AWARD Fellows reflect the richness and diversity of women scientists in agricultural research and development in Africa today. Some grew up in remote, rural villages; others in major metropolises. Representing ten East and Southern African countries, they are a bouquet of socioeconomic, ethnic, racial, linguistic and religious backgrounds. AWARD Fellows are ambitious, determined professionals who are chosen through a rigorous competition. Seventy applicants are selected from up to 1,000 applications received each year. Professionally, AWARD Fellows range from recent university graduates to recognized experts in their fields. Their research covers various disciplines in agricultural R&D. Yet these outstanding women share one passion: to help alleviate hunger and poverty in Africa through their research, working alongside the continent’s smallholder farmers, most of whom are women.