Platform for African – European Partnership in Agricultural Research for Development

Thursday, December 17, 2020

WEBINAIRE: A la recherche d’une plus grande résilience des systèmes alimentaires

18 December 2020.
9 h-16 h 45. L’Afrique et la crise de la Covid-19 : à la recherche d’une plus grande résilience des systèmes alimentaires - Téléchargez le programme

Ouverture : Eric Thirouin, Pluriagri ; Jean-Marie Sander, FARM
Les enseignements de la pandémie pour les filières agricoles - Ousmane Badiane, Akademiya2063 

Les pistes d’une résilience accrue des filières agricoles 
  • une meilleure coordination au sein des filières 
- Bachir Rockya Lailaba (picture), Sahel Délices (Niger
Launched in 2015 Sahel Délices seeks to enhance the value of local agricultural resources. Juices based on local plants such as bissap or baobab are the flagship products of the company, which also produces herbal teas, spices and jams.
- Kola Masha, Babban Gona (Nigéria) 

 

  • la constitution de réserves alimentaires
    - Franck Galtier, Cirad ;
    - un représentant du Programme alimentaire mondial sur les achats aux petits producteurs au Burkina Faso 

  • l’assurance et le financement des filières agricoles
    - Malick Ndiaye, La Banque Agricole (Sénégal) ;
    - George Kuria, ACRE Africa (Kenya
La prégnance du secteur informel : quelles politiques publiques, quelles initiatives du secteur privé pour améliorer la résilience et favoriser l’intégration des acteurs ? 
  • Morlé Koudeka, ministère de l’Economie numérique et de la transformation digitale du Togo, sur le programme Novissi ; 
  • Alexandra Berreby, Fondation Bel, sur le programme Sharing Cities de soutien aux vendeurs de rue ; 
  • Pierre Ndiaye, Mamelles Jaboot (Sénégal), sur la structuration des filières ; 
  • Grégoire Rota-Graziosi, Cerdi, sur la fiscalité

WEBINAR: Impacts of COVID-19 on Agricultural Value Chains in Bangladesh, Laos, Myanmar, India and Vietnam

17 December 2020
. VCB-N Webinar presenting the results of Country Assessments regarding the Impacts of COVID-19 on Agricultural Value Chains

The Value Chain Capacity Building Network (VCB-N) initiated by an IFAD-grant shared the results of country assessments on the impact of COVID-19 on agricultural value chains, implemented in a number of Asian countries in the APR as mandated by IFAD. 

In total, six assessments were conducted by VCB-N members in five countries including Bangladesh, Laos, Myanmar, India and Vietnam covering analysis of 16 different agricultural value chains.

Recommendations for designing more resilient and future proof value chains in the post-COVID era, were presented and discussed.

REPORT: Facing Two Pandemics How Big Food Undermined Public Health in the Era of COVID-19

17 November 2020. (
Release date) This report  (36 pages) details how food and beverage corporations seized the coronavirus pandemic as a unique opportunity to promote their ultra-processed foods to especially vulnerable populations around the world.

“Facing Two Pandemics: How Big Food Undermined Public Health in the Era of COVID-19” reveals how the lack of healthy food regulations worldwide enabled “Big Food” to use the global COVID-19 crisis, publicly portraying themselves as do-gooders while directly and indirectly influencing policy and putting disadvantaged people at even greater risk.

These same corporations – whose ultra-processed food and sugary drinks were already contributing to rising rates of obesity, malnutrition, and diet-related diseases – used the pandemic to position themselves and their unhealthy products as essential and safe, putting those compromised populations at even higher risk of coronavirus complications and mortality. The Global Health Advocacy Incubator collected more than 280 examples from 18 countries between March and July 2020.
The Facing Two Pandemics report finds that food and beverage industry giants directly and indirectly blocked healthy food policies while putting vulnerable consumers at even greater risk.
Download the Report:
Press Release:
Big Food Used Global Pandemic to Aggressively Promote Unhealthy, Ultra-Processed Food & Sugary Drinks


WEBINAR: Food Policies and their Implications on Overweight and Obesity Trends

17 December 2020. IFPRI-FAO Report Launch "Food Policies and their Implications on Overweight and Obesity Trends in Selected Countries in the Near East and North Africa Region"

The COVID-19 pandemic is an important reminder and rationale for investing in sustainable and healthy food systems. Several evolving studies show that obesity is an important risk factor for COVID-19 complications. The Near East and North Africa (NENA) region countries are known for high levels of overweight and obesity. Most predictions suggest that the rates of overweight and obesity have been increasing and are expected to reach alarming rates in the next few decades; there are several explanations that justify why.

Opening Session
  • Moderator: Dr. Clemens Breisinger, MENA and Egypt Program Leader and Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI
  • Mr. Serge Nakouzi, Deputy Regional Representative, FAO (RNE)
  • Dr. Johan Swinnen, Director General, IFPRI
  • Dr. Maximo Torero, Chief Economist, FAO
Highlights from the Joint Study
  • Dr. Kibrom Abay, Research Fellow and Study Team Leader, IFPRI
Panel Discussion
  • Moderator: Dr. Olivier Ecker, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI
  • Dr. Ibrahim Ashmawy, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade, Egypt
  • Dr. Abdelkader Ait El Mekki, Professor of Agricultural Economics, Head of Department of Rural Economics, National School of Agriculture, Morocco
  • Mr. Emad Qaiss Sliwah, Senior Agronomist, Ministry of Agriculture, Iraq
  • Dr. Habiba Ali, Chairperson and Dietetics Program Coordinator, Department of Nutrition and Health, United Arab Emirates
  • Eng. Saleh Al Shanfari, CEO, Food Investment Company, Oman
Discussion
  • Moderator: Ms. Nomindelger, Bayasgalanbat, Nutrition and Food System Officer, FAO (RNE)
  • Dr. Gihan Fouad, Director of National Nutrition Institute, Egypt
  • Dr. Sherine Al-Shawarby, Professor of Economics, Cairo University, Egypt
  • Dr. Farah Naja, Associated Professor, University of Sharjah, UAE, and the American University of Beirut, Lebanon
  • Ms. Fatema AlMulla, Senior Research Analyst, Food and Water Security Office, UAE
  • Dr. Ayoub Al-Jawaldeh, Regional Nutrition Advisor, WHO EMRO
  • Dr. Caroline Chesneau, Director, Bel Group LLC "La Vache qui rit" with additional iron will be launched in Egypt". Bel Group LLC is also producing Kiri cheese)
Way Forward
  • Mr. Jean-Marc Faurès, Regional Programme Leader, FAO (RNE)
  • Dr. Clemens Breisinger, MENA and Egypt Program Leader and Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI
Resource:
IFPRI/FAO (2020) Food Policies and their Implications onOverweight and Obesity Trends inSelected Countries in the Near East andNorth Africa Region. Kibrom A. Abay, Hosam Ibrahim, Clemens Breisinger, and Nomindelger Bayasgalanbat. 58 pp.

"Countries with lower tariff rates have higher overweight and obesity rates. Countries that increase tariff rates on “unhealthy” foods (e.g., sugar and confectionery foods, fats and oils) are more likely to witness reductions in overweight and obesity rates." (page vi)

"Some Pacific island nations, for example, have begun to tax fat-rich foods and sugary drinks, a policy that has reduced the consumption of such food items. The Mexican sugar-sweetened beverage tax has been a major nationwide policy intervention to encourage consumers to switch to healthier diets. Some NENA countries have made efforts to introduce sugar-sweetened beverage taxes, as in Saudi Arabia’s recently introduced 50 percent excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages". (page 44)
 

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Preparing for the sustainable food systems (SFS) summit

The transformation of food systems will require an unprecedented degree of international cooperation given the globalized nature of our food system. The UN Food Systems Summit in 2021 (September 2021) will raise food system transformation to the highest level of political attention.

