1. Effective Solutions for Agricultural Development through Capacity Strengthening of African Women Scientists in Africa
40th NIFST Conference and Annual General Meeting at Coronation Hall, Govt. House, Kano
Dr. Petra Abdulsalam-Saghir
Department of Agricultural Extension & Rur. Development
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta - Nigeria

2. What is AWARD?
Strengthens the scientific and leadership skills of African women in agricultural research
Empowers to contribute more effectively to poverty alleviation and food security
Tackles two of the trends that undermine the potential of agriculture to bring about wellbeing and prosperity in Africa.
Women remain underserved throughout the agricultural value chain.
the current leadership for agricultural research is small in number, almost exclusively male, and on the verge of retirement.

3. Baseline AWARD started in 2008
less than 1 in 4 agricultural researchers is a woman
less than 1 in 7 of the leaders of agricultural institutions is a woman.
In other words, women haven’t had a voice in setting the priorities for this sector
AWARD set out to empower the top 10 percent of African women agricultural researchers in Anglophone and Francophone Countries
investment in these women is an investment in lasting solutions for food security, health and prosperity.

4. AWARD’s empowerment model
Amartya Sen (India) and Dr. Sabina Alkire the ability of an individual to set her own goals and act upon them
Holistic gains in ‘agency’ across four types of power:
Power from ‘within’ (change) – confidence, motivation for change
Power ‘to do’ (choice) – sharpened competence, skills, increased productivity
Power ‘over’ (control) – able to overcome constraints, access to resources, increasing visibility
Power ‘with’ (community) – collaboration, joining forces for change in institutions and in the sector

5. AWARD Fellowships are different
Women stay in their institutions and continue their research during their two years with AWARD
Each woman is matched with a mentor for 12 months, a senior scientist who volunteers to guide her professional progress.
50% of AWARD mentors are senior African men.
Training to sharpen technical skills (hard and soft) as well as leadership skills.
AWARD was designed to have ripples – for many others to benefit too.
Every fellow must serve as a mentor to a more junior woman scientist.
Role modelling events to inspire next generation
Compete for 3-9 months research attachment and science short courses

6. ADVANCED SCIENCE TRAINING
Two options:
research attachments (three to nine months)
science short courses (up to three weeks)

7. Objectives of RESEARCH ATTACHMENTS
work with renowned scientists
acquire skills using state-of-the-art equipment
present research in seminar
publish jointly with host supervisor
build and strengthen networks

8. Objectives of science short courses
acquire specific new knowledge and skills
build and strengthen networks for self and home institution

9. Renowned host institutions for research ATTACHMENTS
15 CGIAR centers and CRPs worldwide
Novus International, USA
Agropolis Fondation, Montpellier, France
Dow AgroSciences, USA
Bayer Crop Science worldwide
Biosciences eastern and central Africa
Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
Missouri Botanical Gardens
American/South African universities
World Vegetable Center (AVRDC) etc.
WARDA and Danforth Center

10. Renowned host institutions for research attachments
IRRI, Los Banos, The Philippines
Dow AgroSciences, Indianapolis, USA
Novus International, St. Charles, MO, USA

11. 78% felt better equipped to overcome constraints;
Some Results
80% experienced a significant increase in their self-awareness and confidence;
83% improved their scientific skills and access to resources and opportunities. A significant increase in their scientific outputs, on average 2 peer-reviewed journal publications in two years;
78% felt better equipped to overcome constraints;
Above half were promoted; and most importantly,
two-thirds made their work even more responsive to the needs of women farmers; and
Hundreds of examples of effective solutions for agricultural development abound

12. Conclusion
AWARD is effectively helping women to harness their full potential
Very significant contribution to agriculture
High level of human investments
Positive all round resultant effects
Serious search for participants in Northern Nigeria
Scaling out to other African Countries

13. Thank you