Agri Fellowship Program

About

The Agri Fellowship seeks to empower changemakers committed to driving sustainable agricultural development by creating networks of 100 communities. The selection process identifies individuals with the skills, vision, and dedication to engage diverse stakeholders and deliver meaningful impact.

Selection Process Overview

  1. Application Phase: Screening candidates based on qualifications, experience, and vision.
  2. Evaluation Phase: Assessing candidates’ ability to engage stakeholders and lead agricultural initiatives.
  3. Final Selection: Selecting individuals with exceptional potential for community impact.

Selection Criteria

        1.Vision and Commitment (20%)

    • Focus
        • Clear vision for agricultural development.
        • Passion for impacting rural communities.
        • Alignment with the fellowship’s goal of engaging 100 communities.
    • Assessment: 
        • Statement of Purpose (500–800 words).
        • Personal interviews to evaluate motivation and commitment.

        2.Relevant Experience and Skills (30%)

    • Focus
      • Experience in agriculture, sustainability, or community development.
      • Technical expertise in agriculture (e.g., soil health, water conservation).
      • Proficiency in project management and stakeholder collaboration.
    • Assessment: 
      • Resume and portfolio review.
      • Case study or assignment to evaluate problem-solving skills.

        3.Community Engagement (20%)

    • Focus
      • Proven track record in community collaboration.
      • Effective communication and relationship-building abilities.
      • Capacity to mobilize and sustain diverse group engagement.
    • Assessment: 
      • References from community leaders or collaborators.
      • Role-playing scenarios during selection.
        4.Networking Potential (15%)
    • Focus
      • Ability to unite individuals, institutions, and corporates.
      • Strategic thinking to align stakeholders with common goals.
      • Experience in fostering agricultural collaborations.
    • Assessment: 
      • Proposal outlining a 100-community network, including roadmap and timeline.
      • Presentation of relevant past initiatives.

        5.Innovation and Adaptability (15%)

    • Focus
      • Creativity in addressing agricultural challenges.
      • Entrepreneurial mindset to initiate and sustain impactful programs.
      • Adaptability to evolving community needs.
    • Assessment: 
      • Submission of an innovative community engagement idea.
      • Interview questions on adaptability and innovation.

Selection Timeline

Selection Timeline
Stage Timeline Activities
Call for Applications Weeks 1–2 Publicize fellowship; accept online applications.
Initial Screening Weeks 3–4 Shortlist based on resumes and statements.
Evaluation Rounds Weeks 5–6 Conduct interviews, role-plays, and assignments.
Final Selection Week 7 Announce fellows based on scores.
Orientation & Onboarding Week 8 Train fellows on fellowship goals and framework.

Tool & Framework

  • Application Portal: Centralized platform for submissions.
  • Scoring Rubric: Transparent evaluation criteria.
  • Panel Review: Experts, community leaders, and alumni assess candidates.

Expected Outcome

Selected fellows will:
  • Mobilize and sustain networks of 100 communities.
  • Drive initiatives like sustainable farming, agri-tech solutions, and cooperative models.
  • Achieve measurable improvements in productivity, livelihoods, and resource management.
This rigorous process ensures the selection of dedicated changemakers capable of transforming agricultural practices and communities sustainably.