Must I have a degree in agriculture or a food systems related discipline to qualify for the fellowship?
No. We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds. Aside from academic qualifications we are interested in your demonstrable experience and passion to transform food systems in your chosen impact area.
Must I be currently working in food systems to qualify?
Yes. Food system transformation is the core goal of the African Food Fellowship. We recognize that food systems actors come in diverse forms: the soil scientist, the famer, cooperative leader, the extension officer, the food producer, the policy maker, the food trade ICT platform developer, the programme manager, the food transporter, the financier, the nutritionist and the activist, among others.
Do I need to be a specialist in any of the impact areas to qualify?
No, however you must be able to demonstrate active leadership experience in your chosen impact area.
Must I be fluent in English to qualify?
Yes. English is the medium of instruction. All programme interactions and materials will be in English.
Must I be living/ working in the country where the programme is being offered?
Yes. The programme is only open to legal residents, active in the chosen country’s food syste.
Are there quotas for marginalized applicants, for example, women, queer people, indigenous people?
No quotas, just a preference for a diverse cohort. Selection is based on merit.
Who will read my application?
A fellowship team comprised of food systems and leadership experts.
How will my course work be graded/assessed?
Assessment will be based on attendance, participation, weekly assignments, and final project work. We will follow an 80/20 rule where fellows are required to be present and active for at least 80% of programme duration. We are aware that life and work obligations may arise and thus have factored that in.
Is the fellowship affiliated with a university?
Yes, the African Food Fellowship is an initiative of Wageningen University & Research and Wasafiri Consulting.
Will my qualification be equivalent to an academic certificate?
This is not a formal university course. It’s a leadership fellowship. Fellows will receive a certificate at the end of the first stage of the programme called “Systems Insights”. Upon completion of the entire 10-month programme, they will become Fellows of the African Food Fellowship.
Does the fellowship provide a stipend/allowance?
No. However, all the successful applicants from Kenya and Rwanda will be awarded a scholarship to join the inaugural class of 2021/22 Fellows in their respective countries. In some circumstances Fellows will receive airtime and internet bundles to facilitate their participation in the virtual programme.
Approximately how many hours per week do I need to dedicate to the fellowship?
All fellows will be required to dedicate 4 hours per week throughout the duration of the programme.
What happens if I cannot complete the Fellowship due to circumstances beyond my control?
That will be unfortunate. We would appreciate advance/immediate notice. If you must leave in the inception phase, we could offer the position to another qualified applicant. Also, if you opt in, we will maintain you in the overall fellowship network.
What is expected of me once I graduate?
To advance your work transforming food systems in your country of residence. You will also be expected to maintain engagement with your peers and the fellowship in its entirety.
Will the fellowship offer grants to further develop projects upon graduation?
No. Currently we are in the first phase of the African Food Fellowship. This is a matter under consideration for future phases.
How is the fellowship assuring the safety of participants especially during COVID19?
Our decision to launch the Food Systems Leadership Programme as on a virtual platform was based on this consideration. There will be limited in-person engagement – and where necessary, this will be in line with the recommended health and security protocol.
What makes this fellowship different from similar programmes that already exist?
The fellowship is focusing on Leadership as a key driver in transforming food systems in Africa. It seeks to strengthen African leadership that is creating solutions to the most pressing challenges facing African food systems today, by focusing on leadership development, incubation, networking and collaboration.
