The Young Impact Associates in Agrifood Systems Fellowship: Nurturing Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow
Empowering African Women in Agricultural Research and Development Through Impact Measurement
The agricultural landscape across Africa stands at a critical juncture of transformation, with women researchers and scientists playing an increasingly vital role in shaping sustainable food systems. Today marks an important milestone as applications open for the 2025 Young Impact Associates (YIA) in Agrifood Systems Fellowship, a groundbreaking initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of impact measurement specialists with a focus on agricultural development.
Bridging Gender Gaps in Agricultural Research
For decades, African women in agricultural research and development have faced significant challenges in accessing opportunities that allow them to contribute meaningfully to the continent’s food security solutions. Despite comprising a substantial portion of the agricultural workforce, women’s representation in agricultural research leadership remains disproportionately low. The YIA Fellowship addresses this imbalance by creating pathways for young professionals, with particular attention to gender inclusivity across the agricultural value chain.
The fellowship builds upon years of successful initiatives that have demonstrated the transformative power of investing in women in agricultural research. When equipped with the right tools, training, and networks, women scientists have consistently delivered innovations that address local challenges with global implications.
The Fellowship’s Vision and Structure
The YIA Fellowship in Agrifood Systems represents a collaborative effort between leading organizations committed to agricultural transformation: CIFOR-ICRAF, African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), and Akademiya2063. This consortium brings together decades of experience in nurturing talent and driving evidence-based approaches to agricultural challenges.
This year-long program targets young Africans between 18 and 35 years from Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda who demonstrate passion for data-driven decision-making in agricultural systems. The fellowship’s structure is built around three core principles:
- Gender-responsive agricultural research: Fellows will learn methodologies that account for the differential impacts of agricultural innovations on men and women across various contexts.
- Evidence-driven impact measurement: Participants will master cutting-edge tools for evaluating the effectiveness of agricultural interventions, with special attention to social inclusion metrics.
- Leadership development: Beyond technical skills, the program cultivates leadership capabilities essential for translating research into actionable policy and practice.
Cultivating Impact Measurement Expertise
The agricultural sector in Africa requires not just scientific innovation but also sophisticated approaches to measuring and communicating impact. The YIA Fellowship fills this critical gap by specifically focusing on impact measurement—a field where women’s perspectives are especially valuable given their unique positioning within agricultural systems.
Dr. Nathalie Johnson, Program Director at AWARD, emphasizes this point: “When we enhance the capacity of women in agricultural development to lead impact measurement initiatives, we’re essentially ensuring that the metrics we use to evaluate success capture the full spectrum of agricultural transformation, including dimensions that might otherwise be overlooked.”
Fellows will receive comprehensive training in:
- – Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies specific to agricultural contexts
- – Data analytics and visualization techniques for agricultural impact studies
- – Gender-responsive approaches to evaluating agricultural innovations
- – Communication strategies for translating complex findings into accessible insights for policymakers and communities
A Platform for Professional Growth and Networking
Beyond formal training, the YIA Fellowship creates an ecosystem of support for emerging leaders in the agricultural impact space. Fellows will join a growing network of women agricultural researchers across Africa who share knowledge, opportunities, and mentorship.
This network effect has proven particularly powerful in previous cohorts of similar initiatives, where women scientists reported that connections made through such programs significantly enhanced their career trajectories and research impact. The fellowship intentionally creates spaces for cross-country collaboration, recognizing that agricultural challenges often transcend national boundaries and require coordinated approaches.
The Mastercard Foundation Partnership
The YIA Fellowship represents a strategic partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, whose commitment to fostering young African talent aligns perfectly with the program’s objectives. This collaboration underscores the growing recognition that investing in human capital—particularly in developing the capabilities of young women in agricultural sciences—yields substantial returns for entire communities.
Through this partnership, YIA Fellows gain access to additional resources, international exposure, and potential funding pathways for impactful projects that emerge from their fellowship experience.
