Second AGRI-COOL Advanced Training Short Course
The AGRI-COOL project (Advancing Sustainable Agriculture through Off-Grid Energy and Cooling Solutions in Africa), funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe programme (GA no 101147102), is pleased to invite applications for participation in a fully funded, in-person short course on sustainable farming and cold-chain solutions.
Course objectives
The short course forms part of AGRI-COOL’s capacity-building activities and aims to strengthen African expertise in:
- Sustainable and climate-resilient farming systems
- Off-grid renewable energy solutions for agriculture
- Cold-chain technologies to reduce post-harvest losses
- Integrated food–energy–water approaches for rural development
The short course combines technical, economic and social perspectives, including business models and technology adoption, with a strong focus on practical applicability in African contexts. Lectures and case studies are complemented by hands-on modelling sessions, a site visit to a working farm and a team assignment in which participants develop a project concept.
Time and location
- Dates: 5 – 9th April 2027 (arrival on 4 April and departure on 10 April for participants travelling to Cape Town)
- Location: University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
Target participants
Applications are invited from candidates in South Africa and in English-speaking countries of Southern and East Africa, such as Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mauritius, Eswatini, Lesotho, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Somalia and Rwanda. Candidates should meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Hold a Master’s degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Cold-Chain Logistics, Sustainable Farming, Cooling Technologies, Renewable Energy Studies, or
- Hold a post graduate degree in any of the above mentioned fields combined with demonstrated professional expertise (e.g. farm management, agri-business, energy systems, cold-chain operations).
A total of 35 places is available: 12 for international participants and 23 for participants based in South Africa.
Application requirements
Applicants are requested to submit the following documents:
- Certified copies of relevant academic degree(s)/ certificates
- Proof of English language proficiency
- A strong motivation letter explaining why the applicant should be selected and how the short course aligns with their academic or professional goals
Costs
Participation in the short course is free of charge for all selected participants. The AGRI-COOL project covers the following costs:
International participants
- Economy class flights from your country’s international airport to Cape Town
- Accommodation and meals during the course
- Local transport in Cape Town between meeting venue and hotel / airport
Participants travelling from elsewhere in South Africa
- Economy class flights or other travel to Cape Town
- Accommodation and meals during the course
- Local transport in Cape Town between meeting venue and hotel / airport
Participants from the Cape Town area
- Lunches and refreshments during the course (travel and accommodation are not covered)
N.B.: No cash per diem, stipend or personal allowance will be provided
How to apply
We look forward to receiving applications from motivated candidates committed to advancing sustainable agriculture and cooling solutions across Africa
Applications (see application requirements) should be submitted by email to:
- Yolanda Lethatha – ylethatha@uwc.ac.za; Subject line: “AGRI-COOL Short Course, Cape Town 2027”
- Application Deadline: 20 November 2026
- Selection criteria; Educational background, quality of the motivation letter and an online interview
- Interviews will take place from 23 November 2026, and selected candidates will be informed by 30 November 2026.