Platform for African – European Partnership in Agricultural Research for Development

Friday, September 6, 2024

Africa Food Systems Forum 2024: main program

 


2 - 6 September 2024
. Kigali Rwanda. 
Africa Food Systems Forum 2024

The Africa Food Systems Forum is the world largest annual summit on agriculture and food systems on the continent.

Extracts of the main programme

03/09 DAY 1: CCOUNTABILITY, STATUS, AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS

The Africa Agriculture Status Report (AASR) 

See YouTube video recording @
  • Presentation of the Report: AGRA (2024). Accelerating the Private Sector for Food Systems transformation in Africa (Issue 12). Nairobi, Kenya: AGRA. # 88 pp.
  • Dr. Thomas Reardon, Professor, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University Moderator: 
  • Dr . Roy Steiner, Senior Vice President, Food Initiative, The Rockefeller Foundation, AGRA Board Member
  • Ms. Chema Triki – AASR Author 
  • Dr. Simeon Ehui, Director-General, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Panel Discussion: 
  • Hon. Rose Kayi Mivedor, Minister of Commerce, Crafts, and Local Consumption, Togo 
  • Mr. Michael Shaw, Director, WellSping Development 
  • Ms. Anna Riley, Managing Partner, Sofala Partners 
  • Mr. Daniel Hailu, Executive Director, Mastercard Foundation 
  • Mr. Jemery Awori, Group CEO, Ecobank Group 
  • Ms. Michelle Gortan, CEO, Macdoch Foundation. Launch of the AASR report and official opening photo
  • Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President, AGRA 
  • Rt. Hon. Dr. Edouard Ngirente, Prime Minister of Rwanda 
  • H.E. Josefa Sacko, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE), AUC
Resource: 
AGRA (2024). Accelerating the Private Sector for Food Systems transformation in Africa (Issue 12). Nairobi, Kenya: AGRA. # 88 pp.


Digitalization Roadmap on Food Systems


Digital technologies hold immense potential to transform agri-food systems across sub-Saharan Africa by significantly enhancing productivity and resilience, market access, supply chains, and financial inclusivity for small-scale producers. Although some progress has been made, many challenges persist, including fragmented initiatives and investments across the public, private, and social sectors, uncertain business models, inadequate digital and physical infrastructure, and lack of gender and social inclusion, which all hinder the widespread adoption and impact of digital agriculture solutions. We have a unique opportunity for digital transformation in agriculture due to growing mobile and internet penetration, innovative digital solutions, and growing leadership and policy support.
 
There is a need for coordinated roadmaps that align with national policies, identify and address ecosystem gaps, and prioritize and coordinate sustainable investments to fully realize digital agriculture’s potential. This session aims to gather key stakeholders to discuss the development and implementation of Digital Agriculture Roadmaps for African countries while drawing on insights from previous initiatives in Ethiopia, other SSA countries, and India and exploring pathways to enhance digital transformation in the agri-food sector across the continent.

Panel Discussion 1: Coordinating Digital Agricultural Initiatives and Investments

  • Dr. Parmesh Shah, Global Lead for Rural Livelihoods & Agricultural Jobs, Agriculture, World Bank
  • Mr. Stewart Collis, Senior Program Officer, Digital Solutions, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
  • Ms. Brenda Mulele Gunde, Global Lead for ICT4D, IFAD
  • Mr. Josh Woodward, Senior Digital Advisor, USAID
  • Mr. Innocent Musabyimana, Chief Agriculture Technology Officer, AFDB
  • Mr. Dayo Aduroja, Director, Youth and Innovation Africa, Heifer International
  • Mr. Omundi Kasidhi, Digital Manager Africa, Yara
  • Moderator: Mr. Kristofer Hamel, Agricultural Innovations Lead, President, Court of the United Arab Emirates

Panel Discussion 2: Building and Implementing Digital Agricultural Solutions & Public Infrastructure

  • Keynote speaker: Hon. Paul Ingabire, Minister of ICT and Innovation, Rwanda
  • Ms. Niriksha Shetty, CEO, Precision Development (PxD)
  • Mr. Rikin Gandhi, CEO, Digital Green
  • Dr. Rajeev Chawla, Strategic Advisor and Chief Knowledge Officer, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India
  • Ms. Kameshwari Chandra, Chief Strategy Officer, Center for Digital Public Infrastructure, India
  • Mr. Samuel Praveen Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India
  • Mr. Stewart Collis, Senior Program Officer, Digital Solutions, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
  • Ms. Chen Hattav, Growing IL Ecosystem Development Manager, Israel Innovation Institute

04/09 DAY 2: NUTRITION, HEALTH, TRADE, AND MARKETS

Farmers’ Forum

This year’s Farmers’ Forum will bring farmers from Asia, Latin America, and Africa together to exchange experiences and share best practices regarding participation in food systems policies, access to financing and markets, and capacity to deliver healthy foods produced sustainably amid climate change and conflicts. This interactive discussion will give participants a broader picture of the progress made in the field about food systems transformation and how gaps and challenges can be addressed. AS INVITED Moderator • Dr. King-David Amoah, President of Farmers Organization Network, Ghana and of the Ghana Federation of Agricultural Producers (GFAP) Keynote Remarks: Farmers’ Forum for Food Systems Transformation • Ms. Elizabeth Nsimadala, President, Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF) • Ms. Esther Penuri, Asian Farmers’ Association for Sustainable Rural Development