The Food Systems Summit 2021 is tentatively scheduled for September 2021.

See; https://www.un.org/en/food-systems-summit/events

Open Public briefings

The Food Systems Dialogues were established in 2018 as an initiative of five partners – EAT, Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU), the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), World Economic Forum (WEF) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). Over 40 dialogues have been convened, in 23 countries, across 6 continents, engaging over 2500 food systems practitioners.

In 2019, the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) called for a Food Systems Summit, underpinned by an inclusive engagement process to unleash the power of food to deliver progress on all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In preparing for the Summit a diverse range of stakeholders — from youth activists to indigenous leaders, from smallholder farmers to scientists and CEOs – are invited to identify the most powerful ways to make food systems stronger and more equitable

These classic versions of dialogues about food systems are a foundation and source of inspiration for the Food Systems Summit Dialogues.  Summary reports of all previous events can be explored on this website: https://foodsystemsdialogues.org/

Three Open Public Briefings were held in November 2020 to introduce people to the Food Systems Summit Dialogues. Recordings of the three sessions can be found on the Food Systems Summit YouTube page here.

  1. Food Systems Summit Dialogues | Open Public Briefing 1: (11/11)



  2. Food Systems Summit Dialogues | Open Public Briefing 2: (18/11)



  3. Food Systems Summit Dialogues | Open Public Briefing 3: (25/11)

The Food Systems Dialogues

As many people as possible are invited to engage with the Food Systems Summit through the three types of Dialogues:

  1. Member State Dialogues  In countries with UN presence, UN Resident Coordinators and Representatives of UN system entities as well as summit Champions, in-country scientists, and food systems partners (including development partners) are committed to support Member States to develop and implement their Dialogues programme. Click here to view the list of officially nominated Member State Dialogue Convenors.
  2. Independent Dialogues
  3. Global Summit Dialogues

Action tracks

The Food Systems Summit 2021 will be organized around 5 Action Tracks. Each Action Tracks produced Discussion Papers for discussion during public fora.

Action Track 1: Ensure access to safe and nutritious food for all

This action track will aim to deliver zero hunger and improve levels of nutrition, enabling all people to be well nourished and healthy. It will develop game changing solutions for (1) accelerating hunger reduction, (2) making nutritious foods more available and affordable and (3) making food systems safer.

  • UN anchoring agency: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Chair: Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director, GAIN. Vice-chairs: Godfrey Bahiigwa, Director of Rural Economy and Agriculture, African Union Commission, Sheryl Hendricks (University of Pretoria. South Africa)
  • Discussion Starter Paper Action Track 1  (October 2020, 4 pp.).
  • The Action Track 1 Public Forum was organized on 17th November 2020. Lawrence Haddad (Chair AT1), Godfrey Bahiigwa (Vice-Chair AT1), Jamie Morrison (UN Anchor AT1) and Sheryl Hendriks (Link to Scientific Group for AT1) provides reflections on the Food Systems Summit, AT1 and the discussions during this meeting. The event was moderated by Tom Arnold, UN Food Systems Summit Champion and former SUN coordinator.
  • Recording:

Action Track 2 Shift to sustainable consumption patterns

Guided by the best available scientific evidence, best practice and real world examples, Action Track 2 aims to generate game-changing propositions that can catalyse shifts in food environments, private sector actions and offerings and consumer behaviour, towards diets around the world which are more environmentally, economically and socially sustainable.

  • UN anchoring agency: World Health Organization (WHO). Chair: Gunhild Stordalen, Founder and Executive Chair, EAT Foundation. Vice-chairs: Ajay Vir Jakhar, Chairman, Bharat Krishak Samaj, Lana Weidgenant, Real Food Systems, Deputy Director at Zero Hour International.
  • Discussion Starter Paper Action Track 2 (October 2020, 4 pp.).
  • The Action Track 2 Public Forum was organized on 9th December 2020.
  • Recording forthcoming

Action Track 3: Boost nature-positive production

The goal of Action Track 3 is to boost nature-positive production systems at scale to globally meet the fundamental human right to healthy and nutritious food while operating within planetary boundaries. Boosting nature-positive production will be fundamental to put us on a pathway to a more resilient future and the sustainable well-being of society.

  • UN anchoring agency: United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Chair: Joao Campari, Global Leader Food Practice, WWF International
    "Trade off must be considered as well as synergies". Vice-chair: Lavetanalagi Seru, Alliance of Future Generations.
  • Discussion Starter Paper Action track 3 (October 2020, 7 pp).
  • The Action Track 3 Public Forum was organized on 10th December 2020. 
  • Recording forthcoming

Action Track 4: Advance equitable livelihoods

To support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Action Track 4 will seek to ensure that food systems ‘Leave No One Behind’ by addressing inequality as one of the root causes of poverty in all its forms: inequality in access to economic opportunities, gender inequality and inequality in access to productive resources and services that restrict the advancement of equitable livelihoods.

  • UN anchoring agency: International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Chair: Michelle Nunn, President and CEO, CARE USA. Vice-chairs: Shakuntala Thilsted, Research Program Leader for Value Chains and Nutrition, World Fish. Mai Thin Yu Mon, UN Global Indigenous Youth Caucus – Program Director for the Indigenous Peoples Development Program of Chin Human Rights Organization
  • Discussion Starter Paper Action Track 4 (October 2020, 5 pp).
  • The Action Track 4 Public Forum was organized on 1st December 2020. 
    The topics were introduced by members of the AT4 leadership team, after which there will be time for questions and discussion. Michelle Nunn (CARE, AT4 Chair), Shakuntala Thilsted (WordFish, AT4 Vice-Chair), Mai Thin Yu Mon (UN Global Indigenous Youth Caucus, AT4 Vice-Chair), Marie Haga (IFAD, AT4 UN Anchor) and Jikun Huang (Link to Scientific Group for AT4) will provide reflections on the Summit, AT4 and the discussions during this meeting. The event is moderated by Rediet Abebe, Junior Fellow at the Harvard Society of Fellows and Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley.

Action Track 5: Build resilience to vulnerabilities, shocks and stress

Action Track 5 will propose actions to ensure that food systems, which are affected by conflict, environmental and economic shocks and stresses, can maintain functionality, recover from the effects of harmful events, and improve to a better-off state. These actions include a focus “productive disruption” in the context of global challenges – such as the health pandemics, biodiversity loss and the global climate crisis.

  • UN anchoring agency: World Food Programme (WFP). Chair: Saleemul Huq, Director of the International Centre for Climate Change & Development. Vice-chairs: Sandrine Dixson-Declève, Co-President of the Club of Rome. Mike Khunga, SUN Global Youth Leader for Nutrition, SUN CSN, and Project Officer, Civil Society Organisations Nutrition Alliance
  • Discussion Starter Paper Action Track 5 (October 2020, 4 pp).
  • The Action Track 5 Public Forum was organized on 4th December 2020. 
  • Recording forthcoming

Global Food Systems Summit Dialogues

Several pre-events are planned during 2020 and 2021.

7-9 December 2020, 12:00-18:00 CET. 4th International Conference on Global Food Security

  • The 4th International Conference on Global Food Security was a live-streamed and interactive event with pre-conference mini-symposia on 4 December 2020, 12:00-18:00 CET. It brought together keynote speakers, presentations, talks and e-posters showcasing the latest research and addressing key topics in the field.

