The story of African Women in Research and Development’s beginnings is as humble as its impact is deep. Born out of ideas initially scribbled on a paper napkin, then refined and iterated with partners from across Africa and beyond, the AWARD story is the story of passion and purpose brought to life.
As I look back over the past 10 years of tremendous success, I marvel at the achievements that—while having surpassed our original plans—are entirely in keeping with what we always envisioned.
In a continent heavily reliant on agriculture as the primary livelihood source for a majority of its people and that contributes more than a third of its GDP, there is no room for missed opportunities in the sector. The underrepresentation of women in agricultural research and development leadership represents a missed opportunity for Africa to maximize on all of its available resources, including the scientific talents of its women.
The story of African Women in Research and Development’s beginnings is as humble as its impact is deep. Born out of ideas initially scribbled on a paper napkin, then refined and iterated with partners from across Africa and beyond, the AWARD story is the story of passion and purpose brought to life.
As I look back over the past 10 years of tremendous success, I marvel at the achievements that—while having surpassed our original plans—are entirely in keeping with what we always envisioned.
In a continent heavily reliant on agriculture as the primary livelihood source for a majority of its people and that contributes more than a third of its GDP, there is no room for missed opportunities in the sector. The underrepresentation of women in agricultural research and development leadership represents a missed opportunity for Africa to maximize on all of its available resources, including the scientific talents of its women.
Watching AWARD grow from a simple idea to an unprecedented reality has truly been exciting and gratifying.
Ten years ago, we set out on a journey to fix the leaky pipeline of African women’s leadership in agricultural research. Looking beyond the individuals to a holistic approach, including institutions and other actors in agricultural value chains, is critical to sustaining the gains made. I am exceedingly proud that AWARD has continued to realize the importance of inclusive transformation and grown its mandate to ensure sustainable agricultural research and development in Africa.
I am often overwhelmed by listening to the inspiring stories of the AWARD Fellows, their achievements and how they are impacting their communities. I am proud to see that these inspiring stories are now spread across Africa, with the pan-African reach of the AWARD Fellowship.
I am hopeful that as AWARD marks 10 years of immense success and splendid partnerships established along the way, this milestone will provide impetus to AWARD and its partners as they continue to influence the agricultural landscape in Africa.
My congratulations and thanks to the staff, steering committee, donor partners, and all those who have kept the vision alive.
Message from the Director
It is a special moment for us and our partners as we mark 10 years of steady growth in many ways.
Since 2008 we have been working to plug the leaky pipeline of women’s leadership in agricultural science through the AWARD Fellowship. Africa is doing little to leverage the full potential of women scientists to solve most of its food security needs, yet scientific research is done by both men and women.
Preface
The critical contribution of agriculture to Africa’s development is well known, yet the significance of gender gaps in agriculture cannot be over-emphasized. From the lower productivity of women farmers compared to male farmers (gender gap in agricultural productivity) to fewer women researchers than men and even fewer women research leaders compared to men (the leaky pipeline), the inadequacies have been well articulated.
At the same time, various actors have acknowledged the need to close observed gender gaps, highlighting different action plans and frameworks to facilitate this process. Universal, regional and national calls for action continue to underline the need for gender equality to facilitate inclusive agriculture-driven prosperity.
Since 2008, African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) has invested in closing the leaky pipeline and facilitating gender-responsive agricultural research and development.
This report illustrates how investment in widening the pipeline of women agricultural researchers in leadership is contributing to gender-responsive agricultural research and development. It reflects selected results achieved over the last 10 years thanks to the collaboration and commitment of our partners.
Structure of the Report
Section 1 provides an overview of AWARD, including how it evolved from focusing solely on accelerating the careers of African women agricultural researchers to widening its scope to the agricultural research and development ecosystem.
Section 2 presents the facts, figures and trends that highlight the achievements of AWARD’s interventions, including selected success stories. The facts reveal that investing in individuals contributes not only to individual transformation, but also has an impact on institutions and nations.
Section 3 describes AWARD’s crosscutting initiatives that have been instrumental in delivering its interventions. We present how these initiatives have catapulted our growth and our plans to strengthen these initiatives.
Section 4 highlights the significance of our partnerships and their immense contribution to our achievements.
Section 1: Overview of AWARD
Context for our Work
AWARD appreciates how critical it is that the diversity of women and men are involved at all stages of the agricultural value chain. The premise of diversity is that it spurs innovation and encourages the competition of ideas to help address food security and pressing agricultural challenges of our time.
Establishing the AWARD Fellowship
AWARD data and related studies indicate the need for continued development of leadership capacities of women scientists in agricultural research and development. Just 24 percent of agricultural researchers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are women, and the number declines to 7 percent within leadership of African agricultural research institutions.
Section 2: AWARD’s Ten-year Results and Selected Success Stories
Accelerating the Careers of African Women Scientists
A core intent of AWARD is to empower women scientists and propel them to leadership across agricultural research and development. Over the past 10 years AWARD has reached 493 women scientists.
Gender Responsive Agricultural Research and Development (GRARD)
Gender responsiveness offers a powerful tool through which agricultural researchers can be intentional in addressing the constraints of African farmers at the margins, especially women and youth.
Gender in Agribusiness Investments for Africa (GAIA)
If Africa is to realize inclusive, agriculture-driven prosperity, there is a critical need to bridge the gap between smallholder farmers, agricultural research, agribusiness and the agribusiness investment community.
Section 3: Underpinning it All - AWARD’s Crosscutting Initiatives
AWARD's three cross-cutting initiatives serve all other initiatives and are fundamental to our growth and success and include training, monitoring ad evaluation and partnerships.
Training Sized to Fit
AWARD training designs customized learning experiences focused on building the leadership, mentoring, scientific research and technical gender skills of Africa’s agricultural research workforce and decision makers.
Evaluating to Learn and Adapt
AWARD is a learning organization with an established adaptive and comprehensive monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) system.
Section 4: AWARD Partnerships: When Common Goals Meet
Partnerships allow AWARD to co-create the future of agricultural research and development with others.