Panel Discussion 1: Climate Finance 

  • Mr. Kolyang Palabele, President, Pan-African Farmers’ Organization (PAFO), The Gambia 
  • Mr. Ishmael Sunga, Chief Executive Officer, Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU) 
  • Ms. Ruramiso Mashumba, Regional Lead - Africa, Global Farmer Network (GFN), Zimbabwe • Ms. Juliana Kantegwa, Founder, Wood Valley Organics, Rwanda 
  • Ms. Wangeci , Farmers Organization, Kenya 
  • Mr. Foster Boateng, Deputy CEO – Operations, Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA) 
  • Dr. Lekan Tobe, Country Director Nigeria, Heifer Internationa
  •  Hon. Allahoury Diallo - Minister Special Advisor to the President Niger Moderator: 
  • Ms. Manes Ngoma, President, Farmers Union of Malawi
Panel Discussion 2: Best Practices from Africa 
  • Mr. Stephen Muchiri, CEO, Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF) 
  • Mr. Ibrahima Coulibaly, President, Network of Farmers’ Organizations and Agricultural Producers of West Africa (ROPPA) & President, PanAfrican Farmers Organization (PAFO) 
  • Mr. Bagore Bathily, Managing Director, La Laiterie Du Berger, Senegal 
  • Mr. Philip Kiriro, Chairman and Board Member, EAFF Co. Ltd, Kenya
  • Dr. Sinare Yusufu Sinare, Chairman, SACAU, Tanzania 
  • Dr. Olivier Kamana, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Rwanda 
  • Dr. Athman Mravili, FAO Coordinator for Central Africa and Representative in Gabon, Sao Tome & Principe, and Cameroon • Prof. Godfrey NZAMUJO, Founder of SONGHAÏ Institute - Bénin

05/09 DAY 3: CLIMATE CHANGE AND FOOD SYSTEMS

PRIVATE SECTOR PLENARY: Food Systems 

The Bigger Picture As the engine of economic growth, a robust and vibrant private sector is vital to transform food systems on the continent. In Africa, the private sector has an immense potential to contribute directly to the achievement of Agenda 2030 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want through basic pursuits, such as increasing productivity, creating jobs, and accelerating service delivery. This session will showcase success stories and scalable best practices, effective approaches to mobilizing resources by banks and non-bank financial institutions, including financial technology (fintech), and the potential role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in private sector development. This session will give voice to private sector experts who wish to share specific flagship initiatives in the area of production, processing, and marketing with demonstrated scalability and impact, as well as insights into the processes and partnerships involved in their initiatives’ success. 
  • Mr. Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) and Director General of the African Risk Capacity (ARC) Group. Keynote Speakers 
  • H.E. Dr. Donald Kaberuka, Chairman and Managing Partner of SouthBridge & Senior Advisor at the IGC, Rwanda 
  • H.E. Khalifa Al Kuwari, DG, Qatar Fund for Development Fireside Chat: 
  • Dr. Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa 
  • Ms. Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General, United Nations Global Compact Kenya 
  • Ms. Carla Montesi, EU Director for Green Deal and Digital Agenda, Directorate-General for International Partnerships, Belgium 
  • Ms. Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Director, UNEP

Panel Discussion: De-risking Systems 

  • Ms. Diane Karusisi, CEO, Bank of Kigali 
  • Dr. James Mwangi, CEO, Equity Group Holdings Limited 
  • Ms. Maria Håkansson, CEO, Swedfund 
  • Mr. Jules Ngankam, Group CEO, African Guarantee Fund 
  • Ms. Delphine Traore, CEO, Allianz Africa & Chair, Board of Management of Allianz Africa & AGRA Board Member 
  • Ms. Vera Songwe, Founder and Chair of Liquidity and Sustainability Facility & Co-chair of the High-Level Panel on Climate Finance 
  • Mr. Fred Swaniker, Entrepreneur Founder, African Leadership Group 
  • Mr. Samuel Ssenyimba, Senior Program Officer, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) 
  • Dr. Leonard Mizzi, Head of Unit at the European Commission, Directorate-General (DG) for International Partnerships - Sustainable Agri-Food systems and Fisheries

Agri-innovation & Digitalization: Investments to Scale up Food Systems Transformation 

The session’s goal is to identify key actions to unlock investments and strengthen public-private sector collaborations in delivering digital technological innovations that will drive food system transformation at scale. The session will also highlight successful investment models, technical assistance and business development opportunities, and concrete cases in agriculture that provide replicable examples. A special focus will be on new initiatives for de-risking private sector investments to drive agricultural digitalization. The session will also serve as a call to action and facilitate direct interactions and relationship building between investors, agribusinesses, financial institutions, policymakers, and other stakeholders to promote a collaborative approach to the development of investment vehicles that support the large-scale transformation of food systems.
  • Moderator: Dr. Enock Chikava, Director, Agricultural Delivery Systems, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Inspirations from Asia: 
  • Mr. Veera Sekaran, Founder and Director, VertiVegies, Singapore Keynote 
  • Mr. Samuel N’gan’ga, Manager Upstream and Advisory for Manufacturing, Agribusiness, and Services in East and Southern Africa, IFC Panelists: 
  • Ms. Liz Wilson - Deputy CEO, Small Foundation
  • Mr. Jehiel Oliver, Founder and CEO, Hello Tractor
  • Mr. Sriram Bharatam, CEO and Founder, Kuza, Kenya 
  • Mr. Albert Munyabugingo, Co-founder and CEO, Vuba Vuba Africa Ltd., Rwanda
  • Mr. Ivan Shema, Founder, of 1000 Hills Products 
  • Mr. Ken Akinwande, Head Digital , OCP 
  • Mr. Kristofer