25 November - 3 December 2020. 3rd Global Conference of the One Planet (10YFP) Sustainable Food Systems Programme

The first global Food Systems Summit Dialogue took place virtually on Tuesday, 1 December 2020, from 13:0015:30 CET, hosted by the 3rd Global Conference of the One Planet network’s Sustainable Food Systems Programme.

The purpose of this 3rd global conference was to provide substantial input to the UN Food Systems Summit that, building on the achievements of the SFS Programme’s membership during the first five years of implementation as well as the outcomes of the Programme’s previous two global conferences.


WEBINAR: Launch of Nutrition for Growth Year of Action

14 December 2020Nutrition for Growth Year of Action

Global leaders commit more than US$3 billion to address hunger and nutrition crisis
The Nutrition for Growth Year of Action is a year-long effort to continue the momentum to tackle malnutrition in the lead up to the Nutrition for Growth Summit in Japan in late 2021. The Year of Action provides a historic opportunity to transform the way the world tackles the global challenge of malnutrition.

The event featured appearances from global nutrition champions including:
  • Henrietta H. Fore, Executive Director of UNICEF;
  • Melinda Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation;
  • Agnes Kalibata, UN Secretary General's Special Envoy for the Food System's Summit;
  • Gerda Verburg, United Nations Assistant Secretary General and Coordinator of the SUN Movement;
  • Andrew Morley, CEO World Vision International

Italian technology for the Lukula agro-park in DRC

16 December 2020. A $11 million investment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The work to build the platform-agropark for the processing of agricultural products in Lukula (Democratic Republic of the Congo) is finished. Economist Gianluca Bagnara is the consultant who as worked within a project co-financed by the World Bank.

The Lukula platform was built thanks to a grant ($11 million) from the World Bank on behalf of the Congolese Ministry of Finance, with the objective of stimulating the huge agricultural potential of the Country increasing its agro-industrial production, which currently depends a lot on imports.
"The first step was the processing line for cassava, which is as popular here as potatoes are in Europe. A line for the processing and drying of fruit was also set up. Other solutions concern palm oil and the drying of fresh agricultural products such as cereal and pulses. The World Bank gave its approval and endorsed testing. Now Texere Congo can connect around 400 hectares to the platform and organize the chain from the villages to the Kinshasa market. This is one of the few success stories when it comes to the development of agricultural chains in Africa, which has been made possible thanks to a joint-venture between Italy and Africa."
The machinery was designed and produced in Italy except for the palm oil extraction unit, which was built in China.

Waste water is disposed of in accordance with international environmental protection laws. What is more, all products can be classified as organic because the agricultural component does not use chemical fertilizers nor pesticides.
"With this $11 million project, we aim at filling this gap. The technology provided is fully Italian. The purpose is to provide work to local producers and platform managers and sell products including rice, corn and palm oil in the city."
This is unlike anything else that has happened in the past. There are no multinationals producing commodities to be exported abroad at a low cost. This project aims at organizing the entire chain, from the fields to national supermarkets.

WEBINAR: How to build resilient smallholder supply chains and drive systemic change for rural communities

16 December 2020
Innovation Accelerator: How to build resilient smallholder supply chains and drive systemic change for rural communities. 

This webinar will launch the initial findings of the research which has explored a wide range of supply chains, including cotton, fruit and vegetables, dairy, coffee, soya, palm and maize. As well as bringing together cross-sector experience, the project sought insights from political science and development economics to explore the wider societal dynamics of communities and countries in which supply chains exist. Innovation Accelerator was formed thanks to the support of The Clinton Foundation, COLEACP, CottonConnect, GIZ, Golden Agri-Resources and Nestlé.

A panel of working group members will then explore some of the key issues in more detail, including: 
  • How societal norms affect how best to work with smallholder communities 
  • Do employees and intermediaries in smallholder supply chains earn a living income and work in safe environments? 
  • Is smallholder farming viable in the longer term, or do we need to explore other structures for rural agricultural communities? 
  • What prevents host governments from providing coherent policy frameworks for agriculture, and how can we develop effective extension services? 
Speakers:
  • Dr Peter Stanbury (project lead),  will lay out the conclusions of the research to date, questions which have emerged, and the practical next steps. 
  • Roberto Duarte, advisor, sustainable agricultural supply chains and standards programme, GIZ
  • Anita Neville, SVP, group corporate communications, Golden Agri-Resources 
  • Ariana Constant, director, Clinton Development Initiative 
  • Alison Ward, CEO, Cotton Connect 
  • Yann Wyss, senior manager, social impact, Nestlé 
Background:
The SmallholderInnovation Accelerator Collaborating to develop durable smallholder supply chains: an action research project to share lessons and drive better practice
  • Since summer 2020, Innovation Forum has been running an action research project – we call it our “innovation accelerator” – to develop actionable lessons which can build durable commodity supply chains based on smallholder farming. 
  • This project was established to respond to the fact that, despite almost decades of effort by companies, campaigners, NGOs and others, considerable social and environmental challenges still remain in smallholder-based commodity supply chains. 
  • The project brings together six varied organisations to share the lessons they have learned over many years, and also builds on a comprehensive review of various reports, papers and other written information. 
  • It also aims to look at commodity value chains in their wider context – at societal and international level. To that end, it brings in perspectives from areas of expertise such as development economics, anthropology and political economy.
Resource:
Innovation Forum (2020) Innovation Accelerator: Building resilient smallholder supply chains. The Clinton Foundation, COLEACP, CottonConnect, GIZ, Golden Agri-Resources and Nestlé.51 pp

This report is intended as the first step in Innovation Forum’s Innovation Accelerator1 (IA) rural and agricultural reform research, designed to share initial lessons between members, and to define a clearer agenda for work in specific geographic locations. The next steps for this project are therefore as follows: 

In four selected geographic areas: 
  • Map and examine potential for collaboration between different initiatives working in each location, and for better linkages to work being done by the country government and by international development actors. 
  • Analyse in more detail the political economy in each location. It is clear that working through and with local power structures is an important factor in gaining traction with farming communities. Developing a more-shared understanding may allow work to go further and deeper. 
  •  Explore the areas of supply chains that seem less understood. In particular, develop more insight into the ‘farm gate to port’ element looking, for example, at conditions for those working in transport and processing. 
  • Develop better government engagement and understand where points of access may be available that are currently under-explored. 
The ‘international landscape’ 
  • Explore how current supply chain models might be modified over time, to make them more effective in supporting smallholder sustainability. 
  • At present there is no coherent process for matching sustainably produced goods with a market for them. What might a ‘sustainable commodities marketplace’ look like and how might it be developed? 
Related: 
Following a recent article laying out the challenges for sustainable cocoa in the coming years, Dr Peter Stanbury and Tobias Webb suggest a path forward for all concerned. The cocoa sector is facing significant pressures. Questions have been raised about the effectiveness of procurement standards, and West Africa’s largest producing countries are making veiled threats about permitting companies to continue their sustainability programmes because of a perceived reluctance by those companies to pay the governments’ new ‘living income differential’ (LID). The notion of minimum pricing is spreading to other parts of the world too, not least South America and the Caribbean. This article sets out a manifesto to achieve genuine sustainability in the cocoa sector.

Speaking in Accra, Ghana, the World Cocoa Foundation’s Ethan Budiansky and Innovation Forum’s Toby Webb discuss progress in the cocoa sector, particularly through the Cocoa and Forests Initiative in west Africa. The WCF works to achieve more sustainability in cocoa production, both in terms of dealing with climate change impacts and deforestation as well as farm productivity and livelihoods. Budiansky explains how the federation promotes climate-smart cocoa – and why now, finally, the sector as a whole seems to be developing better collaboration than it had perhaps in the past.

