African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) has introduced a new fellowship to empower women professionals in North and West Africa. The Women in Agricultural Leadership Program Fellowship aims to advance climate-resilient agriculture through expert mentoring and leadership training. The initiative is implemented under the Africa-Australia Partnership for Climate Responsive Agriculture, supported by the Australian Government. Applications for the program opened on March 6, 2026, and will remain available until April 26, 2026.
The fellowship targets women researchers from Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone. While women make up nearly 49 per cent of the agrifood workforce in sub-Saharan Africa, they remain underrepresented in leadership and climate decision-making. This program seeks to address structural barriers that limit career advancement and resource access. Dr. Susan Kaaria, Director of AWARD, stated: “This new fellowship is an important investment aimed at promoting African’s women’s leadership and participation in Climate Resilient Agriculture.”
The competitive selection process will appoint 100 fellows based on their qualifications and leadership potential. An additional 200 researchers will join as mentors and mentees. This two-year, non-residential program uses a blended model of virtual and in-person training. Participants will receive instruction in negotiation, gender-responsive climate adaptation and science communication. Dr. Kaaria noted: “By enhancing their leadership, access to professional networks and amplifying their influence, we are strengthening their engagement in innovation and accelerating the transformation of agrifood systems to benefit both women and men smallholder farmers.”
A three-tier mentoring model will connect senior scientists with mid-career and early-career researchers. This structure is intended to support intergenerational learning and regional collaboration. Dr. Leah Ndung’u, Regional Manager for Africa at the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), said: “Women researchers are central to advancing climate-resilient agriculture across Africa, yet many face structural barriers that limit their progression and influence.”
Since 2008, AWARD initiatives have supported 2,200 scientists across 26 countries. This latest fellowship builds on that track record during the International Year of the Woman Farmer. The project aims to position African women as influential leaders in future climate research and food system policy.