Digital Solutions for Production, Processing, E-marketing, and Food Waste Keynote 

  • Dr. Strive Masiyiwa, Founder & Executive Chairman, Econet Group, Cassava Technologies & Econet Wireless and Co-Founder, Higherlife Foundation Panel: 
  • Ms. Anu Adedoyin Adasolum, Co-Founder & CEO, Sabi 
  • Mr. Ismael Belkhayat, CEO and Founder, Chari, Morocco 
  • Ms. Adesuwa Ifedi, Senior Vice President of Africa Programs, Heifer International 
  • Mr. Ralph Mupita, Group President and CEO, MTN, South Africa 
  • Ms. Coura Sene, Regional Director, Wave Digital Finance 
  • Ms. Daniel Whitley, Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service, US Department of Agriculture 
  • Dr. Catherine Nakalembe, Africa Director, NASA Harvest & Africa Food Prize Laureate Closing remarks: 
  • Mr. Paul Garaycochea, Director, Sustainable Transformation of Supply Chains, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Germany

DAY 4: FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2024 THEME: DATA, DIGITAL AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Panel Session: Innovative Business Models to Successfully Drive Mechanization in Africa 

  • Moderator: Ms. Melissa Pinfield, Executive Director, Just Rural Transition Secretariat, Meridian Institute Keynote Remarks: 
  • Mr. Donal Brown, Associate Vice President, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Fireside chat: 
  • Dr. Prof. Yanshui Zhao, Deputy Chairman, Chinese Association of Agriculture Machinery Manufacturers 
  • Hon. Dr. Ildephonse Musafiri, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Rwanda 
  • Mr. Jehiel Oliver, Founder and CEO, Hello Tractor 
  • Mr. Jaco Beyers, Managing Director Africa, John Deere 
  • Mr. Paul Christopher Richards, CEO, AgLeaseCo, Zambia 
  • Mrs. Patricia Amankwa Yeboah, Head of Agric Mechanization, CSIR Ghana 
  • Mrs. Ruramiso Mashumba, Africa Lead, Global Farmer Network 
  • Mr. Ibrahim Maigari, Technology Entrepreneur, Nigeria • Mr. Chris Brett, Lead Agribusiness Specialist, World Bank

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

The Africa Agriculture Status Report (AASR)

AGRA (2024). Accelerating the Private Sector for Food Systems transformation in Africa (Issue 12). Nairobi, Kenya: AGRA. # 88 pp.


AASR24 draws out the pathways and conditioning factors that drive the development of the private sector in Africa and linkages between off farm and farm actors. It proposes relevant policies and business models that can foster a more inclusive and productive agrifood sector on the continent.
  1. Accelerating the Private Sector for Food Systems Transformation in Africa: Introduction 
  2. Private Sector Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in the Hidden Middle of African Agrifood
    Value Chains 
  3. Medium to large-scale agribusiness firms in Africa: triggers, drivers, and investment strategies defining private sector-led growth 
  4. Agro-Industrial Parks as an Industrial Policy Tool for Agro-Industrialization 
  5. Catalyzing Financing for Agricultural SMEs 
  6. Coordinating Governments around the needs of private sector-led growth opportunities 
  7. Synthesis of findings and policy implications
  • Presentation of the Report: AGRA (2024). Accelerating the Private Sector for Food Systems transformation in Africa (Issue 12). Nairobi, Kenya: AGRA. # 88 pp.
  • Dr. Thomas Reardon, Professor, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University Moderator: 
  • Dr . Roy Steiner, Senior Vice President, Food Initiative, The Rockefeller Foundation, AGRA Board Member
  • Ms. Chema Triki – AASR Author 
  • Dr. Simeon Ehui, Director-General, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Panel Discussion: 
  • Hon. Rose Kayi Mivedor, Minister of Commerce, Crafts, and Local Consumption, Togo 
  • Mr. Michael Shaw, Director, WellSping Development 
  • Ms. Anna Riley, Managing Partner, Sofala Partners 
  • Mr. Daniel Hailu, Executive Director, Mastercard Foundation 
  • Mr. Jemery Awori, Group CEO, Ecobank Group 
  • Ms. Michelle Gortan, CEO, Macdoch Foundation. Launch of the AASR report and official opening photo
  • Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President, AGRA 
  • Rt. Hon. Dr. Edouard Ngirente, Prime Minister of Rwanda 
  • H.E. Josefa Sacko, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE), AUC
See YouTube video recording @ - 6:55.40


