Platform for African – European Partnership in Agricultural Research for Development

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Institutionalizing of Knowledge Management In Organisation

 



By Happy Mulolani

Enhancing Knowledge Management in institutions requires enforcing a national policy aimed at influencing knowledge sharing and serving as a repository of knowledge among stakeholders, key players, and the public.  On 25th October 2024, the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), in partnership with the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA), held a Knowledge Management Policy Dialogue at Birchwood Hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa, through the Ukama Ustawi Initiative. 

The IWMI-led Ukama Ustawi (UU) Initiative is a four-year project worth approximately USD 40 million that promotes diversification for resilient agribusiness ecosystems in East and Southern Africa (ESA). The initiative is set to end in 2024 and targets 12 countries in this region: Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Madagascar, Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The main goal of the UU Initiative is to address food and nutrition security risks in the region, which stem from an overreliance on maize monoculture. The initiative instead promotes a climate-resilient, water-secure, and socially inclusive approach aimed at helping smallholders diversify and de-risk agri-food systems based on maize in the targeted countries. 


Read full story HERE... 







Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Future Africa-EU Forum

6 November 2024. Te #FutureAfricaEurope Forum – hosted by the Africa-Europe Foundation (AEF) and Friends of Europe – will bring in resource mobilisation and strategic cooperation to explore strategies and practices for a paradigm shift towards a transformative cross-continental partnership in a context of change.

The Forum builds on a far-reaching year-long process, from the work of AEF multi-stakeholder Strategy Groups and the Future Africa-EU Roundtable of July 2024 to Friends of Europe’s Global Europe programme and in the preamble of the State of Europe 2024. Throughout the year, the AEF community has had a strategic focus on ‘sustainable finance’ as a defining domain of cooperation for a forward-looking Africa-Europe Partnership on equal footing.

Extracts of the programme


9:30 am CET Expand Financing our future – Global tax, illicit financial flows & reimagining domestic resource mobilisation
  • Donald Kaberuka - High Representative for the Peace Fund of the Africa Union Commission and former President of the African Development Bank
  • Arancha González Laya - Dean of the Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA) at Sciences Po and former Spanish minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation 
  • Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli - President and CEO of the ONE Campaign
  • Simon Mordue - Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service (EEAS)
  • Myriam Ferran - Deputy Director General, European Commission Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA)

Related:

25 September 2024. ONE Campaign  "Africa at the Forefront of Global Financing Solutions,"  discussed the current financing gap for people and planet and African-led ideas and solutions for the future. The event featured panels and discussions on global health financing and the future of replenishments, Africa's seat at the table in shaping our collective future, and ONE's journey of activism and advocacy as we celebrate our 20th anniversary.

 

Food & Agriculture Pavilion


11–22 November 2024
, Baku, Azerbaijan Food & Agriculture Pavilion at the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29)

At the Food & Agriculture Pavilion, CGIAR and FAO  will create a platform for collaborative dialogue, knowledge sharing, and decision-making on the unique role of agriculture and food systems in the fight against climate change. These will include sharing efforts to drive adaptation and reduce emissions across food, land, and water systems to ensure food, nutrition, and water security for the most affected small-scale producers and food-insecure communities through targeted adaptation strategies. 


Extracts of the programme


November 12 th at 5:00 pm Asia/Baku. The Convergence Initiative: Synergizing Food Systems and Climate Action for Equitable Food Systems and a Sustainable Future


This side event will showcase national progress and discuss how countries can achieve sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems



November 13th at 9:00am Asia/Baku. Locally led adaptation (LLA) drives bottom-up transformative adaptation


This session explores LLA experiences designing food and agricultural climate solutions that engage diverse stakeholders, leverage innovative finance, address structural inequalities, and foster capacity and knowledge exchange.

 

November 13th at 3:00pm Asia/Baku. Shaping a Sustainable Future: Consultation on CGIAR's Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands


Led by ICARDA and ICRISAT, the Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands (GSRD) builds on CGIAR’s 50-year legacy of dryland agri-research, science, and extensive partner networks, to leverage cutting-edge technologies and foster synergies for agri-innovation packages that are tailored to unique dryland challenges.

