The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) through the CORAF/WECARD and IITA is financing a research grants programme on agricultural research for development for African graduate students. The programme’s objective is to improve the institutional capacity of National Agricultural Research System in the targeted countries through the increased number and quality of qualified agricultural science graduates capable of identifying, generating and disseminating research outputs that meet the needs of smallholder farmers and other actors in the food chains.
This Programme is mainly a coaching programme. It aims to provide support to select awardees at the point that students have completed all course work and are preparing the dissertation proposal. In preparation for this critical task, IITA scientists and the national supervisors will coach the students to help them achieve their professional goals. The coaching and training will focus on developing research knowledge and skills that complement the material provided by their respective university’s programmes while supporting their research objectives. This will involve bringing students to IITA hubs to work on their research projects and developing their skills and competency and establishing them as scholars in their fields. Grants will be provided to a total of 20 individuals in 2015 (12 MSc and 8 PhD).
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Each country will receive five scholarships (3 Master and 2 PhD). The grant program applications are particularly encouraged from women.
All applications must be sent to and copied to the following depending on your nationalities:
For more information on the selection criteria, terms and conditions for the submission of candidatures and benefits offered, please read the full announcement and application form attached below (available in English and French).
The deadline for application is 30 June 2015.