The AWARD Gender-Responsive and Women-Led Research and Development (GROW) Fellowship Program 2026 is an exciting opportunity for women breeders in Africa to enhance their leadership capabilities and contribute to the transformation of the agricultural sector. With a deadline of July 24, 2026, eligible candidates are encouraged to apply for this prestigious fellowship. This program aims to strengthen gender-responsive breeding systems across sub-Saharan Africa, and its impact is expected to be felt by smallholder farmers and the broader agricultural community.
About the Opportunity
The AWARD Gender-Responsive and Women-Led Research and Development (GROW) Fellowship Program 2026 is an initiative of the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), a career-development program that aims to strengthen the research and leadership capabilities of African women in agricultural science. The program is designed to address the low numbers of women breeders across Africa and the low uptake of breeding technologies among women smallholders. By targeting women breeders and agricultural research institutions, the program seeks to ensure that breeding-led agriculture improvement efforts better reflect the needs and priorities of women and men smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa.
The AWARD Fellowship Program has a rich history of empowering women in agricultural research and development, and the GROW Fellowship is a key component of this effort. The program focuses on improving the leadership capabilities and experiences of women breeders while equipping emerging and seasoned breeders with the skills to incorporate gender-responsive approaches into their work. This approach is critical for ensuring that agricultural research and development efforts are inclusive and effective in addressing the needs of all stakeholders, particularly smallholder farmers who are the backbone of Africa’s agricultural sector.
The importance of this program cannot be overstated, as it has the potential to drive transformative change in the agricultural sector. By strengthening the capacity of women breeders and promoting gender-responsive breeding systems, the program can help to increase agricultural productivity, improve food security, and enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Furthermore, the program can help to address the gender disparities that exist in the agricultural sector, where women often face significant barriers to accessing resources, markets, and services.
Who Can Apply
Eligible candidates are invited to apply for the AWARD Gender-Responsive and Women-Led Research and Development (GROW) Fellowship Program 2026, and the following criteria must be met:
- Be a female citizen of a sub-Saharan African country
- Have a degree in a relevant field, such as agricultural sciences, biology, or a related discipline
- Have a strong interest in agricultural research and development, with a focus on breeding and genetics
- Be affiliated with an agricultural research institution or university in sub-Saharan Africa
- Have a minimum of two years of work experience in agricultural research and development, with a focus on breeding and genetics
- Be able to demonstrate a commitment to promoting gender-responsive approaches in agricultural research and development
What You Will Gain
Successful applicants to the AWARD Gender-Responsive and Women-Led Research and Development (GROW) Fellowship Program 2026 will gain a range of benefits, including:
- Enhanced leadership capabilities and experiences, with a focus on gender-responsive breeding research and development
- Opportunities for networking and collaboration with other women breeders and agricultural researchers
- Access to training and mentorship programs, with a focus on building skills and capacities in breeding and genetics
- Support for research and development projects, with a focus on promoting gender-responsive approaches in agricultural research and development
- Opportunities for career advancement and professional growth, with a focus on promoting women’s leadership in agricultural research and development
Application Deadline
Do not miss this opportunity to apply for the AWARD Gender-Responsive and Women-Led Research and Development (GROW) Fellowship Program 2026. Deadline: July 24, 2026. Start your application early to ensure that you have sufficient time to complete all the requirements.
How to Apply for The AWARD Gender-Responsive and Women-Led Research and Development (GROW) Fellowship Program 2026
To apply for the AWARD Gender-Responsive and Women-Led Research and Development (GROW) Fellowship Program 2026, follow these steps: review the eligibility criteria and ensure that you meet all the requirements, visit the AWARD website and download the application form, complete the application form and attach all the required documents, including your curriculum vitae, academic certificates, and a letter of recommendation from your supervisor or mentor, submit your application through the online portal, and wait for the outcome of your application. It is essential to note that only online applications will be accepted, and applicants are advised to ensure that they have a stable internet connection before starting the application process.
Apply directly here: Click here to apply
Final Thoughts
The AWARD Gender-Responsive and Women-Led Research and Development (GROW) Fellowship Program 2026 is a unique opportunity for women breeders in Africa to enhance their leadership capabilities and contribute to the transformation of the agricultural sector. We encourage all eligible candidates to apply for this prestigious fellowship and take the first step towards a rewarding career in agricultural research and development. Do not miss this opportunity – apply now and join the community of women leaders who are driving change in Africa’s agricultural sector.