 

November 14th at 9:00am Asia/Baku. Leveraging Science to Finance Solutions for Sustainable Food Systems 


The current climate financing falls short of enabling net-zero, nature-positive transitions. This event explores science-based solutions to unlock capital for farmers, boosting resilience, food security, and equity, while addressing both adaptation and mitigation in sustainable livestock development. The session highlights barriers faced by women in agriculture, creating a platform for their empowerment in the food system transformation.

   

November 14th at 11:00am Asia/Baku. Overcoming barriers in access to funds at the frontline of climate crisis to accelerate climate financing for adaptation in Agriculture and Nature in Africa 


The window for fast tracking action in agriculture and nature in climate response measures needs to tapped on.

 

November 14th at 5:00pm Asia/Baku. Impact of Bioinputs on Mitigating Nitrous Oxide Emissions in Agriculture: Sustainability and Economics with Biological Nitrogen Fixation in Non-leguminous Crops 


The panel will discuss the findings of a recent study that highlighted the potential of bioinputs, particularly inoculants and biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) techniques, as alternatives to nitrogen fertilizers in non-leguminous Crops such as wheat, rice, sugarcane, corn, and pastures.

   

November 15th at 1:00pm Asia/Baku. Mainstreaming Extension System Reforms for Achieving Climate Resilient Food Systems 


Extension systems are often faced with operational budget constraints, weak technical capacity, coordination challenges, poor research-extension linkages, and unsupportive policy environments for building resilience to climate shocks.

   

November 16th at 9:00am Asia/Baku. Transforming Agriculture through Innovation, Technology, and Finance to Achieve Food Security and Sustainability 


Experts will discuss how cutting-edge innovations are revolutionizing traditional farming methods, promoting resource efficiency, and enhancing resilience in the face of climate change and resource scarcity. Additionally, the panel will explore how financial mechanisms can direct capital toward sustainable practices, ensuring the long-term management of vital resources such as water and land.

   

November 16th at 10:30-12:00 CET. Integrating Climate Action into Africa’s Food Systems for Improved Resilience

Led by AUDA-NEPAD and supported by the Italian Development Cooperation, this program will provide African countries and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) with technical support to integrate climate and food systems policies into actionable investment pipelines, with a focus on regional dimensions and trade corridors.

The event will be live-streamed at www.afdb.org/en/cop29/africa-pavilion
  • H.E. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD)
  • H.E. Amb. Stefano Gatti, Director General Development Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Italy
  • H.E. Dr Ibrahim Mayaki, AU Special Envoy for Food Systems (TBC)
  • Dr Brian Isabirye, Commissioner, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Uganda
  • Mr. Peter Odhengo, Ministry of Finance, Kenya and Coordinator, African Green Climate Finances National, Designated Authorities Network (AfDAN)
  • Dr Babafemi Oyewole, Chief Executive Officer, Pan African Farmers Organization (PAFO)
  • Representation from African Public and Private Finance Institutions
  • Representative of the UAE
  • Prof. Dr. Patrick V. Verkooijen, CEO, Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) Rotterdam, The Netherlands (TBC)

November 18th at 2:30pm Asia/Baku.Climate-Smart Solutions for Smallholders: Taking Stock of Progress and Future Opportunities 


An opportunity to announce progress against various initiatives focused on smallholder farmers, taking stock of how recent global and bilateral initiatives have catalyzed investment in climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation.

   

November 18th at 6:30pm Asia/Baku. Impact of Climate Change on Crop Nutrient Quality and Health: Solutions for Resilient African Food Systems 


This side event explores the profound impact of climate change, particularly rising atmospheric CO₂ and extreme weather events, on food supply and the nutrient quality of key staple crops like maize, rice, and wheat.

   

November 19th at 9:00am Asia/Baku. Community-led best practices on food waste prevention, composting and agroecology in Asia


Key experts will share (1) food sharing model for food waste prevention in Solo (Indonesia); (2) zero waste and agroecology implementation in Kerala (India); and (3) zero waste communities and organic food production in Rangpur (Bangladesh).

   

November 20th at 11:00am Asia/Baku. Launch of the 2024 Breakthrough Agenda Report: Agriculture 


The ‘2024 Breakthrough Agenda Report: Agriculture’ is the first standalone report to focus on agriculture within the Breakthrough Agenda series. This report draws on CGIAR’s and global stakeholders’ expertise to assess the status of international collaboration toward implementing sustainable practices in agriculture, and to propose clear recommendations for sector-specific actions that governments and non-state actors need to take together. 

