AGRICULTURE STUDIES NETWORKS FOR FOOD SECURITY (AGRI-NET)
The Department of Agriculture (DoA) has received an invitation to participate in the “Agriculture Studies Networks for Food Security (Agri-Net)” program/course, which forms part of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)’s Knowledge Co-Creation Program (Long-Term). JICA has historically offered training programs as part of its technical cooperation efforts across a wide range of fields. In support of this ongoing mission, the Agri-Net Program was launched in JFY 2019 under the JICA Development Studies Program (JICA-DSP), with the aim of promoting international collaboration for sustainable development. This long-term program is designed to strengthen networks among participating countries by fostering the development of young to middle-aged professionals, including bureaucrats, academicians, and
other key human resources. These individuals are expected to influence policy-making processes and contribute meaningfully to socioeconomic development in their respective countries. The Department welcomes this opportunity and recognizes the program’s potential to build capacity and advance agricultural development through international cooperation.
Eligibility criteria
• A South African Citizen
• A young or middle-career government officials, prospective academics
• For master’s programs, thirty-five (35) years of age or under in principle (As of April 1st, 2026).
• For Ph.D. programs, forty (40) years of age or under in principle (As of April 1st, 2026).
• For master’s programs, an Honours Degree holder
• For Ph.D. programs, a Master’s Degree holder
• To have more than 6 months working experience at their relevant section,
• To obtain permission for application from the head of the section, and
• Applicants to Agri-Net program are required to demonstrate official results of the English language proficiency test (such as TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC and Duolingo) at the moment of the application.
• Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment
The scholarship will cover:
• Tuition examination fees, entrance fees, course fees)
• Living Allowance JPY 117,000–148,000 per month
• Airfare (1 Return ticket)
• Outfit Allowance JPY103,750‐106,000 (once off)
• Moving Allowance Up to JPY164,000-224,000 (Once off)
• Research Support Expenses (up to 360,000 per year)
• Medical care for participants who become ill after arriving in Japan
• the costs related to pre-existing illness, pregnancy, or dental treatment are
NOT included. In accordance with the provisions of the medical insurance
Fields of study:
The main priority areas for Masters for South Africa are:
• Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment & Promotion (SHEP)
• Strengthening Food Value Chains (FVC)
• Coalition for African Rice Development (CARD)
• Promotion of Fisheries-centered Blue Economy
• Sustainable Livestock Development Toward One Health.
Application Process
Applicants must apply through the procedures as described the attached guideline, which are necessary requirements by both applicant’s
Government and the Government of Japan for the Official Development Assistance. All complete application forms as per attached guideline
should be submitted to Ms Jacky Smit at JackyS@nda.gov.za.
Deadline: All the above required application documents should be submitted by end of business day 27 September 2025 via email at JackyS@nda.gov.za
Enquiries:
Ms Jacky Smit, Tel: 012 319 7019 – Email: JackyS@nda.gov.za