion for driving change in agrifood systems, this could be your launchpad to greater influence and impact.

About the Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship

Launched by African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) under the Africa–Australia Partnership for Climate Responsive Agriculture, the fellowship builds on AWARD’s proven model of empowering women in agricultural research. Funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the initiative directly supports Australia’s goal of increasing the number of women leading climate-resilient agriculture across the continent.

The 24-month program takes a holistic two-track approach: a competitive fellowship track for individual scientists and an institutional strengthening track that helps national agricultural research systems embed gender-responsive practices. For selected fellows, the focus is clear – combining leadership development, mentoring partnerships, and technical excellence to position participants as influential change-makers in agrifood systems.

What sets this fellowship apart is its emphasis on real-world application. Fellows will not only build personal capabilities but also contribute to broader systemic change by fostering innovations that address the distinct needs of women and men smallholder farmers.

Benefits: What Selected Participants Receive

Selected fellows gain a comprehensive package of professional development opportunities tailored to accelerate their careers and amplify their influence:

•  Mentoring partnerships – Each fellow is matched with an experienced mentor and will also serve as a mentor to an emerging scientist, creating a powerful three-way knowledge exchange.

•  Targeted training courses in leadership and negotiation skills, gender integration in climate adaptation strategies, and science communication and publishing.

•  Access to the broader AWARD ecosystem – Collaboration with Meryl Williams Fellowship alumni and AWARD Country Chapters for networking, peer learning, and long-term support.

•  Career-long positioning as influential leaders capable of driving gender-responsive, climate-resilient, and transformative research within their organizations and across Africa.

•  No financial burden – The entire application and participation process is free of charge.

These benefits are designed to build not just skills but confidence and networks that last far beyond the 24-month period.

Eligibility Criteria

The program targets mid-career African women scientists from six specific countries. To qualify, applicants must:

•  Be African women scientists with a minimum of seven years of professional experience in agriculture, agrifood systems, gender, or climate-related work (including design, development, dissemination, implementation, and advocacy at national, regional, or international levels).

•  Hold at least a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as agriculture, agricultural economics, agricultural extension, natural resources, food science and nutrition, climate science, or related disciplines.

•  Be nationals of and currently residing in one of the target countries: Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, or Sierra Leone.

•  Clearly demonstrate motivation and aspirations to influence gender-responsive, climate-resilient, and transformative research within their organizations and across agrifood systems.

•  Be proficient in English or French.

The selection process is competitive and conducted by a panel of experts who evaluate applicants’ potential to fully embody the program’s vision.

Application Process & Key Dates

Applying is straightforward, free, and entirely online. There are separate portals for English- and French-speaking candidates:

•  English-speaking candidates: Apply here

•  French-speaking candidates: Apply here

Deadline: April 26, 2026, at 23:59 East Africa Time (GMT+3). Late applications will not be accepted.

If you are a person living with a disability and need reasonable adjustments during the application process, email T.Wangaya@cifor-icraf.org for support. For general inquiries, contact awardqueries@cifor-icraf.org or call +254 (0) 20 722 4242.

Download the official Fellowship Brochure and Frequently Asked Questions directly from the AWARD website for complete details.

Tips for a Strong Application – Why You Should Apply Now

This fellowship is more than professional development – it’s a strategic investment in your ability to shape Africa’s agricultural future at a time when climate-smart leadership is urgently needed. Here’s how to stand out:

•  Highlight measurable impact: Use specific examples of your past work in climate-resilient research or gender-responsive initiatives. Quantify results wherever possible (e.g., “Led project that reached 500 smallholder farmers…”).

•  Show genuine motivation: The panel looks for clear aspirations to drive transformative change. Connect your personal journey to the bigger picture of equitable agrifood systems.

•  Tailor your story: Emphasize how the fellowship will help you overcome barriers in your current institution and amplify your voice regionally or internationally.

•  Prepare early: Gather supporting documents, refine your motivation statement, and consider reaching out to references well before the deadline.

•  Leverage the network: Even if not selected this round, engaging with AWARD’s resources can open other doors – many past fellows go on to lead major initiatives.

Women scientists who seize opportunities like this don’t just advance their own careers – they accelerate progress for entire communities and future generations.