Women scientists are playing an increasingly important role in transforming agriculture and addressing climate change across Africa. The Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship 2026 offers African researchers an opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, expand professional networks, and contribute to climate-resilient agricultural systems. Through mentoring, leadership training, and research development, the program aims to support the next generation of women leaders in agrifood research.
Quick Facts
- Host Region: Africa (with international collaboration)
- Study Level / Opportunity Type: Fellowship – Leadership & Research Development
- Funding Type: Fully supported leadership fellowship program
- Eligible Countries: Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal
- Deadline: April 26, 2026
About the Opportunity
The Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship is a professional development initiative designed to strengthen the leadership capacity of African women scientists working in agriculture and climate-resilient research.
The program focuses on helping fellows build the skills, confidence, and influence needed to lead innovative research that addresses climate challenges within Africa’s agrifood systems. Through a combination of mentoring partnerships, leadership training, and technical development, the fellowship prepares participants to play more influential roles within their institutions and research networks.
Participants will take part in structured leadership development activities, including training in negotiation, gender integration in climate adaptation, science communication, and research publishing. Fellows will also engage in a mentoring model where each fellow is paired with both a mentor and a mentee to strengthen leadership and collaboration.
This opportunity is officially offered by African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) under the Africa–Australia Partnership for Climate Responsive Agriculture, and applicants should apply through the official application portal.
The initiative is supported through collaboration with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Also Check: African Public Health Emergency Management Fellowship 2026
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship 2026 must meet the following requirements:
• Be African women scientists working in agriculture, climate, or related fields
• Have at least seven years of professional experience in agriculture, agrifood systems, gender, or climate research
• Hold a minimum of a master’s degree in a relevant discipline such as:
- Agriculture
- Agricultural economics
- Agricultural extension
- Climate science
- Natural resource management
- Food science and nutrition
• Be nationals of one of the target countries and currently residing in Africa
• Demonstrate strong motivation to contribute to gender-responsive and climate-resilient research
• Show potential to influence research and policy within agrifood systems
• Be proficient in English or French
Eligible applicants may work in:
- National Agricultural Research Institutions (NARIs)
- Universities
- Government ministries
- International research organizations
Benefits
The Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship provides a comprehensive development experience designed to strengthen leadership and research impact.
Key benefits include:
- 24-month leadership development program
- Professional mentoring with an experienced mentor
- Opportunity to mentor emerging professionals
- Leadership and negotiation training
- Training in gender integration in climate adaptation
- Courses on science communication and research publishing
- Access to the AWARD professional network and alumni community
- Collaboration opportunities with other international researchers
The fellowship also connects participants to the broader AWARD ecosystem, including collaboration with alumni networks and national AWARD chapters.
Who Should Apply
The Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship 2026 is ideal for experienced African women researchers who are committed to advancing climate-resilient agriculture.
This fellowship is particularly suitable for:
- Agricultural scientists seeking leadership roles
- Researchers working on climate-smart agriculture
- Professionals focused on gender-responsive agricultural research
- Women working in national agricultural research systems or universities
- Experts interested in shaping policy and research in agrifood systems
Applicants who demonstrate both technical expertise and leadership potential will benefit the most from this program.
Also Check: Solar Innovators Research Fellowship 2026
Application Process
Interested candidates should follow these steps to apply:
- Review the official fellowship brochure and eligibility requirements.
- Prepare your professional information and supporting documents.
- Access the official online application portal.
- Submit your application in either the English or French application portal.
- Ensure your application is submitted before the deadline.
Applicants living with disabilities who require accommodations during the application process can request support from the program administrators.
How to Apply
If you are an African woman scientist working in agriculture or climate research, the Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship 2026 offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen your leadership skills and expand your research influence.
Because applications close soon, interested candidates are encouraged to begin the application process early and carefully review the program requirements before submitting.
For more details, visit the Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship.
Deadline: April 26, 2026 (23:59 East Africa Time)