The 2024 Africa Agriculture Trade Monitor (AATM) focuses on the trade and climate change nexus, including the impact of climate change on agricultural yields and thus on trade, and the relationship of trade with carbon emissions and water use. In addition, the chapters provide analysis of Africa’s fruit and vegetable value chains and the integration experience of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
  1. Chapter 1| OVERVIEW AND RECENT CHALLENGES  [Download]
  2. Chapter 2| AFRICA IN WORLD AGRICULTURAL TRADE: RECENT TRENDS AND CARBON FOOTPRINT  [Download]
  3. Chapter 3| INTRA-AFRICAN TRADE IN VIRTUAL WATER: TRENDS AND DRIVERS [Download]
  4. Chapter 4| FRUIT AND VEGETABLE VALUE CHAINS IN AFRICA [Download]
  5. Chapter 5| IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON TRADE IN AFRICA [Download]
  6. Chapter 6| AGRICULTURAL TRADE INTEGRATION IN ECOWAS [Download]
Launch of the AATM 2024 report: Streamed live on 29 Aug 2024:

Agroecology, Organic, Regenerative, Nature-based A conversation on food systems sustainability framings

3 September 2024
. 02:00 CEST Agroecology, Organic, Regenerative, Nature-based A conversation on food systems sustainability framings

See also on LinkedIn

Sustainable”, “organic”, “agroecological”, “nature-based”, “regenerative” are increasingly being discussed in the context of food systems. 
  • What are the differences and synergies between these concepts and frameworks, and how can they contribute to transforming our food systems? 
  • Register here 
Speakers:
  • Fergus Sinclair, Director of Agroecology, CIFOR-ICRAF & Transformative Partnership Platform on Agroecology
  • Ercilia Sahores, Founding Member and Latin America Director, Regeneration International
  • Choitresh (Bablu) Ganguly, Board Member, IFOAM - Organics International
  • Natasja Oerlemans, Head of Food team, WWF Netherlands
  • Moderated by Esther Kagai, Director, Cshep Kenya

Monday, September 2, 2024

FARA, CSIR Ghana and Partners Strengthen Stakeholders’ Capacity to adopt vegetables, maize, soyabeans and rice technologies


By: Benjamin Abugri, Mabel Shu Lum & Abdulrazak Ibrahim

September 2, 2024: Tamale, Ghana, West Africa

From 2nd to 6th September 2024, the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI)Crop Research Institute (CRI), together with some Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) compacts, including the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)Africa Rice, the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and the World Vegetable Centre (WorldVeg), are organizing a stakeholders’ training of trainers (TOT) workshop in Tamale, Ghana, to strengthen the capacity of Ghanaian stakeholders and enterprises to adopt and scale proven agricultural technologies within the context of Innovation Platforms (IP). TAAT which was launched by the African Development Bank (AfDB) is a major continent-wide initiative designed to boost agricultural productivity across the continent by rapidly delivering proven technologies to millions of farmers. It aims to double crop, livestock, and fish productivity by expanding access to productivity-increasing technologies to more than 40 million smallholder farmers across Africa by 2025.

The workshop aims at enhancing rice, vegetable, soybean and maize production through the strengthening of Innovation Platforms (IP) within the country by bringing together strategic stakeholders who will be trained on IP setting-up and running for downstream dissemination.

Innovation platforms which serve as a space for learning, experience sharing, co-creation, business relationship building, problem solving and decision making also facilitate the promotion of innovations, interactions, and collaboration among multiple actors such as agricultural producers, researchers, extensionists, and policymakers. They are therefore critical in promoting interactions among stakeholders to generate, test, and disseminate innovations that will provide solutions to constraints that hinder the performance of agricultural value chains.

The target audience for the workshop includes rice, vegetables, soybean, and maize value farmers and producers, agricultural extension workers, research institutions, academia, government agencies involved in agriculture, private sector actors and traditional authorities. These stakeholders will be taken through sessions on setting up innovation platforms, monitoring, evaluation and learning, governance, knowledge management and resource mobilization on innovation platforms.

The 5-day workshop which will include presentations, discussions, teamwork, and role playing based on practical cases seeks to achieve the following:

  • Empower a network of farmers and stakeholders with the necessary skills in setting-up and running innovation platforms for enhancing the rice, maize, soybean and vegetable value chains in Ghana.
  • Establish/support and strengthen rice, soybean, maize, and vegetable Innovation Platforms in Ghana.
  • Strengthen the agribusiness capacity of stakeholders within the rice, soybean, maize, and vegetable value chains, especially women and youth, for improved profitability.
  • Promote collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation within the rice, soybean, maize, and vegetable value chains

The secretary to the Paramount Chief of Gukpegu (Tamale Traditional Council) and Kpalung Zobogu Naa, Mohamed Rashad Abdulai

The secretary to the Paramount Chief of Gukpegu (Tamale Traditional Council) and Kpalung Zobogu Naa, Mohamed Rashad Abdulai welcomed all participants to the Northern regional capital and assured them of the Traditional Council’s support for the event and the promotion of improved agricultural practices in the Northern region.

Dr Issah Sugri, Deputy Director at the CSIR-SARI

In his opening speech, Dr Issah Sugri, Deputy Director at the CSIR-SARI, speaking on behalf of the Director, expressed his gratitude to donors for contributing to food security across all levels and stressed the need for training on access to technology and knowledge building for capacity development and the creation of more learning platforms to increase reach. He also encouraged participants to adapt and implement these technologies to increase productivity for more sustainable livelihoods.

This workshop hosted at the Pioneer Hotel in Tamale, is set to produce a strengthened network of digitally connected farmers empowered with IP thinking through capacity building, knowledge, and experience sharing, enabling farmers to adopt best practices and improve their productivity.