   

November 20th at 3:00pm Asia/Baku. Investing in climate-smart agriculture for adaptation and planning for long-term low emissions development: Lessons from Africa 


Representatives from Ethiopia, Kenya, Zambia will launch Climate-Smart Agriculture Investment Plans designed to align climate adaptation in agriculture with NDCs.

   

November 21st at 5:00pm Asia/Baku. Innovative NDCs for food systems: Boosting ambition through agroecology, water, fisheries, and healthy diets


This event will highlight the potential of agroecology, water systems, sector-specific initiatives in fisheries and healthy diets for ambitious national climate action.

 

2024 Breakthrough Agenda Report – Agriculture

The 2024 Breakthrough Agenda Report – Agriculture is the first standalone report to focus on the agrifood system in the Breakthrough Agenda series. The report assesses the status of international collaboration toward implementing sustainable practices in agriculture and finds that while efforts are being made, they are not yet delivering the levels of investment and deployment required to drive reductions in global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions required to meet international climate goals.

Spotlighting two sectors of the agrifood system with the greatest contributions to GHG emissions – enteric methane emissions from livestock and emissions from fertilizers production and application – the report outlines several promising technologies that could support climate mitigation if appropriately scaled. It calls on governments to strengthen collaboration in key areas – such as financial and technical assistance, knowledge exchange, demand creation, and the development of common metrics and indicators – to accelerate the much-needed transition to clean, sustainable, agricultural practices.

 

Monday, November 4, 2024

AfriFOODlinks


Launched in December 2022, AfriFOODlinks is an EU funded project*. Coordinated by ICLEI Africa, the project gathers 26 partners across the globe to improve food security and urban sustainability in 65+ cities in Africa and Europe by:
  1. Applying an urban food systems lens to promote shifts to healthy, sustainable diets
  2. Transforming urban food environments through real-world socio-technical experiments
  3. Promoting inclusive multi-actor governance to empower public officials, small businesses and communities with ownership and agency to shape their food systems
  4. Accelerating innovative, women- and youth-led agri-food businesses to support local value addition and inclusive economic participation

Related:

22 - 25 May 2024. Transforming urban food systems: Unlocking the potential of open innovation in African cities

BRokering Innovation for Decentralized climate finance and Gender Equality (BRIDGE) 
This project is part of the Step Change initiative, co-funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and IDRC. Step Change is a five-year, CAD28.5-million initiative that aims to accelerate equitable and inclusive locally led adaptation.

Tropical Summit & South-South-North triangular cooperation - Portugal

4–8 November 2024. Lisbon, TROPICAL SUMMIT - Foreseeing Answers to Global Challenges
Tropical Summit: A unique multi-actor forum to achieve the 2030 Agenda through triangular cooperation.

The main objectives of Tropical Summit are to promote the transfer of knowledge, stimulate multidisciplinary collaboration and the involvement of stakeholders, and contribute to the co-creation and innovative projects, capitalizing and densifying existing initiatives and collaboration platforms for the rapid implementation of tangible and robust solutions. The focus will be on South-South-North triangular cooperation and 4 thematic areas:
  1. ‍PLANETARY HEALTH: Nurturing life within the global boundaries
  2. AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT: Sustainability as a path to socioeconomic progress
  3. TERRITORIAL AND SOCIAL TRANSITIONS: Building resilient spaces and societies in every dimension
  4. HUMAN GROWTH: Empowerment and technology for the times ahead

Extracts of the programme

5/11 High-level Session

  • Carmen Neto - Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources
  • Florbela Paraíba - President of Camões I.P
  • Jeffrey Sachs - President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network
  • Maria da Graça Carvalho - Minister of the Environment and Energy
  • Ravi Khetarpal - Executive Secretary of Asia Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI)
  • Ubiraci Pataxó - Master of Knowledge and President of the Korihé Institute

5/11 Catalyzing agro-ecological transitions in the tropics in the context of climate change

Parallel Session - Roundtable
‍Organised by : FARA / CORAF / CCARDESA / RUFORUM / JRC-ISPRA / AE-TPP (CIROF - ICRAF) / IFAD