Application Process and Eligibility
The fellowship seeks candidates who demonstrate:
- – Strong academic background or practical experience in fields relevant to agricultural research
- – Commitment to gender-responsive approaches in agricultural development
- – Potential for leadership in the impact measurement sector
- – Innovative thinking about Africa’s agricultural challenges
Applications must be submitted through the online portal available at the program website before April 30, 2025 (23:59 East Africa Time). The selection process prioritizes diversity across multiple dimensions, including disciplinary background, country context, and gender, creating cohorts that reflect the rich tapestry of African agricultural experiences.
Transforming Agricultural Systems Through Women’s Leadership
The relevance of this fellowship extends far beyond individual career development. By equipping young professionals—especially women—with impact measurement expertise, the program addresses a fundamental need in Africa’s agricultural transformation journey: the ability to rigorously assess what works, for whom, and why.
When women in agricultural research lead impact measurement initiatives, they bring unique perspectives that enrich the evaluation process. Their insights often illuminate pathways to more equitable and sustainable agricultural systems—systems that work for smallholder farmers, many of whom are women themselves.
Building on AWARD’s Legacy
The involvement of African Women in Agricultural Research and Development brings particular strength to the YIA Fellowship. For over fifteen years, AWARD has pioneered approaches to enhancing women’s leadership in agricultural sciences across the continent. Their experience in designing gender-responsive mentorship models, leadership training curricula, and professional development pathways infuses the fellowship with proven methodologies for nurturing talent.
Dr. Susan Kaaria, a seasoned agricultural researcher and AWARD alumna, reflects on this legacy: “What makes initiatives like the YIA Fellowship so powerful is that they recognize the interconnection between technical excellence and leadership development. In agricultural research, as in most fields, the most impactful scientists are those who can not only generate knowledge but also catalyze changes in practice and policy.”
Creating Sustainable Impact in Agricultural Systems
Fellows will engage directly with real-world challenges facing agricultural systems across Africa. Through carefully structured attachments with partner organizations, they will apply their growing expertise in impact measurement to ongoing initiatives, providing immediate value while building their professional portfolios.
These practical experiences address another critical gap in the agricultural research landscape: the bridge between academic knowledge and practical application. By immersing fellows in contexts where they must adapt theoretical frameworks to complex realities, the program cultivates adaptive leaders capable of navigating the uncertainty inherent in agricultural systems.
The Imperative of Gender-Responsive Agricultural Research
A distinguishing feature of the YIA Fellowship is its explicit focus on gender-responsive approaches to agricultural research and development. This perspective recognizes that agricultural innovations affect men and women differently based on their distinct roles, resources, and constraints within agricultural systems.
Fellows will learn to design and implement impact studies that capture these differential effects, ensuring that agricultural development initiatives benefit women and men equitably. This approach represents a significant evolution in agricultural research methodology, moving beyond productivity measures to encompass broader dimensions of human wellbeing and empowerment.
A Call to Action for Future Agricultural Leaders
The opening of applications for the 2025 YIA Fellowship represents more than just another professional development opportunity. It signals a strategic investment in Africa’s capacity to generate and utilize evidence for transforming its agricultural systems from within.
For young Africans passionate about agricultural transformation—particularly young women who have historically faced barriers to leadership in this sector—the fellowship offers a structured pathway to influence the continent’s food security narrative through rigorous impact measurement.
As climate change, population growth, and market dynamics reshape Africa’s agricultural landscape, the need for evidence-based approaches to development has never been more acute. By specifically nurturing the talents of women in agricultural development and research, the YIA Fellowship acknowledges that diverse perspectives are essential to addressing these multifaceted challenges.
Interested candidates are encouraged to download the comprehensive information brochure and submit their applications before the April 30, 2025 deadline. Join this community of emerging impact leaders and contribute to writing the next chapter of Africa’s agricultural transformation story—one where women’s perspectives and leadership are central to sustainable progress.
For more information and to apply, visit the fellowship portal through the program website. Applications must be submitted by April 30, 2025, 23:59 East Africa Time (GMT+3).
This initiative represents a collaborative effort between CIFOR-ICRAF, African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), and Akademiya2063, with support from the Mastercard Foundation.
