Application Deadline: July 7, 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026 APNI Young African Phosphorus Fellowship, an initiative designed to support early-career African scientists conducting innovative research on phosphorus (P) management in agriculture.
The fellowship aims to encourage scientific solutions that improve phosphorus management in Africa’s field and tree crop agroecosystems while promoting sustainable agricultural practices and food security across the continent.
About the Fellowship
The fellowship supports research projects focused on understanding, improving, and innovating phosphorus management in African agricultural systems. Selected fellows will receive funding to support research activities, data synthesis, field studies, or scientific travel related to phosphorus use and soil fertility.
The programme is organized by African Plant Nutrition Institute.
Applicants are encouraged to submit creative and impactful proposals that address current knowledge gaps and contribute to more sustainable nutrient management practices in Africa.
Priority Research Areas
Proposals are especially encouraged in areas combining phosphorus management with one or more of the following themes:
- 4R Nutrient Stewardship
- Improving fertilizer source, rate, timing, and placement strategies
- Carbon Farming
- Biomass turnover and phosphorus application strategies
- Soil Health
- Residue management
- Soil phosphorus status
- Innovative phosphorus use
- Cropping system diversification
- Phosphorus management in no-till systems
- Managing phosphorus in high P-fixing soils and other problem soils
- Precision Farming
- Innovations that address phosphorus variability at field scale
Applications that demonstrate scientific partnerships and institutional collaboration will receive favourable consideration. Female scientists are strongly encouraged to apply.
Fellowship Award
The fellowship will award up to five grants of USD $5,000 each to eligible researchers working in African agricultural institutions and universities.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, applicants must:
- Be full-time scientists working at an African NARES institution or university
- Have completed a Ph.D. programme
- Be involved in agricultural, soil, water, or plant science research
- Submit a proposal related to phosphorus management in African agricultural systems
Scientists currently in Postdoctoral positions are also eligible to apply.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following documents in either English or French:
Required Documents
- A detailed proposal describing how the fellowship will improve understanding of phosphorus management in agricultural systems
- Information on proposed research activities, data synthesis, or travel plans supported by the fellowship
- Two signed letters of support on official letterhead
- One letter must come from the applicant’s supervisor
- An updated résumé or CV including:
- Date of birth
- Academic qualifications
- Relevant publications related to phosphorus management, soil science, water, or plant systems
Selected fellows will also be required to submit a short report at the end of the award period explaining how the fellowship funds were used and the outcomes achieved.
Why You Should Apply
The APNI Young African Phosphorus Fellowship offers researchers the opportunity to:
- Advance innovative agricultural research
- Contribute to sustainable food production in Africa
- Build scientific collaborations across institutions
- Strengthen expertise in soil fertility and nutrient management
- Receive funding support for impactful research projects
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the APNI Young African Phosphorus Fellowship 2026 is July 7, 2026.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should visit the official application webpage for full details and submission guidelines or APPLY HERE