This panel session discussed the critical role of agroecology in addressing food system challenges in Africa, particularly under the looming impacts of climate change. Opening remarks by Dr. Aggrey Agumya focused on the need for a robust ten-year agricultural strategy from FARA that acknowledges the benefits of agroecology, a point furthered by Dr. Guy Faure’s insights on EU support and the importance of innovation and market access for agroecological systems. Dr. Marc Corbeels highlighted the detrimental effects of climate change, indicating changes in temperature and rainfall that could reduce crop yields. Discussions led by Prof. Rachel Wynberg outlined fundamental principles and necessary transformative approaches to agroecology. The session identified key action items for scientists, researchers, policymakers, and research institutions to bolster evidence, innovation, market access, and research capacity, while also addressing the challenges of urbanization and waste management in agroecological practices. Overall, the meeting underscored the urgency of catalyzing agroecological practices as a resilient response to climate change and food security challenges in Africa.
  • Aggrey Agumya, FARA
FARA is developing 10-year agricultural strategy for Africa. No mention of agroecology in the strategy despite efforts. Lack of evidence cited as reason for not featuring agroecology prominently. Call for scientists to provide more concrete evidence on agroecology benefits.
  • Guy Faure, EC-INTPA
He emphasized need for innovation in agroecology to boost production, Highlighted importance of better market access for agroecological farming systems, EU is funding regional multi-actor research networks to strengthen research capacity
  • Marc Corbeels, CIRAD

    He presented the CANALLS project. This research project aims to drive agroecological transitions in the humid tropics of Central and Eastern Africa via multi-actor transdisciplinary Agroecology Living Labs (ALLs) and providing holistic agroecological solutions that meet the challenges of the local food systems. The ALLs are based in 

    1. DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Bunia in DRC (Lowlands/ cocoa) + Biega in DRC (Highlands/ coffee) + Kabare (Highlands/ coffee) + Uvira (Lowlands/ cassava, rice)
    2. CAMEROON: Ntui (Lowlands/ cocoa) 
    3. BURUNDI Giheta (Highlands/ coffee) + Bujumbura (Lowlands/ maize)
    4. RWANDA Kamonyi (Highlands/ cassava)

  • Rachel Wynberg, University of Cape Town

    She presented the RAENS research project: Research for Agroecology Network Southern Africa

    She referred to the book

    Rachel Wynberg (2024) African Perspectives on Agroecology Why farmer-led seed and knowledge systems matter # 398 pp.

    This book offers a contribution that is enriched by the collaborative, creative, and critical voices of African farmers, activists, scientists, scholars, and policymakers. Their viewpoints combine in this volume to articulate a shared and dynamic vision of a world where agriculture is productive, diverse, and sustainable; where different ways of seeing and knowing are respected; and where seed and food systems are in the hands of farmers and local communities.

  • Baitsi Podisi, CCARDESA


06/11 Agricultural Development


  • Keynote - Sammy Aggrey Professor in Genetics and Genomics at the University of Georgia, Athens
  • Bongiwe Njobe - Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA)
  • Karen Montiel - Technical specialist, Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture
  • Ravi Khetarpal - Chair of the Global Forum on Agriculture Research and Innovation (APAARI)
  • Sylvain Perret - Director of Agrinatura
  • Moderator: Oseyemi Akinbamijo Former Executive Director of FARA

