The Building Women & Youth-led Network Alliances for Agroecology and Organic Agriculture (BWYNAAO) Programme is now inviting applications from young professionals in Africa for its 2025–2026 cohort of Community Solutions Interns and Fellows. This unique opportunity aims to support youth-led and women-led initiatives that advance agroecology, organic agriculture, and sustainable food systems across the continent.
The program is delivered through a strategic collaboration among Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD), Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Kenya, African Green Store Network (AGSN), and the Knowledge Centre for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology (KCOA). It is generously funded by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
About the Community Solutions Projects
Community Solutions Projects are grassroots initiatives designed to meet the specific agricultural and ecological needs of local communities through sustainable, community-driven approaches. Projects may include environmentally conscious farming, organic production, SME development, or community-based food systems. Some notable examples include:
- Mushroom farming with young women in Benin
- Organic fertilizer production in Tanzania
- Rural Grown Farms in Eswatini
- Tilapia fish production in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
This program supports both the creation of new initiatives and the scaling of existing projects through mentorship, financial support, and technical assistance. Selected interns or fellows will be expected to dedicate approximately 16–20 hours per month from September 2025 to June 2026.
What Selected Candidates Will Receive
Participants in the BWYNAAO Programme will benefit from a comprehensive support package that includes:
- A monthly stipend of €200 to assist with living expenses
- Up to €1,000 in direct funding to establish or expand their Community Solutions Project
- Fully-funded travel to attend a regional BWYNAAO event in Africa
- Access to mentorship from experienced professionals in agroecology and organic agriculture
- Connection to network partners, including PELUM Kenya, AGSN, and YPARD
- Use of KCOA knowledge products and digital tools to enhance project implementation
The program places strong emphasis on capacity building, network development, and peer-to-peer learning.
Eligibility Criteria
The call is open to early-career professionals who meet the following criteria:
- Age: Between 18 and 35 years
- Geographic Location: Must reside in Africa, preferably in one of the KCOA partner countries (Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Cameroon, or Benin) or other Sub-Saharan African nations
- Language: Proficiency in English or French is required; fluency in local languages is considered an asset
- Education:
- Interns must be currently enrolled in a degree program related to agriculture, agribusiness, environmental sciences, or related fields
- Fellows must have completed formal education and actively be pursuing a career in agroecology or sustainable food systems
- Project Readiness: Must have either an active project or a well-developed idea for a community-focused initiative in agroecology or organic agriculture
- Digital Skills: Basic project management, communication, and digital competency, along with access to a reliable internet connection
- Commitment: Must be willing and able to commit to the full 10-month program duration
The program actively encourages applications from women, Indigenous youth, rural populations, persons with disabilities, and individuals from systemically marginalized communities.
Application Process
Interested candidates are advised to review the full Terms of Reference (TOR) and Expression of Interest (EOI) documents available on the YPARD website before applying.
Applicants must demonstrate a clear vision for their proposed project, articulate the expected community impact, and describe how participation in the program will support their professional and personal development.
For inquiries, candidates should contact the YPARD Global team at tadeo.ajuna@ypard.net, using the subject line: Community Solutions Intern/Fellow Inquiry.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: August 30, 2025
- Program Start: September 2025
- Program End: June 2026
This initiative is part of a larger movement to empower young leaders and foster innovation in sustainable agriculture across Africa. Through mentorship, access to resources, and financial backing, the BWYNAAO Programme provides the tools and community necessary for young professionals to turn their ideas into impactful local solutions.
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