Women agricultural researchers have been urged to strengthen their leadership capacity, embrace professional development opportunities and promote climate-resilient agriculture to enhance food and nutrition security.
The call was made by Dr Chinwe Mary Nwogu, a 2026 Fellow of the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), during a one-day workshop organised by AWARD in partnership with the Centre for Gender, Youth and Child Development (CGYCD), Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU).
The workshop, held recently at the university’s CGYCD, aimed to create awareness about the 2026 second cohort of the AWARD Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship and guide prospective applicants through the application process.
Facilitating the workshop, Dr Nwogu emphasised the importance of equipping women scientists with leadership and professional skills to advance agricultural research and address emerging challenges in the sector.
She identified the ability to negotiate effectively as a vital leadership skill, alongside communication, personal branding, team management and strategic leadership. She explained that these competencies, complemented by mentorship and professional networking, would enhance women researchers’ professional growth and leadership effectiveness.
According to her, empowering women to assume leadership roles in agricultural research is essential to developing innovative solutions to climate-related challenges and improving food security.
Dr Nwogu encouraged eligible female researchers to take advantage of the fellowship to strengthen their professional competence, expand their networks and enhance their contributions to agricultural development.
Contributing, Professor Mabel Ifeoma Onwuka, Director of CGYCD and Dr Nwogu’s AWARD mentor, advised prospective applicants to select mentors whose expertise aligns with their research interests and who are willing to commit time and resources to their professional development.
Prof. Onwuka explained that effective mentorship helps fellows set career goals, improve their research and leadership skills, build professional networks and navigate career challenges.
She commended the initiative as an opportunity to support women researchers, particularly those at the early stages of their careers, to develop the skills and confidence required for leadership positions.
The Agriculturist also disclosed that the Vice-Chancellor of MOUAU, Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, approved the initiative and served as its chief host, reflecting the university’s commitment to staff development and the advancement of female researchers.
Meanwhile, participants, including Dr Ogochukwu Nwosu, Dr Jacinta Ukpabi-Ugochukwu and Mrs Happiness Ilo, commended the facilitators for providing valuable information on the fellowship, mentorship and application requirements.
Highlights of the workshop included presentations on leadership development, climate-resilient agriculture, food security, gender integration, professional networking and effective mentorship.
The workshop attracted no fewer than 17 prospective applicants from MOUAU and the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, with participants stressing the need for wider awareness to enable more eligible women researchers to benefit from the fellowship.
