Transformative Opportunities with the AAP Professional Fellowship Program (PFP)
In May-June 2024, AAP hosted 11 African fellows from Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe at Michigan State University (MSU) as part of the US Department of State-funded Professional Fellows Program. The Advancing Young Women Agribusiness Entrepreneurs and Innovators is administered by MSU in partnership with the University of Rwanda, the University of Pretoria (South Africa), the University of Zambia, and Chinhoyi University of Technology (Zimbabwe). The goal of the program is to build Fellows’ capacity and skills in agro-entrepreneurship and agri-food system innovation and advance their ability to support women’s economic empowerment.
One of the standout features of our PFP is the professional affiliations. Throughout the program, fellows are paired with organizations and mentors that align with their projects, fostering long-term partnerships and impactful collaborations. This unique aspect ensures that fellows not only gain valuable insights but also build enduring professional networks. For example, Vimbai Kaitano, a Zimbabwean farmer and owner of Carol’s Seedlings and Vegetables, was hosted by Bridget Kavanaugh of Happy Goat Lucky Ewe Fiber Farm. While their farms focus on very different commodities, the two farmers and business owners, shared lessons on farm management, value addition, and marketing their small businesses. Robert Rwigema from Rwanda and Precious Nemutenzi from Zimbabwe were hosted by Peter Lemmer and Elana Fata from Greenstone Farm Credit Services. Greenstone arranged a robust experience that allowed these two agribusiness professionals to learn in detail about its farm credit financial services and to connect with many of its client farmers.
Our PFP is packed with exciting activities, including dinners, delicious food, and networking opportunities. Fellows have the chance to connect, with host families and organizations, and with MSU researchers and students, creating a vibrant and supportive community. These events are perfect for cultural exchange and building lasting relationships. We believe in continuous learning and development. This cohort of fellows was hosted by several local volunteer families for dinners in their homes. They also attended a Broadway musical at MSU’s Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, went to a Lansing Lugnuts baseball game, and had a bowling night with members of MSU’s African Graduate Student Association.
The PFP offers an array of seminars and workshops designed to contribute significantly to our fellows' professional and personal growth. These sessions cover various topics, providing fellows with the skills and knowledge they need to excel. Dr. Wynne Wright, co-director of MSU’s PFP program, delivered workshops on understanding gender dynamics in agri-food systems. Professor Brian Petland from MSU’s Eli Broad College of Business delivered an interactive session on approaches to project management. Raymond Musiima, a PFP alum from 2019 and a current MSU MBA student, provided insights on building and maintaining professional networks. Melissa Staub from MSU’s College of Arts and Letters led a series of workshops on personal development and leadership.
Our program also includes exciting site visits and field trips. These immersive experiences allow fellows to gain practical insights and hands-on learning in various fields. By exploring different environments and contexts, fellows enhance their understanding and apply their skills in real-world settings. Fellows from this cohort visited Detroit where they met up with W.E. DaCruz, Co-Founder of the Mushroom Angel company which uses mushrooms to produce vegan burgers. They also traveled to Super Bloom Hydroponic Farm in Grand Rapids, Michigan where they learned about hydroponic farming. PFP Co-Director, Dr. Wynne Wright hosted the fellows on her lavender farm, Sixteen Sprigs.
As we conclude another successful year of the AAP Professional Fellowship Program, we are excited to announce our plans for an outbound trip to visit fellows in their home countries in early October. This will provide an excellent opportunity to further strengthen our international collaborations and witness firsthand the impactful work our fellows are doing in their communities. Additionally, we eagerly look forward to hosting the next cohort of fellows in 2025, continuing our commitment to empowering young women in agribusiness and fostering transformative opportunities in agro-entrepreneurship and agri-food system innovation.