Media Contact: Benjamin Abugri – babugri@faraafrica.org; Tel: 0243513773

AR4D Funding Opportunities for Africa – September, 2024

 

Agriculture Fisheries Forestry

African Plant Nutrition Institute

Plant Nutrition Outreach Fellowship

2024-09-02

The African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI) awards US$5,000 to African scientists to support education, training, and communication programs relevant to improving the use and efficiency of plant nutrients in African agroecosystems. Projects must focus on improved outreach or implementation of appropriate soil fertility management in agricultural systems. Eligibility extends to scientists, extension specialists, or educators working at an African university, nonprofit organization, or in the private sector. The application must be completed by 02 September 2024.

International Tropical Timber Organization

Freezailah Fellowships 2024

2024-09-02

The International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) makes grants through the Freezailah Fellowship Fund in support of capacity building. The grant can be used for training opportunities, demonstration tours, participation in conferences and workshops, preparation of technical papers, and post-graduate degrees. Grants up to US$10 thousand are in support of sustainable tropical forest management. Applicants are young and mid-career professionals in ITTO’s member countries; most grants are to individuals in developing countries. The next application deadline is 02 September 2024.

First City Monument Bank

AgriTech Hackathon

2024-09-05

The AgriTech Hackathon and Venture Building Program seeks early-stage businesses across Africa. The program provides innovative AgriTech startups with the relevant business and product development tools required to groom their solutions to Agricultural challenges in society and attract follow-on investments. In addition to funding, the winners will receive training and mentorship. Applicants must be a legally registered company either as a business name or limited, individual teams of hackers are also encouraged to apply. (Note: An FCMB Business/Corporate Account is one of the requirements for selection for the program.) The application deadline is 05 September 2024.

TREE Fund

Building Bridges Initiative

2024-09-15

The Building Bridges Initiative helps arborists and urban foresters communicate the value of trees and urban forests through engagement via collaborative research and other projects with public works officials, risk assessment professionals, civil engineers, wildlife researchers, soil scientists, and others. The maximum award value of grants is US$30 thousand. TREE Fund welcomes research proposals and applications from a wide range of academic and technical disciplines, of both a qualitative and a quantitative nature. The deadline for Letters of Inquiry is 15 September 2024.

TREE Fund

Safe Arborist Techniques

2024-09-15

The Safe Arborist Techniques Fund (SATF) supports research and development into the techniques and equipment that arborists use in climbing, rigging, and working on trees to provide a safer working environment. The maximum award value of SATF grants is US$15 thousand. TREE Fund welcomes research proposals and applications from a wide range of academic and technical disciplines, of both a qualitative and a quantitative nature. The deadline for Letters of Inquiry is 15 September 2024.

TREE Fund

Research in Arboriculture

2024-09-15

The John Z. Duling Grant Program offers funding up to US$25 thousand for 1-3 years to support exploratory work in the early stages of untested but potentially transformative research in arboriculture. In 2024, the program will focus on Propagation, Plant Selection, Development of New Varieties, and Planting/Establishment. Applicants can be of any national or ethnic origin. Applicants have to send a brief Letter of Inquiry (LOI) before 15 September 2024.

Tree Fund

Funding for Arboriculture and Urban Forestry

2024-09-15

The Jack Kimmel International Grant Program makes grants to researchers in arboriculture and urban forestry worldwide. Projects of one to three years are funded to a maximum of US$10 thousand. In 2024, the grant program will be focused specifically on Arboriculture; Tree Health; and Risk Assessment. Applicants must send a brief Letter of Inquiry (LOI) before 15 September 2024 to apply.

Biodiversity Conservation Wildlife


Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund

Biodiversity Conservation in Tanzania

2024-09-04

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) releases a call for Letters of Inquiry for organizations that address the conservation of biodiversity in light of climate change in the Indian Ocean Islands of Tanzania and Zanzibar. CEPF expects to make between 6-10 awards with a maximum value of US$200 thousand. Eligibility for grants extends to NGOs, community groups, private enterprises, universities, and other civil society applicants. The deadline for letters of inquiry is 04 September 2024.

U.S. National Science Foundation

Biodiversity on a Changing Planet

2024-09-05

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) invites submission of interdisciplinary proposals addressing grand challenges in biodiversity science within the context of unprecedented environmental change, including climate change. The program supports a comprehensive and integrative approach to understanding planetary biodiversity from a functional perspective. Research supported by this program will improve modeling and forecasting of the consequences of functional change in biodiversity. The program supports both US-only collaborative proposals and proposals with international partnerships with National Science Foundations in China, Brazil, and South Africa. Proposals may be submitted by non-profit organizations and institutions of higher education. The total anticipated funding amount is up to US$17 million. Depending on the quality of proposals, 4-6 awards are estimated to be made for design and implementation. Applications have to be submitted by 05 September 2024.

British Ecological Society

Small Research Grants 2024

2024-09-11

The British Ecological Society (BES) makes small research grants in support of scientific ecological research where there are limited alternative sources of funding. Small projects can be awarded up to £5 thousand. Applicants must be members of BES. However, there are no restrictions on nationality or residence of applicants, or where they carry out their research. The program has two funding rounds annually, with deadlines on 08 March and 11 September.

