The African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) has announced a Call for Applications for the inaugural cohort of the GROW Fellowship, a two-year professional development programme designed to strengthen the leadership pipeline of African women working in plant and livestock breeding.

The Fellowship, formally titled Gender Responsive Research for Optimized Women-led Breeding Systems (GROW), aims to advance gender-responsive crop and livestock improvement systems across Africa by supporting women scientists to take on greater leadership roles in research, policy, and innovation ecosystems.

The programme is part of AWARD’s broader Gender Responsive and Women-Led Research and Development agenda, supported by the Gates Foundation and implemented in partnership with the Gender-Responsive Researchers Equipped for Agricultural Transformation (GREAT) initiative, Makerere University, and Cornell University.

Programme Purpose and Strategic Focus

The GROW Fellowship is structured to address long-standing gender gaps in agricultural research and development by strengthening the visibility, capacity, and leadership of women breeders.

Key objectives of the programme include:

Strengthening leadership pathways for women in crop and livestock breeding
Enhancing gender-responsive approaches in agricultural research systems
Expanding women’s influence in scientific and policy decision-making spaces
Building a continental network of women researchers in agricultural innovation

The Fellowship is non-residential and immersive, combining virtual and in-person learning components to ensure broad accessibility across African research systems.

Target Group and Eligibility Requirements

The Fellowship specifically targets African women professionals actively engaged in crop and livestock improvement research and development.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be citizens of any African country
Hold at least a Master’s degree in plant or livestock breeding
Have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience
Be actively engaged in crop or livestock improvement research
Be affiliated with a university, national agricultural research system, private sector organisation, or related institution
Be available for full participation over a two-year period
Not be currently enrolled in another AWARD Fellowship programme

The programme prioritises experienced professionals positioned to transition into higher leadership roles within agricultural research systems.

Fellowship Structure and Learning Components

The GROW Fellowship combines structured capacity-building activities with peer learning and mentorship designed to strengthen both technical and leadership competencies.

Core fellowship activities include:

Leadership and negotiation skills training
Structured mentorship programmes with senior experts
Peer learning sessions within a continental network of women scientists
Knowledge-sharing forums focused on agricultural innovation
Networking opportunities across research and policy ecosystems

The programme emphasises applied learning, enabling fellows to integrate gender-responsive methodologies into ongoing breeding research work.

Application Process and Submission Requirements

Applications for the inaugural cohort are currently open and must be submitted through the designated online portal. All submissions must be completed in full, as incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applicants are required to submit their applications by July 24, 2026, at 23:59 East Africa Time (GMT+3).

Required application components include:

Completed online application form
Supporting documentation as specified in the application guidelines
Relevant academic and professional credentials
Proof of eligibility based on outlined criteria

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review:

Application guidelines
Programme brochure
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

These resources provide detailed clarification on selection criteria, programme expectations, and evaluation procedures.

Institutional Partnerships and Programme Governance

The GROW Fellowship is implemented through a multi-institutional partnership model involving leading agricultural research and academic organisations.

Key partners include:

African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD)
Gender-Responsive Researchers Equipped for Agricultural Transformation (GREAT)
Makerere University
Cornell University

Funding support is provided by the Gates Foundation, reflecting a continued investment in strengthening inclusive agricultural innovation systems across Africa.

The programme is hosted by the World Agroforestry Centre (CIFOR-ICRAF) in Nairobi, Kenya, which provides institutional support and coordination infrastructure.

Strategic Importance for African Agricultural Systems

The GROW Fellowship is positioned as a strategic intervention in addressing gender disparities within agricultural science and breeding systems. By investing in women-led research capacity, the programme contributes to broader continental goals of food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural transformation.

Expected long-term outcomes include:

Increased representation of women in senior breeding and research roles
Improved integration of gender-responsive methodologies in crop improvement
Strengthened research networks across African agricultural systems
Enhanced policy influence by women scientists in agricultural development

The initiative also aligns with global efforts to improve the inclusivity and effectiveness of agricultural research in addressing climate and food system challenges.

Application Guidance and Final Notes

AWARD has emphasised that applications must be submitted strictly through the official online portal, with no exceptions for late submissions. Candidates are encouraged to ensure all documentation is complete and submitted before the deadline.

The organisation has also highlighted that the programme is designed for professionals already active in agricultural research systems who are ready to scale their leadership impact at national and continental levels.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.