WEBINAR: SUN Movement wraps up its tenth year and current phase

16 December 2020. SUN Movement wraps up its tenth year and current phase.

An informal dialogue with the former and current SUN Coordinators – Dr David Nabarro, Mr Tom Arnold and Ms Gerda Verburg.
 


Liberia: EU, AfricaRice Director General Tour Desira Project Site

14 December 2020. The Director-General of the Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), Harold Roy-Macauley has completed a visit at the European Union's funded integrated rice and fish farming project under the Development of Smart Innovation through Research in Agriculture (DeSIRA) at the Central Agriculture Research Institute (CARI) in Suakoko, Bong County.

Mr. Roy-Macauley, who was recently on a four-day visit to Liberia from the Center's headquarters in Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire, took stock of progress that is being made and lauded the technicians for the high level of work that has been done thus far.

The DG's visit was followed by a high profile delegation from the European Union office in Liberia that also toured the field to ascertain how their funds are being utilized.

Both delegations were led on their respective tours by AfricaRice Country Representative, Dr. Innousa Akintayo and experts who are working on the project. He toured the fields of the project, which seeks to develop integrated, climate-smart rice-fish production systems sustainably and balance interventions on participatory research on rice-fish farming, development of successful extension service delivery systems.

Dr. Roy-Macualey, the members of the EU delegation, was ferried to the "floating cage," an innovative technological fish pond that that has the capacity to host 40,000 fish in a safe, secure, and eco-friendly environment on a lake at the CARI center. A facially impressed Dr. Macaulay bombarded experts with questions as he tried to get a better understanding of the initiative and how it would impact the Liberian society, especially in the area of nutrition and food security.

Locally fabricated machines as well as locally made feeds for the fishes were also showcased during the tour.

VIRTUAL EVENT: First African Conference on Precision Agriculture (AFCPA)

8-10 December 2020. Experts from universities, agricultural research institutes, international research centres and the private sector across Africa have converged on Ibadan to discuss the current state and future of precision agriculture in the continent. The three-day event, was tagged “First African Conference on Precision Agriculture (AFCPA)".

The programme was organised by African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI), Morocco, in collaboration with International Society of Precision Agriculture (ISPA), USA and Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan, in collaboration with 14 institutions from 14 countries in Africa, including Morocco, Burkina Faso, Cote D’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Extracts of the program:
  1. Keynote 1 - Precision Agriculture for Smallholders : Imperatives for Africa’s Agriculture - Yemi Akinbamijo - Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA)
  2. Keynote 2 - Satellite Earth Observations and Machine Learning for Agricultural Monitoring in Sub-Saharan Africa - Catherine Nakalembe - University of Maryland
  3. Keynote 3 - Setting the Record Straight on Precision Agriculture Adoption - James Lowenberg-DeBoer - Harper Adams University
  4. Keynote 4 - Precision fertilizer management for soil fertility improvement in Sub-Sahara Africa -Andre Bationo - Smallholder Agricultural Productivity Enhancement Program (SAPEP)
  5. Keynote 5 - Fatiha Charradi, Vice President of Farming Development, OCP Group
  6. Keynote 6 - Claire Rhodes, CEO, Producers Direct
  7. Keynote 7 - Beatrice Gakuba, Executive Director, AWAN-AFRIKA
On-Demand Content
The following presentations were selected for oral presentation at the conference. With the shift to an online program for the main site, these speakers were asked to record their presentations 
ADOPTION OF PRECISION AGRICULTURE 
  • Development of Lodging Direction Determination System Using Image Processing - Yuta Arai
  • Description + Watch Video 
APPLICATIONS FOR UAVS 
  • Cashew Trees Detection and Yield Analysis using UAV-based Map - Thierry Roger Bayala 
  • Description + Watch Video 
DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS 
  • Excellence in Agronomy 2030: A new CGIAR-wide initiative to deliver agronomy solutions at scale - Bernard Vanlauwe 
  • Description + Watch Video 
PRECISION AGRICULTURE FOR FIELD AND PLANTATION CROPS 
  • Development of Canopy Mapping System of Asian pears (Pyrus pyrifolia Naka) Using Terrestrial Laser Scanning - Jaehwan Lee 
  • Description + Watch Video 
PRECISION AGRICULTURE FOR SMALL HOLDERS 
PRECISION NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT 
  • Implementation of Proximal Soil Sensing, Data Fusion and Machine Learning to Improve Phosphorus Management at a Field Scale - Abdelkrim Lachgar 
  • Description + Watch Video
  • Nutrient Management Tailored to Smallholder Agriculture Enhances Productivity and Sustainability - Pauline Chivenge 
  • Description + Watch Video 
PRECISION WATER MANAGEMENT 
  • A Precision Irrigation App for Smart Water Management by Farmers - Aziz Abouabdillah 
  • Description + Watch Video
  • Monitoring Irrigation Water Use at Large Scale Irrigated Areas Using Remote Sensing in Water Scarce Environment - Mohamed Hakim Kharrou 
  • Description + Watch Video 
PROXIMAL AND REMOTE SENSING 
  • Estimating Soil Organic Carbon from Cell Phone Images - Asim Biswas 
    Description + Watch Video
  • Estimating Greensnap Yield Damage with Canopy Reflectance: a Case Study - Gabriel Dias Paiao 
    Description + Watch Video
  • Spectral Assessment of Chickpea Morpho-Physiological Traits from Space, Air and Ground - Ittai Herrmann 
  • Description + Watch Video 
ROBOTICS, AUTOMATION, AND SMALL FARM MECHANIZATION 
  • A Review on Sensor Based Robotics Agriculture: Improving Traditional Agriculture Practices - Sachin C Karad 
  • Description + Watch Video
  • LiDAR-based soybean crop segmentation for autonomous navigation - Vitor A Higuti 
  • Description + Watch Video
  • Market Acceptance and Willingness to Pay for Drone Technology in the Application of Pesticide for the Control of Fall Armyworm - Selorm Omega 
  • Description + Watch Video 
SATELLITE IMAGERY 
  • Monitoring Corn (Zea mays) Yield using Sentinel-2 and Machine Learning for Precision Agriculture Applications - Ahmed Kayad 
  • Description + Watch Video

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

VIRTUAL EVENT: Israel-Africa Agri-Tech conference

11 December 2020. IMPROVATE's Israel-Africa International Agri-Tech Conference focused on the challenges faced by African nations in developing their agricultural sectors, and the solutions Israeli technology and innovation companies have to offer.

Ministers, diplomats and senior business representatives from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Gabon and Kenya met with leading Israeli agri-tech companies at the conference held in Tel Aviv and online. Participants discussed the enormous potential of agriculture in Africa and how Israeli companies can help Africa improve yields and efficiency.


Israeli technology companies presenting at the conference: 
  • Metzer, an innovative water management company that develops drip irrigation systems for harsh topography and low-quality soil; 
  • Agrigo, an international leader in the design and construction of turnkey livestock, greenhouse and aquaculture solutions
  • Keilot, a company that specializes in the assimilation and sale of technologies that provide clean and accessible electricity, water, heating, and energy to farmers and locals who live "off the grid"
    Keilot was established by an Israeli NGO, Eilat-Eilot, responsible for achieving 100% clean renewable energy utilization in the southern region of Israel. Their experience and track records are now brought to Africa starting with Kenya.
  • Davik, a world leading adhesive solution provider, which has developed an adhesive solution for greenhouses to trap insects
  • Haifa Group, a pioneering developer of specialty fertilizers to provide balanced and precise plant nutrition; 
  • HomeBiogas develops and manufactures prefabricated biogas systems for households and small farms, providing access to clean, renewable energy around the globe. 
  • ISM – an aggregate that supplies environmental solutions to the region, focusing on renewable energy and the establishment of green transportation. 
  • Saffron-Tech specializes in technological innovation for agriculture. The Company can produce a range of crops, in a controlled, economical, and efficient manner, regardless of environmental conditions.
Showcase of African agribusiness: 
Eat fresh GBRI is a horticultural company specialized in growing, processing, packaging and selling high value vegetables and fruits to both local and international markets





Related:

8 December 2020. Kenya snubs Israeli firm in Galana-Kulalu tender award
The government has awarded the Galana-Kulalu model farm tender to a new contractor, ending the tenure of the Israeli firm that has been fighting to have its tenancy reinstated.