British Ecological Society

Outreach Grants 2024

2024-09-11

The British Ecological Society (BES) makes Outreach and Engagement Grants of up to £2 thousand to encourage the promotion of ecological science to a wide audience. Proposals must be aimed at a non-academic audience. Awards are open to individuals and organizations to organize ecological public engagement events, including BES members, researchers, schools, museums, libraries, and community groups. The application deadline is 11 September 2024.

Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund

Biodiversity Conservation in Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands (Small Grants)

2024-09-13

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) seeks to empower communities and civil society in Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands to implement actions to improve the resilience of species, ecosystems, and human populations to climate change. CEPF intends to make small grants of up to US$50 thousand in support of strengthening the capacity of local communities and civil society at regional and local levels to enhance adaptive capacity and reduce exposure to climate change risks, and supporting research and ensure the dissemination of results for the promotion and improvement of knowledge on ecosystem-based adaptation actions. Eligibility extends to NGOs, community groups, private enterprises, universities, and other civil society applicants. The closing date for letters of inquiry is 13 September 2024.


UK Government

Darwin Initiative Grants

2024-09-16

The Darwin Initiative invites applications for proposals that deliver effective and successful biodiversity conservation as well as poverty reduction projects. Darwin Initiative Capability & Capacity projects may request between £50 thousand to £200 thousand for projects that focus on developing the capability and capacity of national and local organizations. Innovation projects ranging from £10 thousand to £200 thousand must test a novel approach that if proven could scale to deliver results for biodiversity conservation. Projects led by in-territory partners/organizations are encouraged. The deadline to apply is 16 September 2024.

Mongabay

Conservation Reporting Fellowship Program

2024-09-30

The Mongabay Conservation Reporting Fellowship Program supports up to 12 fellows per year. Fellows will gain experience working with a range of editors at international news outlets, develop their environmental reporting skills, and create a portfolio of original publications to help them advance their careers in journalism. Each fellow will receive US$500 a month for the duration of the six-month fellowship (US$3,000 in total). The fellowship is open to anyone from a low- to upper-middle-income tropical country. The application deadline is 30 September 2024.

Harvard University

Biodiversity Postdoctoral Fellowship

2024-09-30

The Edward O. Wilson Biodiversity Postdoctoral Fellowship supports postdoctoral researchers at the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard University to pursue the discovery and formal taxonomic description of Earth’s animal species. The fellowship program is open to both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens. A Ph.D. with relevant research experience in taxonomy and/or systematics is required. The fellow receives a stipend of US$65 thousand per year and a research and travel allowance of US$5 thousand per year. The deadline for submissions is 30 September 2024.

Zebra Foundation

Support for Vets and Vet Students

2024-09-30

The Zebra Foundation for Veterinary Zoological Education assists veterinary students and veterinary surgeons from anywhere in the world to gain additional experience in veterinary zoological medicine. The program funds seeing practice at an institution specializing in zoological medicine or research projects (laboratory, field, or clinic-based) leading to advances in zoo and wildlife health. Grants range from £100 to £1000. Applications are considered twice a year. The application deadlines are 31 March and 30 September 2024.

Erik Hosking Charitable Trust

Writing, Photos, and Art about Birds and Natural History

2024-09-30

The Erik Hosking Trust supports projects of scientific and conservation value on birds and other subjects of natural history through the media of writing, photography, painting, and illustration. Grants of up to £750 may be awarded to suitable candidates from any country. The application deadline is 30 September each year.

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

Ramsar Wetlands Conservation Awards 2024

2024-09-30

The Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention calls for nominations for the 9th edition of the Ramsar Wetland Conservation Awards. The awards recognize and honor the contributions of individuals, organizations, and governments around the world in promoting the conservation and wise use of wetlands. Award recipients will each receive the Evian Special Prize of US$10 thousand provided by Danone. Individuals and organizations of any nation or region can be nominated. The deadline for nominations is 30 September 2024.

Crosscutting

Explorers Club

Rising Explorer Grant

2024-09-06

The Explorers Club supports the scientific fieldwork of groundbreaking explorers around the world. The Rising Explore Grant supports the fieldwork of serious researchers and offers exploration grants to High School Students and College Undergraduates as a way to help get their expedition science career off the ground. The average award is US$1,500. The deadline to submit applications is 06 September 2024.

P4G

Green Growth and Sustainability

2024-09-08

The P4G Partnership Fund provides financial support and targeted assistance to public-private partnerships that implement strategies to achieve the following five Sustainable Development Goals: Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture; Water and Sanitation; Clean Energy; Sustainable Cities; and Sustainable Consumption. Start-up projects may apply for up to US$100 thousand, and scale-up projects may apply for up to US$1 million. Projects have to be implemented in a developing country. Eligibility extends to partnerships of at least two non-profit organizations. The deadline for submission of projects is 08 September 2024.

Fast Forward

Tech Accelerator

2024-09-09

The Fast Forward invites applications for the 2025 Accelerator Program to support and scale tech nonprofits. Tech innovations may include agri-tech or clean energy, among others. Selected entrepreneurs receive a US$25 thousand grant, mentorship, and connections to people who can help their innovation scale. The accelerator is open to tech nonprofits from around the world. Applications are open until 09 September 2024.

Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research

Visiting Scholar

2024-09-09

The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) provides visiting scholarships to mid- to late-career stage scientists and academics involved in Antarctic research. Scholars can undertake short-term visits (up to 4 weeks) to an institute in another SCAR member country, to provide training and mentoring. The Visiting Scholar Scheme provides individual awards of up to US$5 thousand. The closing date for applications is 09 September 2024.