06/11 Building Climate-Resilient Agri-Food Systems: Case Studies and Indicators

Parallel Session – Project Showcase
  • Transformative Agri-Food Supply Chains for Climate Resilience – Which indicators are suitable to measure resilience and social transformation? - Christine Altenbuchner, BOKU University
  • Agroecological Solutions for Resilient Farming in West Africa - The Cape Verde Case Study - Miguel Ribeiro, ADPM - Associação de Defesa do Património de Mértola
  • Variability and Trends in the Beginning and End of the Rainy Season in West Africa. The Guinea-Bissau case study - Orlando Mendes, National Meteorological Institute; Institute of Geography and Spatial Planning
  • Sustainable Aquaponics for Food Security in SIDS: A Case Study of São Tomé and Príncipe - Britta Kautzman, School of Agriculture; Lisbon School of Economics & Management
  • INNOECOFOOD - Eco-innovative technologies for improved nutrition, sustainable production and marketing of agroecological food products in Africa - Ana Faria, CIIMAR – Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research
    INNOECOFOOD aims to establish innovative production/ business ECOHUBS and improve local aquaculture farms using AI and IoT in six African countries. To support EU-AU markets and trade, INNOECOFOOD will train rural farmers, youth and women to innovatively produce and process nutritious aquaculture catfish and tilapia, blue-green cyanobacteria spirulina, and insect value chains that will be processed into certified marketable human food products and feed. The project aims to establish ECOHUB farms in six African countries, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Namibia, Tanzania and Egypt, where sustainable cultured fish, Spirulina (a green-blue algae) and insects will be produced using innovative artificial intelligence technologies and climate-friendly renewable local energy sources, with optimized production-processing-operation-marketing. This project will also lead to the employment and training of local people with low socio-economic status in these ECOHUB farms, enabling them to sustainably continue the production chain and cycle in the ECOHUB farms, and to produce and process certified, marketable food and industrial products from these innovative farms, thus providing the potential for sustainable social impact.
  • Soil Salinity and Saline Agriculture in Eastern & Southern Africa: Experiences from a Regional Technical Network Initiative - Jakob Herrmann, Weltweit – Association for the Promotion of Local Initiatives e.V.; Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Soil Science and Soil Protection

06/11 Transforming African farming and food systems through research and innovation – A presentation and discussion with six EU-H2020 projects

  • Adam Standring, Instituto Superior de Economia e Gestão
  • Idalina Dias Sardinha, Instituto Superior de Economia e Gestão
  • Giles Young, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke)
  • Helena Serrano, Faculty of Sciences - University of Lisbon
  • Cristina Branquinho, Faculty of Sciences - University of Lisbon
  • Mary Steverink-Mosugu, ISRIC - World Soil Information
  • Giovanna Seddaiu, University of Sassari
  • Harun Cicek, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture
  • Fernando Sousa, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture
  • Vladimir Mrkajić, InoSens
  • Mila Sell, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke)

6/11 Reflections of Agroecology as pathway to climate change adaptation and mitigation


Parallel Session – Roundtable
Organised by: FARA / CORAF / CCARDESA / RUFORUM / JRC-ISPRA / AE-TPP (CIROF - ICRAF) / IFAD
  • Alex Awiti, CIFOR-ICRAF
  • Felix Rembold, EC-JRC
  • Khamis Fathiya, ICEPE
  • Irene Kadzere- Forichi, FiBL
  • Emmanuel Njukwe, CORAF

07/11 FOOD4WA: Sharing Africa's Centers of Excellence and Innovative Agricultural Solutions with the World

Parallel Session - Project Showcase & Debate
Organised by: Food for West Africa Network

In line with strengthening Inter-ACE collaborations, various thematic networks have been created under the ACE Impact Project. The Food for West Africa (FOOD4WA) is one of eight thematic networks established with the aim of advancing collaboration on cutting edge research, to address food insecurity challenges within the region. The Network headquarters are based at the Regional Center of Excellence on Poultry Sciences (CERSA) of the University of Lome-Togo.
  • Eh Samba Sylla, Food for West Africa Network (FOOD4WA)
  • Centre of Excellence on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture (CCBAD) of Côte d’Ivoire
  • West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI)
  • CDA of Nigeria
  • AGRISAN of Senegal
  • CERSA from Togo

Territorial Markets. Healthy Food, Real Relationships, and a Fair Deal

31 October 2024. Territorial Markets. Healthy Food, Real Relationships, and a Fair Deal
  • farmer-led networks from Asia, Africa, and Latin America about their experience revitalizing fresh food markets and strengthening links among farmers, consumers, and public officials.
  • learn about the main findings of the "Food from Somewhere" report on the status of territorial markets launched by The International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food).
The webinar titled "Territorial Markets: Healthy Food, Real Relationships, and a Fair Deal" focused on the significance of territorial markets in promoting sustainable food systems, particularly through agroecological economies, with support from the Agroecology Fund active in over 90 countries. Key highlights included discussions on barriers faced by farmers, such as infrastructure and regulatory challenges, and presentations from organizations in Sri Lanka, Benin, and Peru showcasing efforts to empower marginalized communities, particularly women and youth, in agriculture and local markets. 