WEBINAR: The African Continental Free Trade Area: How will economic distribution change?

In early 2021, African countries will begin implementing the much-anticipated African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Africa-wide elimination of tariffs will encourage regional integration to a degree never before seen on the continent. As intra-African trade unifies, will regional agricultural production and food supply chains change drastically? How will the agreement affect poverty and food security? And what types of political resistance might arise?

Resources
The World Bank report, WB (2020) The African Continental Free Trade Area: Economic and Distributional Effects, (163 pp) is designed to guide policymakers in implementing policies that can maximize the agreement’s potential gains while minimizing risks. Creating a continent-wide market will require a determined effort to reduce all trade costs. Governments will also need to design policies to increase the readiness of their workforces to take advantage of new opportunities.

Achieving the gains from AfCFTA is especially important due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is expected to cause up to $79 billion in output losses in Africa in 2020 alone.
  • COVID-19 has caused major disruptions to trade across the continent, including in critical goods such as medical supplies and food.
  • By increasing regional trade, lowering trade costs and streamlining border procedures, full implementation of AfCFTA would help African countries increase their resiliency in the face of future economic shocks and help usher in the kinds of deep reforms that are necessary to enhance long-term growth.
AfCFTA offers big opportunities for development in Africa, but implementation will be a significant challenge. This analysis identifies key priorities for African policy makers. Lowering and eliminating tariffs will be the relatively easy part—even if it comes, in some cases, with the challenge of how to replace tariff revenues. The hard part will be enacting the nontariff and trade facilitation measures, which is where the Overview 9 analysis predicts the largest potential economic gains. Such measures will require substantial policy reforms at the national level, indicating a long road ahead. Achieving AfCFTA’s full potential depends on agreeing to ambitious liberalization and implementing it in full. Partial reforms would lead to smaller effects. (page 9)

UNECA (2020) Creating a unified regional market : towards the implementation of the African, continental free trade area in East Africa. Addis Ababa. © UNECA - United Nations. Economic Commission for Africa  140 pp.

This East Africa report is fruit of a partnership between TradeMark East Africa and ECA’s sub-regional office for Eastern Africa – two organisations that share a pan-African vocation and the conviction that greater intra-regional trade and investment is the way forward.

A particular challenge for agriculture is the persistence of non-tariff barriers (NTBs). NTBs that commonly impact on agricultural trade, such as sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS), have become progressively more important than tariffs, and tend to be higher than in non-agricultural sectors (UNCTAD, 2016b and Kee et al., 2009). SPS measures alone have been estimated to raise domestic prices of foodstuffs by about 13 percent in sub-Saharan Africa. (page 73)

The perishable nature of many agricultural food products means that their trade could be particularly responsive to improvements in customs clearance times and logistics, which are expected from AfCFTA implementation (ECA, AUC and AfDB, 2017). Moreover, East Africa’s agricultural sector is characterized by an inadequate use of yield-enhancing practices and technologies. With the AfCFTA in place, access to agricultural inputs and intermediates (e.g. improved seed varieties and machinery) should improve, thereby raising yields and enhancing food productivity. (page 74)

Agro-processing generates a high rate of profitability in the region. However, as it currently stands, African agribusinesses have to compete with large international conglomerate firms (that tend to be based in developed countries) under unfavourable terms in the global agricultural markets. These firms set the ‘rules of the game’ – mostly due to their ability to create powerful brand names and enforce standards – and relegate the African farmers and SMEs to the position of “standard takers” who are excluded from important value-creating processes. (page 74)

Africa’s agribusiness sector is projected to be worth USD 1 trillion in 2030. This will be augmented by a rapidly growing middle-income class and continental programmes in support of agro-industrialization, such as the African Agribusiness and Agro-industries Development Initiative (3ADI)  (page 74)


WEBINAR: The Role of Parliamentarians in Enhancing Responsible Investments in Agriculture

15 December 2020
. Africa Launch | The Role of Parliamentarians in Enhancing Responsible Investments in Agriculture for the Transition Toward More Sustainable Food Systems in Africa.
The FAO, the International Institute For Sustainable Development (IISD), the Pan-African Parliament, East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament organized an event on the role of parliamentarians in enhancing responsible investments in agriculture for the transition toward more sustainable food systems in Africa.

Based on their experience working with parliamentarians, in 2020, FAO and the IISD joined forces to develop a practical handbook that provides a comprehensive and systematic overview of the role that parliamentarians can play in the creation of “enabling environments” in several areas related to investment in agriculture and food systems. It includes guidance notes alongside examples of legislation and good practices. 

This event aimed to:
  • Raise awareness of the importance of responsible investment in agriculture and food systems for the achievement of the SDGs.
  • Bring together parliamentarians from different parties and catalyze discussions on their concrete role in the enhancement of responsible agricultural investment (RAI) within Africa.
  • Launch Responsible Investments in Agriculture and Food Systems. A Practical Handbook for Parliamentarians and Parliamentary advisors. 
Speakers:
  • Moderator: Ms. Femi Oke , Senior Host/Journalist
  • Presenter: Richard Florizone
  • Mr. Abebe Haile-Gabriel, Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa, FAO
  • Mr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament
  • Hon. Martin Ngoga, Speaker of  the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA)
  • Ms. Aleksandra Blagojevic, Programme Manager for International Development, IPU
  • Hon. Halimatou Mamane ECOWAS network of parliamentarians on gender equality and investments in Agriculture and Food Security
  • Hon. Yves Fernand Manfoumbi, Secretary General, Network of Parliamentary Alliances for Food and Nutritional Security, Central African countries
  • Hon. Ruhakana Albert, Member of the Chamber of Deputies, Rwanda
  • Mr. Jean Leonard Touadi, FAO
  • Ms. Emma Mc Ghie, FAO
  • Hon. Jean Kouka, National Assembly of Congo, Representative from l’Alliance Parlementaire Congolaise pour la Sécurité Alimentaire et Nutritionnelle (APCSAN)
  • Dr. Mrs Jehad Alfadhel, Deputy Chairwoman of the parliamentary network for food security in Africa and the Arab World
  • Hon. Kone Dognon, Member of the Pan African Parliament
Resource
REPORT: FAO and IISD. 2020. Responsible investments in agriculture and food systems – A practical handbook for parliamentarians and parliamentary advisors. Rome. December 2020, 118 pp.

The handbook provides a catalogue of prescriptions, through guidance notes, examples of good practices, and very practical indications that members of parliament and parliamentary advisors can use to create a reliable, coherent, and transparent “enabling environment” in several areas related to investment in agriculture and food systems.
 
