The AWARD Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship 2027 is now accepting applications from eligible African women working in agricultural research, agrifood systems, and related areas. The two-year fellowship is designed to help experienced women scientists strengthen their leadership abilities while contributing to climate-responsive agriculture across Africa.
The programme is particularly relevant to women researchers who already have professional experience in agriculture, climate change, agrifood systems or gender-related work and want to take on greater leadership responsibilities in their institutions and communities.
Applications for the second cohort are currently open, and interested candidates should submit their applications before the November deadline.
About the AWARD Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship 2027
The Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship is an initiative of African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) under the Africa–Australia Partnership for Climate Responsive Agriculture.
Unlike a conventional university scholarship, this is a professional development fellowship. It focuses on leadership, mentoring, technical capacity, and the ability of women scientists to influence climate-resilient agricultural research and agrifood systems.
The 2027 fellowship is a two-year, non-residential programme. Participants will take part in a combination of virtual and face-to-face activities, including leadership training, mentoring and professional development.
The second cohort is open to eligible women from Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Senegal.
What the Fellowship Covers
The programme is built around several areas of professional development.
Leadership and negotiation training
Fellows receive training intended to strengthen their ability to lead teams, communicate effectively and influence decision-making within their professional environments.
Mentoring
The fellowship uses a structured mentoring model. Fellows are matched with experienced scientists who can guide them as they work toward their professional goals. Fellows are also expected to take on a mentoring role later in the programme, helping create an intergenerational network of women scientists.
Climate-responsive agriculture
Participants develop their understanding of climate adaptation and gender-responsive approaches within agricultural research and development.
Science communication and research proposal development
Training also covers areas such as communicating research to different audiences and developing stronger research proposals.
Professional networking
Participants become part of a wider community of African women working in agriculture, climate and related fields.
Benefits of the AWARD Fellowship
- Successful Fellows can benefit from:
- A two-year professional development programme
- Leadership and negotiation training
- Structured mentorship
- Opportunities to develop professional networks
- Training in gender integration and climate adaptation
- Science communication and research proposal development
- Opportunities to strengthen leadership and influence within agricultural research
- Participation in a wider network of African women scientists
The programme does not charge an application or participation fee.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is aimed at mid-career African women agricultural scientists and researchers. Well, applicants must generally:
- Be women from one of the six target countries: Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone or Senegal.
- Hold at least a master’s degree in a relevant field.
- Have at least seven years of professional experience in agriculture, agrifood systems, gender, climate, or related work.
- Be actively involved in research, policy or practice connected to climate change and African smallholder agriculture.
- Reside in Africa throughout the fellowship.
- Be proficient in English or French.
This means the fellowship is not designed for recent graduates with little professional experience, and applicants should be able to demonstrate an established career in the relevant sector.
What Documents Should Applicants Prepare?
Applicants should carefully review the current application form before submitting anything. Because this is a competitive professional fellowship, candidates should be prepared to provide information about their:
- Academic qualifications
- Professional experience
- Current institution or organisation
- Research, policy or agricultural work
- Career goals
- Leadership experience
- Work related to climate resilience and agrifood systems
- Proposed mentoring interests
Applicants should also be prepared to identify potential mentors according to the programme’s requirements.
How to Apply for the AWARD Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship 2027
Here are the steps to apply for the program.
Step 1: Check the eligibility requirements
Before beginning the application, confirm that you meet the academic, professional, nationality and experience requirements.
Step 2: Read the fellowship information
Go through the official fellowship information and FAQ so you understand what participation involves.
Step 3: Prepare your information
Gather your academic and professional details and think carefully about your career goals and leadership experience.
Step 4: Complete the online application
Applications are submitted through the official AWARD online application portal. Applications can be submitted in English or French.
Step 5: Review your answers
Make sure your answers clearly show your experience in agriculture, climate resilience, agrifood systems, and leadership.
Step 6: Submit before the deadline
The application deadline for the second cohort is November 6, 2026, at 23:59 East Africa Time (GMT+3). Also, late applications will not be accepted.
Application Deadline
November 6, 2026
An information webinar for prospective applicants is scheduled for October 7, 2026, at 3:00 PM EAT, allowing applicants to learn more about the fellowship and application process.
AWARD Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship 2027 – Official Page
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AWARD Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship fully funded?
It is a professional development fellowship rather than a university scholarship. The official information confirms that there is no participation fee, but applicants should not describe it as a conventional fully funded master’s or PhD scholarship.
Can Nigerians apply?
Yes, Nigeria is one of the six eligible countries for the fellowship. (AWARD)
Can someone with only a bachelor’s degree apply?
No, the current requirements specify a minimum of a master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
How much work experience is required?
Applicants need at least seven years of relevant work experience.
How long does the fellowship last?
The programme runs for two years.
Is the fellowship residential?
No, it is described as a two-year non-residential fellowship, although it includes both virtual and face-to-face activities.
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