About this opportunity
AFSA is selecting 10 Country Researchers, one for each participating country, for the first phase of the African Food Baskets initiative. Researchers will document foods, dishes, beverages, recipes, food sources, menus, stories, proverbs and cultural knowledge that shape African food heritage.
The initiative forms part of the TAFS Project, funded by Sida, and contributes to AFSA’s My Food Is African campaign. Selected researchers will work with communities and local knowledge holders, using the African Food Baskets KoboToolbox Toolkit, and submit a complete country data package and short narrative report.
This is a short term research assignment. Each selected researcher receives US$1,000 facilitation after AFSA accepts the complete country data package. The facilitation is intended to cover time, local travel, communication and community engagement costs.
What you receive
- US$1,000 facilitation per selected researcher
- Online training on the African Food Baskets Toolkit
- Opportunity to contribute to a continental resource on African food knowledge
- Support for advocacy, research, education, communication and policy engagement
Who can apply
- Be a qualified African researcher who is a national or resident and actively working in the country they apply to document
- Have a background in research, preferably in food systems, agriculture, agroecology, nutrition, anthropology, sociology, development studies, environmental studies, cultural heritage or a related field
- Have practical experience in qualitative fieldwork, community interviews or participatory documentation
- Be able to work in at least one of English, French or Portuguese
- Be able to communicate in the main local language of the communities they plan to document, or have access to reliable interpretation
- Have access to a smartphone, tablet or computer
- Be willing to learn and use KoboToolbox for data collection
- Be able to take clear, well composed photographs of foods, dishes and food environments, or work with someone who can provide this support
- Be available for the full assignment period
Who should not apply
- This is a short term research assignment rather than a conventional employment position.
Documents to prepare
- A CV of no more than two pages, including at least two referees
- A country concept note of no more than three pages explaining the communities or food territories, the reason for selecting them, the knowledge holders to be engaged, the consent approach and fieldwork plan
- One example of previous relevant work, such as a research report, article, thesis chapter or documentation product
- The name of the AFSA member organisation with which the applicant is affiliated, where applicable
How to apply
- Review the full Terms of Reference on the official AFSA opportunity page
- Prepare the required documents in one application email
- Send the application to afsa@afsafrica.org
- Use the subject line African Food Baskets Researcher: [Country]
- Submit the complete application by September 6, 2026
- Applications may be submitted in English, French or Portuguese
Selection process
- AFSA will select 10 Country Researchers, with one researcher assigned to each participating country
- The first phase covers 10 African countries, with the final country list determined after applications are reviewed
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
Sources and verification
Questions applicants ask
How much is the facilitation?
Each selected researcher will receive US$1,000 after AFSA accepts the complete country data package.
Is this a full time job?
No. It is a short term research assignment, not a conventional employment position.
What is the application deadline?
Complete applications are due by September 6, 2026.
How should I apply?
Send one email with the required documents to afsa@afsafrica.org using the subject line African Food Baskets Researcher: [Country].
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