The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) is excited to announce a new opportunity for young researchers in Africa: the African Fellowships for Research in Indigenous and Alternative Knowledges (AFRIAK). This program, made possible with support from the Mastercard Foundation, aims to foster a new generation of researchers committed to integrating Indigenous and local knowledge into academic research. This initiative also honors the late Dr. Sulley Gariba of Ghana for his contributions to promoting African knowledge in research and evaluation.
Who Can Apply
Program Details
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Program Duration: 7 months, including fieldwork and dissemination activities.
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Key Components:
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Induction and mid-term institute.
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Research training and mentorship from academic experts and Indigenous knowledge bearers.
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Collaborative research and policy convenings.
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Post-fellowship alumni engagement in a community of practice.
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Program Structure:
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Fellows will be grouped into teams of seven, each with two Indigenous knowledge bearers and an academic mentor.
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Research activities will be co-developed with a focus on applying Indigenous knowledge to contemporary issues.
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Objective:
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To engage young researchers in multi-disciplinary knowledge production.
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To bridge the gap between Indigenous knowledge bearers and academic knowledge systems.
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To transform research into actionable knowledge that supports key sectors such as agriculture, climate health, creative industries, and more.
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Priority Areas for Proposals:
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Indigenous knowledge and methods of knowing.
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Indigenous medical science and practices.
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Agriculture and agri-food systems.
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Indigenous knowledge in climate change and sustainability.
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Indigenous pedagogies and curriculum development.
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Indigenous knowledge in social capital development.
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Eligibility Criteria
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Age: Applicants should be between 24 and 35 years old.
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Educational Background: Formal educational qualifications in research fields related to Indigenous knowledge or alternative knowledge systems.
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Research Focus: Proposals must align with one of CODESRIA’s priority research areas listed above.
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Geographic Focus: Applicants must be based in Africa.
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Gender: A minimum of 70% of fellowship positions will be allocated to young women researchers.
How to Apply
Individual Applications:
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A one-page CV, including date of birth, current occupation, and institutional affiliation.
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A two-page concept note detailing the research topic, how it aligns with CODESRIA’s priority areas, the expected research steps, and the outcomes.
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Two reference letters endorsing the applicant’s research abilities.
Group Applications (Maximum 7 persons):
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One-page CV for each group member, with the Principal Investigator clearly identified.
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A two-page concept note detailing the research topic and alignment with CODESRIA’s priority areas.
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Two reference letters endorsing the group’s research focus and capabilities.
Submission Portal:
Applications must be submitted through the CODESRIA portal.
Important Dates
Conclusion
This fellowship presents an exciting opportunity for young researchers who are passionate about integrating Indigenous knowledge systems into their work. If you are committed to advancing knowledge in areas such as agriculture, climate change, or Indigenous education, we encourage you to apply for the AFRIAK fellowship. It’s a chance to collaborate with experts in the field, expand your research skills, and contribute to the global understanding of alternative knowledge systems.
We urge you to apply and take part in this transformative initiative. For more details, please visit the official application portal and submit your proposal today.
For further information, please refer to the CODESRIA website and the official call for proposals. Start your application today!