2014 USDA Cocoa Borlaug Fellowship Program for West Africa.

Application Deadline: January 20, 2014.

United State Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), is now accepting applications from West Africa for 2014 Cocoa Borlaug Fellowships. The fellowships, under the auspices of 2014 Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship Program, are part of a joint USDA-WCF initiative to improve cocoa production in developing countries worldwide.

Fellows will work one-on-one with a mentor at a U.S. university, research center or government agency, usually for 6-12 weeks. The U.S. mentor will later visit the fellow’s home institution to continue collaboration.

Targeted Research Areas

• Genomics, genetics and breeding
• Plant propagation methods
• Pests/diseases – entomology, plant pathology, and control methods – particularly for cocoa mirids, swollen shoot virus and black pod rot
• Soil fertility and plant nutrition
• Agroforestry

Eligibility

To be considered for the Borlaug Fellowship Program, candidates must:

• Be citizens of an eligible country
• Be fluent in English
• Have completed a Master’s or higher degree
• Be in the early or middle stage of their career, with at least two years of practical experience
• Be employed by a university, government agency or research entity in their home country
• Demonstrate their intention to continue working in their home country after completing the fellowship

Eligible Countries

• Ghana
• Liberia
• Nigeria

Application Requirements

Candidates must apply via the online application system (link below). The following information will be required:

• Completed application form
• 2-3 page program proposal and action plan
• Signed approval from applicant’s home institution
• Two letters of recommendation
• Official copy of transcript for college/university degree(s) received
• Copy of passport identification page

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Cocoa Borlaug Fellowship for West Africans

E-Mail:  BorlaugFellowships@fas.usda.gov