Background:
  • African parliamentarians started advocating for more, better, and equitable investment in agriculture in 2011 with a four-year continental campaign led by the Pan-African Parliament in collaboration with regional parliamentarians’ bodies, the African Union Commission (AUC), New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), and IISD. The campaign was entitled Making Investment Work for Africa. The focus of this first phase was on raising awareness about the impact of large-scale land-based investment. 
  • A second phase started in 2014, focusing on the need to strengthen the legal and policy framework for agriculture investment in developing countries to direct foreign investment in agriculture and food systems toward sustainable development outcomes that benefit rural poor populations. Led by IISD in collaboration with African parliamentarians, the initiative focuses on improving transparency and strengthening legal frameworks related to sustainable investment in agriculture and food systems while supporting the implementation of the CFS RAI.
  • In 2016, the 250 members of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) established the Pan-African Parliamentary Alliance for Food and Nutrition Security (PAPA-FSN) under a Memorandum of Understanding with the FAO. 
  • At the end of 2019, a plenary session of the PAP approved the draft Model Law on Food Security and Nutrition in Africa and authorized regional consultations on it. 
Related: 
7 December 2020. Responsible Investments in Agriculture and Food Systems.

AR4D Funding Opportunities for Africa – December 2020

 

AR4D Funding Opportunities for Africa – December  2020

 

 A G R I C U L T U R AL

 

Research

 

Fiat Panis Foundation — Prize for Master Thesis in Food Security

The Fiat Panis Foundation makes awards for university thesis and dissertation research in themes of agriculture, ecology and natural resources, with a focus on food security in developing countries. The Hans Hartwig Ruthenberg Graduate Award is €7.5 thousand in support of qualified young scientists by honoring their excellent master thesis in the field of food security. The deadline for submissions (German, English) is 30 April 2021.

Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Research Collaboration 2021

Within the framework of Danish development cooperation, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls for research proposals between Denmark and researchers in partner countries. Window 1 will fund research (sustainable development and climate change) with partners in the Danida priority countries. Window 2 will fund research (renewable energy, environment, water resources, food quality, maritime development) with partners in growth and transition countries. Window 1 is open to research institutions in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Myanmar, Niger, Palestine, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda, in addition to Denmark. Window 2 is open to Danish research organizations in collaboration with research institutions in Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Myanmar, South Africa, and Vietnam. For both windows, the application deadline (Phase 1) is 26 February 2021.

Volkswagen Foundation -- Research Workshops and Summer Schools in Sub-Saharan Africa

In its research program "Knowledge for Tomorrow," the Volkswagen Foundation funds research projects of African scientists in cooperation with partners in Germany. The program supports research across all disciplines. To aid with project proposals and development, the Volkswagen Foundation makes grants for workshops, symposia, and summer schools in Africa to help partners discuss and agree on research priorities and approaches. Applications for workshops and summer schools can be submitted at any time in consultation with the Foundation's contact person for the program.

 

 

Agribusiness

 

Private Sector Engagement and Market-Based Development: Co-Creating and Partnering for Impact via Global Development Alliances

The United States Government as represented by the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID), Bureau for Economic Growth, Education and Environment (E3), Private Sector Engagement Team, invites applications for Global Development Alliances (GDAs). Consistent with USAID’s Private Sector Engagement Policy, the focus of this APS is proactive engagement of and collaboration with the private sector in the identification and definition of key business and development problems and opportunities; the development and co-creation of market-based and market-oriented approaches to solve those problems and seize those opportunities; and the facilitation and implementation of such approaches. Closing date for application is on December 16, 2022

 

 Vital Voices -- Fellowships for Women Entrepreneurs

Vital Voices offers GROW Fellowships to women entrepreneurs who own small and medium-sized businesses. The program includes customized business skills training, technical assistance, leadership development, and access to networks to grow their businesses. Thematic business areas may include agriculture, fisheries and forestry with potential for growth. A limited number of need and merit-based scholarships will be available. The deadline for applications is 15 December 2020.

 

 

  Bio-diversity, Environment, Climate change

 

Pulitzer Center — Rainforest Investigations Fellows

The Pulitzer Center accepts reporting fellowship applications for its Rainforest Investigations Network (RIN). The network seeks to create an ecosystem of collaboration among journalists to follow the money and the many illegal practices and legal loopholes that enable industrial-scale deforestation in the world’s three main tropical rainforest regions: Amazon, Congo Basin, and Southeast Asia. Experienced investigative journalists with a proven track record are eligible to apply for fellowships. Fellows will receive data, communication, and coordination support from the Pulitzer Center. The last day to apply is 20 December 2020.

German Academic Exchange Service — Doctoral Scholarships for Africans

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers two doctoral scholarships at the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT). The scholarships are related to the interdisciplinary research topic “Adaptation of marine socio-ecological systems to changing environments.” The scholarships will be granted for up to 4 years. Applicants need to originate from Sub-Saharan Africa and hold a university degree. The scholarship includes a monthly allowance of €1,200, plus additional travel and research allowances. Applications have to be submitted by 20 December 2020.

U.S. Department of State — Wildlife Trafficking in Sub-Saharan Africa

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), supports activities that counter wildlife trafficking and illegal logging in Sub-Saharan Africa. The overall goal is to reduce the ability of criminal groups to profit from poaching and trafficking of protected animals, as well as protected timber and plants, originating from Africa. Applicants may request up to US$1.5 million for the implementation of anti-wildlife crime related activities. Eligibility extends to qualified U.S. based and foreign non-profit organizations (including NGOs), and educational institutions. The closing date for submission of applications is 06 January 2021.

European Commission — Citizen Involvement to Address Climate Change

The European Commission (EC) seeks to strengthen the active role of citizens and their direct involvement to address climate change and other human actions harming the environment. The EC funds projects that directly involve citizens and communities in contributing to climate action and protecting the environment, thereby reducing their carbon and environmental footprint. The Commission considers proposals requesting a contribution between €3-5 million. A full list of eligible countries is provided in the call. The submission deadline is 26 January 2021.

European Commission — Climate-Neutral Cities

The European Commission (EC) seeks partners to develop a one-stop shop platform that provides technical, regulatory, financial and socio-economic expertise to cities for developing and implementing their climate action plans in support of a climate-neutral economy by 2050. The project can involve research organizations, academia, social entrepreneurs, NGOs, national and local authorities and citizens. The platform should facilitate the coordination of ongoing European activities in the area of climate neutrality for cities. The Commission considers proposals requesting a contribution of up to €53 million. A full list of eligible countries is provided in the call. The submission deadline is 26 January 2021.

InsuResilience Solutions Fund — Climate Risk Insurance Products

InsuResilience Solutions Fund (ISF) seeks projects with a holistic approach on disaster relief and preparedness. The Fund will support the development of new climate risk insurance products or the scaling-up of already existing products with the aim to increase the resilience of poor and vulnerable people in developing countries to climate change. The ISF provides grant-based co-funding of up to €2.5 million, but requires matching the grant funding (in-kind and/or as a financial contribution). Eligibility extends to private and public organizations located in Asia and the Pacific, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. The application deadline is 29 January 2021.

German Government — International Climate Initiative Small Grants

Germany’s International Climate Initiative (IKI) supports projects on climate change mitigation and adaptation, and biodiversity projects that have climate relevance. The focus of the IKI Small Grants scheme is to provide support to the implementation of projects addressing the global loss of biodiversity in connection with climate change. The IKI Small Grants scheme will select project proposals with a funding volume of up to €200 thousand. Not-for-profit organizations and for-profit non-government organizations, if they pursue strictly non-profit objectives, are eligible to apply. The deadline for applications is 09 February 2021.

