USDA Accepting Applications for Cocoa Borlaug Fellowship Program for West Africa - Ghana, Liberia, and Nigeria

USDA, 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.

Eligible Countries

• Ghana
• Liberia
• Nigeria 

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

The application deadline January 20, 2014

Applying for a Borlaug Fellowship

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

Applicants are selected based on their academic and professional research interests and achievements, level of scientific competence, aptitude for scientific research, leadership potential, likelihood of bringing back new ideas to their home institution, and flexibility and aptitude for success in a cross-cultural environment. Consideration is also given to the relevance of the applicant’s research area to the research topics highlighted in the application announcement and to global food security and trade.

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