University of Chicago

Air Quality Fund

2024-09-10

The Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) accepts applications for the Air Quality Fund. The Fund will offer financial support to 10-15 selected groups over 18 months. They expect award amounts to be roughly US$50 thousand. The call for applications is open to governmental and non-governmental organizations of any type, including universities, non-profits, for-profits, corporates, NGOs, and CSOs. (Note: Organizations are required to be legally authorized to receive funds from a US institution.) Applications from all countries may apply. The application deadline is 10 September 2024.

European Commission

Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024

2024-09-11

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships provide opportunities to acquire and transfer new knowledge and to work on research in a European context or outside Europe. The scheme particularly supports the return and re-integration of researchers from outside Europe who have previously worked there. It also develops or helps to re-start the careers of individual researchers that show great potential, considering their experience. Applicants in the EU; their overseas territories; countries associated with Horizon 2020; and most developing countries are eligible for consideration. The closing date for applications is 11 September 2024.

International Geosphere-Biosphere Program

PAGES Workshops and Educational Meetings

2024-09-11

PAGES (Past Global Changes) supports research aimed at understanding the earth’s past environment to make predictions for the future. PAGES encourages international and interdisciplinary collaboration, including the participation of scientists from developing countries. The program offers funding to qualified organizers of workshops and educational meetings in support of PAGES objectives. PAGES support for workshops/meetings is usually between US$5 thousand and US$10 thousand. The next deadline for proposals is 11 September 2024.

iF International Forum Design GmbH

Social Impact Prize

2024-09-13

The iF Social Impact Prize aims to publish and support design projects that contribute to solving urgent challenges and help to improve living conditions in the developing world. Solutions should already be established and help to solve well-known issues in any category of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The best projects will share a cash prize of €100 thousand in total. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations, companies, and foundations (student concepts will not be accepted). There is no deadline, projects can be submitted on a continuous basis. Registration is open until 13 September 2024.

Explorers Club

Exploration Fund Grant

2024-09-13

The Explorers Club supports the scientific fieldwork of groundbreaking explorers around the globe. The Exploration Fund Grant supports graduate/post-graduate students and early-career field scientists across a variety of disciplines. Awards typically range from $2,500 to $5,000. The application deadline is 13 September 2024.

Nippon Foundation

Ocean Fellowship

2024-09-15

The United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship provides government officials and other mid-level professionals from developing states with advanced training on ocean affairs and the law of the sea. The 9-month fellowship program is composed of two consecutive phases which provide fellows with advanced and customized research and training opportunities. Fellows will receive a stipend each month during their fellowship. The stipend is intended to cover the cost of lodging, boarding, and other essentials such as local transport. In addition to the stipend, fellows will be provided with a book allowance of US$100 per month. Candidates must be between the ages of 25 and 40. The call for applications is open until 15 September 2024.

Charity Entrepreneurship

Incubation Program on How to Start a Charity

2024-09-15

Charity Entrepreneurship accepts applications for a two-month, fully cost-covered boot camp open to individuals who want to create, start, and operate an effective charity. The Incubation Program covers management, fundraising, impact analysis, and hands-on knowledge of established non-profit organizations. New organizations will receive seed grants of up to US$200 thousand in addition to legal support, and connections to donors, mentors, and potential employees. There is no geographical restriction for applicants. The deadline for applications is 15 September 2024.

Embassy of the Czech Republic

Small-Scale Development Projects 2024

2024-09-15

The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Pretoria launches its annual call for proposals for Small Scale Development Projects. The call concerns all countries accredited to the Embassy: South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Namibia. Projects and development activities providing materials or equipment, training, or capacity-building in the fields of sustainable management of natural resources, agriculture, and economic transformation (including renewable energy) are welcome. The Czech Republic will provide up to CZK 500 thousand per project. Non-profit organizations, educational institutions, or community groups are welcome to apply. The deadline for submission of the complete proposals is 15 September 2024.

Elsevier Foundation

Chemistry for Climate Action Challenge

2024-09-15

The Elsevier Foundation Green and Sustainable Chemistry Challenge is open to individuals and organizations whose projects use green and sustainable chemistry solutions to tackle climate change challenges. The Challenge aims to recognize the pivotal role women play in combating climate change, therefore, projects must take into consideration gender components. The winning projects will receive a prize of €25 thousand each. The Challenge is open to individuals and non-profit organizations. The deadline for submissions is 15 September 2024.

Government of Canada

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

2024-09-17

The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program provides funding to postdoctoral applicants, both nationally and internationally, who will positively contribute to Canada’s economic, social, and research-based growth. A total of 70 fellowships are awarded annually. Foreign citizens who are not permanent residents of Canada may only apply if they hold their fellowship at a Canadian institution. Applicants seek endorsement from a host institution to apply, prepare, and submit an application (Note: institutions may have internal deadlines). Fellowships of CA$70 thousand (per year) will be made for a maximum of two years. The deadline for complete application submission is 17 September 2024.

Royal Society

Entrepreneur in Residence

2024-09-18

The Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) scheme aims to increase the knowledge and awareness in UK universities of cutting-edge industrial science, research, and innovation. The scheme provides industrial scientists and entrepreneurs with the opportunity to spend one day a week at a university developing their projects. The EiR awards are for one year. The value of the scheme is up to a maximum of £20 thousand. The scheme is open to applicants of any nationality, who are eligible to work in the UK. Applicants should have a background in science and engineering. The deadline for applications is 18 September 2024.

