Researchers and scholars focused on food systems in Africa have a new chance to grow their careers. The IFRA-Nairobi Food Circulations in Africa Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 offers full funding for studies in East Africa. This program supports work on how food moves through societies, cultures, and economies.
About the IFRA-Nairobi Food Circulations in Africa Program
The “Food Circulations in Africa” program looks at food in fresh ways. It treats food as more than just food for eating or selling. Food acts as a cultural item, a historical marker, a political tool, and a social connector.
People shape food’s story through trade, migration, and global changes. The program builds detailed stories of food’s paths across spaces and time. It helps scholars grasp food systems in Africa better. This leads to stronger ideas for policy and research.
IFRA-Nairobi, or the French Institute for Research in Africa, runs the fellowships. They last three to six months. Fellows get 800 Euros each month for fieldwork costs.
Key Research Focus Areas
The fellowship welcomes projects on food’s social and spatial lives in East Africa. Here are main themes:
Food Mobility and Circulation
Studies track how food travels across borders. This includes local markets to big trade routes. Researchers map networks that move food items.
Food and Identity
Work explores how food builds culture and community ties. It looks at heritage meals and group traditions linked to eating.
Political and Economic Sides of Food
Projects study food rules, trade setups, and security issues. They cover farm economies and power in food chains.
Historical and Anthropological Views
Research digs into old food paths and changing habits. It uses stories from the past to explain today.
“Follow the Thing” Methods
This approach traces one food item step by step. It shows changes as food moves through people and places.
Eligible Countries and Regions
Fieldwork happens in East Africa. Target spots include Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Applicants must live in one of these countries now.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Rules
To join, meet these standards:
Academic Background
Defend your PhD thesis in social sciences or humanities after January 1, 2020. Fields like geography, anthropology, political science, history, or similar work.
Age Limit
Be under 45 years old.
Location
Live in an East African country.
What You Need to Submit
Prepare these files:
Cover Letter
Make it about two pages. Add a short project summary in 15-20 lines. Share your background, food research experience, and supervisor contacts. Note any other funding. Send as PDF.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
List your education, research, publications, talks, and achievements. Send as PDF.
Research Proposal
Keep it to three pages max. Cover background, questions, methods, book list, site details, and timeline. Send as PDF and Word.
Application Deadline and Process
Send all items by email to [email protected]. The deadline is June 26, 2026. Late entries might not count.
Benefits of the Fellowship
Fellows gain money for field trips, research help from IFRA-Nairobi, and spots in talks. They join networks on food studies in Africa. This boosts careers in social sciences and African topics. The program aids work on big issues like sustainability and change in food systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IFRA-Nairobi Food Circulations in Africa Fellowship?
This program funds postdoctoral research on how food moves through societies, cultures, and economies in East Africa, viewing food as a cultural, historical, political, and social element.
Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship?
You need a PhD defended after January 1, 2020, in social sciences or humanities, be under 45 years old, and currently live in an East African country.
What documents are required for the application?
Submit a two-page cover letter, CV, and a three-page research proposal as PDF and Word files via email.
What is the application deadline and benefits?
The deadline is June 26, 2026; email [email protected]. Fellows get 800 Euros monthly, research support, and networking opportunities.
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