German Government — International Climate Initiative: Thematic Selection

The International Climate Initiative (IKI) funds climate projects that address pressing challenges in the areas of climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation, including the unique issues caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The funding amount provided by the German Government ranges from €5 million to €30 million per project. Applicants for funding must apply as a consortium. Nonprofit organizations, enterprises, universities and research institutions as well as international intergovernmental organizations are eligible. The selection procedure is done in two stages. In the first stage, interested implementing organizations submit a project outline. Project outlines must be submitted by 10 March 2021.

Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Protecting Biodiversity of the East Melanesian Islands

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites applications for large grants (up to US$200 thousand) in support of biodiversity conservation in the East Melanesian Islands. The focus is the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and the islands region of Papua New Guinea. Eligibility for funding extends to community groups and associations, NGOs, private enterprises, universities, research institutes, and other civil society organizations. CEPF posts the ecosystem profile and useful information for applicants in the announcement. The deadline for letters of inquiry is 15 January 2021.

Prince Bernhard Nature Fund — Conservation of Endangered Species (Flora & Fauna)

The Prince Bernhard Nature Fund (PBNF) aims to save critically endangered flora and fauna in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It gives funding preference to organizations in these regions, sometimes in partnership with parties in Europe or North America. Projects have to focus on critically endangered species on the IUCN Red List. Grants are up to €20 thousand or US$20 thousand. The PBNF only supports registered non-profits and favors smaller grassroots organizations over international organizations. The next application deadline is 01 February 2021.

Conservation, Food and Health Foundation — Local Project Support

The Conservation, Food and Health Foundation supports special projects and programs in the areas of conservation, food, and health in low- and lower-middle-income countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. The foundation supports projects that demonstrate local leadership; develop the capacity of local organizations; and address a particular problem or question in the field. Eligibility extends to NGOs, community-based organizations and academic institutions. There is no maximum grant size. The average grant is approx. US$20 thousand. Grants exceeding US$30 thousand are rarely awarded. The application deadlines for concept notes are 01 January and 01 July 2021.

City Climate Finance Gap Fund -- Urban Climate Action

The City Climate Finance Gap Fund (Gap Fund) supports cities and local governments in preparing and prioritizing climate-smart plans and investments with the goal of attracting more financing and support for implementation. The Fund focuses on climate-smart urban planning and early-stage project preparation in developing and emerging countries. Selected proposals will receive technical assistance and capacity building. Cities and local authorities can apply by submitting an Expression of Interest. There is no application deadline.

Save Our Species -- Rapid Action Grants: South Africa

Save Our Species (SOS) invites proposals for Rapid Action Grants targeting terrestrial or freshwater threatened species in South Africa. Rapid Action Grants are also open to projects responding to threats linked to COVID-19 crisis and its consequences. To be eligible projects should respond to emergency situations requiring rapid action, rather than proposing programmatic action on long-standing issues. Applicants can request grants up to €100 thousand (no matching funds required) for projects of 12 months duration. Applications can be submitted anytime.

Global Innovation Fund -- Social Innovations for the Developing World

The Global Innovation Fund (GIF) welcomes proposals of innovative and cost-effective solutions that address any major development challenge (including energy, water access, agriculture and fisheries) in any country or in multiple countries of the developing world. The program is open to teams and coalitions from social enterprises, for-profit companies, NGOs, government agencies, international organizations, and researchers anywhere in the world. GIF offers grants, loans, and equity investments ranging from US$50 thousand to US$15 million. Applicants should propose the level and type of funding that is appropriate for their innovation, based on the stage of development. GIF accepts applications on a continuous basis.

 

Fellowships/scholarships/grants 

 

African Women in Agricultural Research and Development — One Planet Fellowship

African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) invites applications for the One Planet Fellowship. The Fellowship seeks to build a network of African and European scientist leaders to help Africa’s smallholder farmers adapt to climate change. Applicants from the following Sub-Saharan African countries are eligible to apply: Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, and Zambia. Selected candidates will participate in intensive training workshops aimed at fostering leadership skills, strengthening scientific research skills including integrating gender into their research. The call for applications closes on 15 February 2021.

Marine Stewardship Council -- Ocean Stewardship Fund

The Marine Stewardship Council invites fisheries, scientists, NGOs and postgraduates to apply for grants from the Ocean Stewardship Fund. The fund supports best practices in sustainable fishing with the aim to increase the number of sustainable fisheries around the world. Grants are also available to support small-scale fisheries and fisheries in the developing world. Furthermore, the Student Research Grant awards funding to support postgraduate students who are carrying out research with fisheries engaged or working towards the MSC program. Awards of between £5 thousand to £50 thousand are available across five different strands. The application deadline is 06 January 2021.

Institute of Current World Affairs — Fellowship Program 2021

The Institute of Current World Affairs (ICWA) makes grants to support fellows who carry out self-designed independent studies for a minimum of two years in the developing world. Fellows must hold the promise of enriching public life in the United States by enhancing the understanding of foreign countries, cultures and trends, therefore candidates must show strong and credible ties to U.S. society. Proposals in the fields of environment, climate change, sustainability and conservation are welcome. Candidates who seek fellowships may reside in any developing country. Applications for the June 2021 appointment are due 15 December 2020.

Association of Commonwealth Universities — Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2021/2022

The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) supports the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships for citizens of developing Commonwealth countries. The scholarship funds studies for a two-years Master’s degree in low- or middle-income countries of the Commonwealth across many subjects, including conservation ecology, horticulture, agriculture, animal science, and many others. Eligibility extends to citizens of (or with refugee status in) a Commonwealth country other than the country hosting the award. Scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses (stipend) for duration of award, return economy flight, one-off arrival allowance and research support grant (on request). The application deadline is 18 January 2021.

University of Queensland Australia — Online Course: Making Sense of Climate Science Denial

The University of Queensland Australia, in partnership with edX, offers an online course on climate change science. Participants will develop the skills and knowledge to better understand climate change, identify the techniques and fallacies that climate myths employ to distort climate science, and learn to effectively debunk climate misinformation. The course is free and no previous knowledge on the subject is required. Enrollment is open. The course starts on 09 February 2021.

University of Oxford -- Postgraduate Scholarships 2021/2022

The Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme aims to support outstanding postgraduate students from developing and emerging economies for post-graduate studies at the University of Oxford, UK. Relevant areas of study include: Biodiversity Conservation Management, Earth sciences, Environment, International Wildlife Conservation Practice, Water Science, Zoology, and many others. The scholarship will cover 100% of course fees and a grant for living costs (of at least £15 thousand). The closing date for scholarship applications is 10 January 2021, for most courses.

Harvard University -- Environmental Fellowships 2021

Harvard University's Center for the Environment awards environmental fellowships. The fellowships enable recent doctorate recipients to use Harvard’s resources to tackle complex environmental problems. Eligibility for funding extends to candidates with a doctorate or equivalent in any subject area from any university in the world. Candidates may propose research projects in any discipline. The fellowship includes a salary of US$70 thousand per year, plus reimbursement for relocation expenses, annual allowance for travel and other professional expenses. The deadline for applications is 11 January 2021.

International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis -- Young Scientists Summer Program 2021

IIASA invites doctoral students worldwide to participate in its Young Scientists Summer Program held at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis's headquarters in Laxenburg, Austria. The selected participants work with IIASA’s senior scientists in research on energy, ecosystem services, water, risk policy and vulnerability, and other topics. Scholarships are available from IIASA's national member organizations. A limited number of scholarships are available from other sources. The deadline for registrations to the 2021 program is 14 January 2021.

German Federal Environmental Foundation -- PhD Fellowships

The German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) offers 60 research fellowships per year to young scientists in Germany and internationally across all disciplines of environmental protection. The funding period is 36 months with a monthly stipend of €1,500. DBU welcomes subjects of international importance, although the work has to be done mainly in Germany, and with a clear reference to the German environmental situation. DBU expects good German language skills from all applicants. The application deadlines are 15 January and 15 June each year.