Institute of International Education

Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowships

2024-09-18

The Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program offers short-term fellowships to African-born academics at universities in the USA and Canada to collaborate with African universities in research, curriculum co-development, and/or graduate student training. Project requests to host scholars are submitted by universities and other higher education institutions in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. Past scholars in the program have included several in agriculture, environment, and related disciplines. Scholar applications must be submitted before 18 September 2024.

Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund

Biodiversity Conservation in Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands (Large Grants)

2024-09-20

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) seeks organizations that address the conservation of biodiversity in light of climate change in the Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot. CEPF intends to make large grants of more than US$50 thousand in support of the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and renewable natural resources. Eligibility for grants extends to NGOs, community groups, private enterprises, universities, and other civil society applicants. The closing date for letters of inquiry is 20 September 2024.

Canadian International Development Research Center

IDRC Research Awards 2025

2024-09-22

The International Development Research Center (IDRC) makes research awards to citizens and permanent residents of Canada and to citizens of developing countries (India and Kenya). The award provides for a one-year paid program of research in addition to hands-on experience in research management, grant administration, and the use of knowledge from an international perspective. Six positions are available at IDRC’s head office in Ottawa (Canada). Program areas include climate resilience and sustainable food systems; and several others. Applicants should be enrolled, or have previously completed, their masters or doctoral degrees at recognized universities. IDRC identifies countries not eligible for awards, as well as countries requiring prior approval. The deadline for applications (English, French) is 22 September 2024.

Geneva Centre for Security Policy

Prize for Innovation in Global Security

2024-09-23

The Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) offers a prize to recognize groundbreaking concepts by any individual, group of individuals, or organization, that offer exceptional potential in addressing peace and security challenges. All disciplines and fields are relevant (including climate change and environmental security). The winner will receive CHF10 thousand and a certificate. The deadline for applications is 23 September 2024.

UNESCO

Global Youth Grant Scheme

2024-09-30

UNESCO announces the launch of a grant scheme to support youth projects across all regions. UNESCO will support youth-led projects that address challenges affecting the well-being and development of young people and their communities. Grants between US$5,000 and US$10 thousand will be awarded to young leaders, entrepreneurs, and youth organizations to help them create and implement solutions for social impact. The Grant Scheme will support project leaders aged from 18 to 30 years old. The deadline to submit project proposals is 30 September 2024.

European Union

Internationalization Grants

2024-09-30

The European Union seeks applications for the Internalization Grants which enable SMEs to enter new markets or strengthen competitiveness abroad. The program has a special focus on the green and digital transition. Applicants can apply only for € 2,500. The Internationalization Grants address small and medium-sized enterprises. Activities should meet one of the main target destinations in Africa, Asia, North and Latin America. The application deadline is 30 September 2024.

Loyola Foundation

Catholic Mission Activities

2024-09-30

The Loyola Foundation supports family-based charitable organizations in less developed countries worldwide. Past grants have helped finance the installation of solar power plants, water wells, or the construction of churches, schools, and health clinics. Generally, the Foundation accepts requests up to US$20 thousand. Projects must be part of an overseas catholic mission activity. Completed applications must be received by 31 March and 30 September 2024.

World Bank Group

Young Professionals Program 2024

2024-09-30

The World Bank Group invites applications for the Young Professionals Program as a starting point for a career at the World Bank. The program is designed for individuals skilled in areas such as agriculture, natural resources, and many others. Applicants should hold a PhD or master’s degree and relevant work experience; be fluent in English; and meet other criteria relevant to experience, skills, and age. Every year, around 40 applicants are accepted into the program. The closing date for applications is 30 September 2024.

United Nations University

PhD Internships in Economics

2024-09-30

UNU-WIDER (World Institute for Development Economics Research) invites applications for its PhD research internship program in Helsinki, Finland. Preference is for applicants who live or work in developing countries, and who are in the later stages of their PhD. Program themes in WIDER include the economics of energy, climate change, food security, and others. UNU-WIDER provides a travel grant and a monthly stipend of €1,850 during the period of the fellowship. Deadlines for submission of applications are 31 March and 30 September each year.

Women for Africa Foundation

Research Fellowships in Spain

2024-09-30

The Women for Africa Foundation has launched the 9th Edition of its "Science by Women" program. The program aims to promote African women’s leadership in scientific research and technology transfer and to foster the capacity of the research centers in their home countries. Thematic areas include sustainable agriculture and food security, water, energy and climate change; and several others. Each Spanish Centre of Excellence will host one senior woman researcher for a six-month fellowship. Eligibility to apply extends to women who are nationals of any African country, and who have a PhD, with at least three years of postdoctoral experience. The application deadline is 30 September 2024.

MasterCard Foundation

Scholars Program at the University of Pretoria

2024-09-30

The Mastercard Foundation supports economically disadvantaged yet academically gifted youth in Africa who are committed to effecting positive change on the continent. The Scholars Program at the University of Pretoria provides financial support (tuition, accommodation, learning materials, transportation, and monthly stipend) for studies in all subject areas; however, there is a preference for science students (including agriculture and natural resources). Applicants must prove critical economic needs to be eligible. Applications close on 30 September 2024.