Applications are now open for the 2023 African Plant Nutrition Outreach Fellowship Awards worth US$5,000. The two-month submission period is open in search of creative proposals that would address accelerated delivery and adoption of improved soil fertility management in Africa. Eligibility details include: full time scientists, extension specialists or educators working at an African National Agricultural Research and Extension System (NARES) institutions, universities, non-profit organisations, or in the private sector, are eligible. Students are not eligible for this award.
Applicants must submit a creative plan addressing knowledge gaps or needed synthesis of existing information for accelerated delivery and adoption of improved soil fertility management practices in Africa. Of particular interest is the on-going research that is aligned with at least one of APNI’s high priority initiatives including: 4R Nutrient Stewardship, Nutrient and Water Management Innovations for Resilient Agriculture for African Drylands, Soil Health Nutrient Management and Diagnostics, Precision Farming, and Farmer-led On-farm Innovation. Evidence of partnerships and collaboration would be favourably reviewed while female candidates are especially encouraged to apply.
In order to complete the application process, interested candidates would need to submit the following, in either English or French: A description of how the fellowship will lead to improved outreach or implementation of appropriate soil fertility management in agricultural systems. This would outline any new initiatives, data synthesis, communication tools, training events, or travel that would be conducted with the award funds including sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the work’s originality, its innovative approaches, and potential impact. Electronic copy of two letters of support, one of which should be from the applicant’s supervisor. Letters must be signed and written on official letterhead and include the phone number and e-mail address of the letter writer. A resume/curriculum vitae that includes academic degrees and relevant publications/communication products dealing with aspects of soil fertility management.
A short report on how the funds were used to support the outcomes of the proposal will be required at the end of the award period. Applicants would be required to upload documents during the on-line application process. It is recommended that electronic (pdf) copies of these documents be prepared in advance. Application deadline is expected to be completed by Monday, September 11, 2023. The African Plant Nutrition Outreach Fellowship Award Programme is co-sponsored by the African Plant Nutrition Institute (www.apni.net), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (www.um6p.ma), and OCP Group (www.ocpgroup.ma). Details and instructions on how to apply can be found at the website: https://www.apni.net/outreach-