University of California at Berkeley -- Beahrs Environmental Leadership Program 2021

The Beahrs ELP sponsors an annual three-week summer course in environmental science, policy, management, and leadership at UC Berkeley. The next course is scheduled for July 2021. ELP invites applications from mid-career professionals around the world. Workshops and field trips draw on the strengths of UC Berkeley and the greater San Francisco Bay Area of California. Course participants continue their learning and networking through the Berkeley ELP Alumni Network. The program offers a limited number of partial scholarships. The final deadline for scholarship review is 29 January 2021.

MasterCard Foundation -- Scholarships for Africans at McGill University

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program funds citizens from Sub-Saharan Africa for Master graduate studies at McGill University, Canada. The eligible fields of study under this program include Food Science & Agricultural Chemistry; Animal Science; Biotechnology; and many others. The program offers full scholarships to economically challenged students. The deadline for applications is 31 January 2021.

Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study -- Fellowships for Early-Career African Researchers

The Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) offers the Iso Lomso Fellowships to early-career African researchers in any discipline. The program provides a three-year attachment to STIAS in addition to the possibility of a residency at a sister institute for advanced study in North America, Europe, or elsewhere. Other benefits include support for attending international conferences or workshops, and support to the fellow's home institution for lecturer replacement. The program is aimed at African scholars who have obtained a doctoral degree within the preceding eight years, and who hold an academic position at a university or research institution anywhere in Africa. The application deadline is 15 February 2021.

Erasmus Mundus -- Joint Master Degree in Aquaculture, Environment, and Society

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Aquaculture, Environment and Society (EM JMD ACES) is a full-time master's program for two years for European and international students. Applicants are expected to have an appropriate background in aquaculture, marine science, aquatic biology, biology, environmental sciences, marine resources, environmental economics, or environmental policy. Participating students will divide their semesters among universities in the UK, Greece, and France. The program offers limited scholarships to cover tuition fees, living, and travel expenses. The closing date for scholarship applications is 15 February 2021.

World Wildlife Fund U.S. -- Educational Fellowships 2021

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF-U.S.) supports individuals pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in conservation. The Russell E. Train Fellowships provide conservationists from target countries with financial support for their studies and field research. The 2021 focuses on achieving sustainable Blue Economy outcomes, with emphasis on small-scale fisheries and tropical ecosystems across the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Ocean. EFN also provides fellowships to current and aspiring university faculty that are affiliated with or currently employed at African, Asian and Latin American universities to pursue a PhD in conservation-related fields. Applicants may request up to US$30 thousand per year for up to two years. The application deadline is 01 March 2021.

Alexander von Humboldt Foundation -- International Climate Protection Fellowships 2021

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation offers 15 fellowships for young climate experts from developing countries interested in conducting a project in Germany and pursuing long-term collaboration. The fellowship (up to € 2,600 per month) allows future leaders to spend a year in Germany working on a research-based project of their own choice in the field of climate protection. Fellows choose their own hosts. The fellowship includes intensive language training and an orientation program during the introductory phase. The deadline for applications is 01 March 2021.

IHE Delft Institute for Water Education — MSc in Sanitation 2021/2022

IHE Delft accepts applications for academic admission to the Master of Science Program in Sanitation. The program is aimed at young and mid-career sanitation professionals, working in water supply and sewerage companies, municipal assemblies, government ministries, NGOs and consulting firms. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation offers 10 partial scholarships for the academic year 2021-2022. Partial scholarships cover €15 thousand of the total costs. The candidate is expected to cover the remaining costs of the program from other sources. The application deadline for partial scholarship through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is 01 May 2021.

Technische Universität Dresden -- Masters in Tropical Forestry 2021 

The MSc Course in Tropical Forestry taught at Technische Universität Dresden (TDU) in Germany qualifies students to develop sustainable forest management strategies and implement development-relevant interventions in rural and peri-urban areas. Germany's DAAD (the German Academic Exchange Service) will fund a limited number of scholarships for applicants from developing countries to enroll in TDU’s 2-year masters program. Applicants must hold a university degree in forestry, agriculture, horticulture, or other related field. The deadline to apply for DAAD scholarships is 30 October 2021.

 

AWARDS and O T H E R

 

Center for Collaborative Investigative Journalism — Africa Water Reporting Grant

 

The Center for Collaborative Investigative Journalism (CCIJ) supports two water-related stories on WASH, access to drinking water, health facilities and schools, handwashing, and many more. The grant of US$2,100 should be used to cover all the costs related to the story, including fees for team members, travel, and any other related costs. Journalists from Sub-Saharan Africa are invited to submit story pitches and provide professional references. The closing date to submit a story pitch is 18 December 2020.

 

Global Water Intelligence — Global Water Awards 2021

 

Nominations are open for the annual Global Water Awards 2021. Global Water Intelligence seeks technologies, plants, projects, and companies that made significant contributions to the development of the water sector. Focus areas include water or wastewater treatment, water conservation and management, ecologically sustainable industry technologies, and commercial solutions, among others. Nominations are open to everyone (including individuals, companies, organizations, or initiatives etc.). Nominations close on 28 February 2021.

 

GET.invest — Finance Catalyst

 

The GET.invest Finance Catalyst supports small- and medium-scale renewable energy projects and businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific region. The program provides advisory support on project and business plan development, project and business structuring and accessing finance, at no costs. Eligible applicants may be private sector developers, NGOs, universities or research institutions. Applications are available in English only but applicants can request support to overcome language-related issues. The Finance Catalyst operates on various submission rounds all year long. Applications can be submitted anytime.

 

Seeding Labs — Scientific Equipment for Research and Education

 

Seeding Labs welcomes applications to participate in Instrumental Access. The program makes high-quality laboratory equipment and supplies more affordable to university departments in low- and middle-income countries. Seeding Labs receives donated equipment from a variety of sources, including research institutions and manufacturers. Applicants submit online requests for items included in the Seeding Labs equipment inventory. Items are mainly for biology and chemistry. The average value of the items included in a shipment, based on the secondary (used) market, is generally in the range of US$100 thousand. The recipient organizations are charged a fee (based on their country’s income level) for program administration, equipment warehousing, equipment packing, and ocean freight. The deadline for submissions is 12 February 2021.

 

Iridescent — Technology Entrepreneurship Program for Girls

 

Technovation invites teams of girls from all over the world to learn and apply the skills needed to solve real-world problems through technology. Girls work with women mentors, find a problem in their community and develop a mobile app to launch a startup. Categories may include environment, poverty, health, and others. Eligibility extends to teams of up to 5 girls (aged 10-18 years). Registration deadline is 12 March 2021.

 

Paul M. Angell Family Foundation -- Marine and Ocean Conservation 2021

 

The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation makes grants in thematic areas that include marine and ocean conservation. The Foundation is interested in marine protected areas; sustainable fisheries; conserving sharks and rays; conservation of coral reefs; and limiting plastics pollution. Eligibility extends to U.S. nonprofit organizations that have 501(c)3 registration and international conservation organizations. The application deadlines for project support in 2021 are 20 November 2020 and 07 June 2021.

 

American Society of Mammalogy -- Support to African Graduate Students

 

The African Graduate Student Research Fund makes awards to African nationals pursuing graduate degrees in mammalogy. Projects must be field oriented investigations of natural history, conservation, ecology, systematics, wildlife biology, biogeography, or behavior. Each of two awardees will receive US$1,500 and an online membership to the Society. Applications can be submitted in English or French The application deadline is 01 April 2021.