The session also featured an IPES-Food report that outlined the vulnerabilities of global food systems and underscored the resilience offered by territorial markets compared to corporate supply chains. Recommendations for future actions included necessary policy shifts to bolster support for these markets, enhancing access to agroecological products, and fostering knowledge exchange among farmers globally. Action items were established, such as sharing relevant studies and organizing exchange programs.


Resources:

FAO (2023) Territorial Markets Initiative

Through the territorial markets initiative, FAO aims to highlight the importance of territorial markets to promote healthy food environments and ensure access to healthy diets and nutritious and diversified food. FAO seeks also to identify any gaps that could be addressed, as well as to provide specific recommendations for policies and investments that could be promoted by local and national institutions and governments.

IPES (2024) Food From Somewhere Building food security and resilience through territorial markets # 91 pp.

Persistent crises have also underscored the importance of resilient close-to-home ‘territorial’ markets that feed billions of people every day – from public markets and street vendors to cooperatives, from urban agriculture to online direct sales, from food hubs to community kitchens.

Food From Somewhere provides a comprehensive overview of these diverse food webs. It documents their critical contributions to sustaining producer livelihoods, ensuring access to healthy food for the poorest populations, sustaining cultures and communities, and keeping people fed in the face of shocks. The report urges governments to reinvest in local and regional supply infrastructure, relocalise public purchasing and food security strategies, and curb corporate capture of food systems.

Sunday, November 3, 2024

Webinars and events November

4 November at 15:00 CET. Food Systems Dialogues Reference Group
5 November 2024 @9:00am EST. Virtual Policy Seminar, Learning Support for a Multi-Country Climate Resilience Programme for Food Security

4–8 November 2024. Lisbon, TROPICAL SUMMIT - Foreseeing Answers to Global Challenges
Tropical Summit: A unique multi-actor forum to achieve the 2030 Agenda through triangular cooperation. 
  • By the Africa-Europe Foundation and Friends of Europe
05 - 07 November 2024. Gender-Responsive Agricultural Extension Event




11-13 November 2024, Brisbane. TropAg 2025,

11–22 November 2024, Baku, Azerbaijan 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29)


20 November 2024. 1:30 to 5:30 pm. Soil quality – Towards an indicator system for public policy - Restitution conference

26-28 November 2024 in Dakar, Senegal. ANAPRI Stakeholders Conference scheduled

25-28 November 2024. Kigali, Rwanda. SUN Movement Global Gathering 2024
  • The SUN Movement Global Gathering is the Movement’s flagship event and one of the largest international gatherings within the nutrition community.
26 to 27 November 2024 SFN+ Hybrid Conference: Innovations for sustainable and resilient agri-food systems
  • This hybrid conference will provide an opportunity to explore the latest innovations in the agri-food systems within the UK and beyond (Africa and Asia); showcase the success of its funded research projects, present the latest knowledge exchange initiatives of its expert working groups and provide networking opportunities for leading food researchers and industry experts.
27 November 2024. FiBL Open Day
  • This event is organised by the Brussels-based FiBL Europe together with FiBL Switzerland, FiBL Germany, FiBL Austria, FiBL France and the Hungarian ÖMKi.
27 November 2024. 6th SFN+ Annual Conference: Innovations for sustainable and resilient agri-food systems

28 November 2024. Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization in Africa
Annual Summary Paper to be prepared by AfricaMechanize Secretariat.
30 November - 6 December. Pre-Conferences, Tours, Organic World Congress, and the General Assembly of IFOAM – Organics International

2–13 December 2024, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia UN | UNCCD COP16

8 - 11 December 2024. The AAS 15th General Assembly & Scientific Conference, themed "Empowering and Advancing Africa’s Scientific Enterprise,"

09 – 12 December 2024. AAS Scientific Conference and General Assembly

25 February - 1 March 2025. Corvallis, Oregon. Organic Seed Alliance conference
to be held Hydrid: In-person and virtual.
  • Centre for Rural Development/Humboldt University Berlin
  • This training will delve into the unique challenges and opportunities of transforming food systems in the Global South, offering practical insights and strategic guidance.
  • Aim: Highlight the main challenges in the current food system(s), and co-develop practical solutions and action plans based on the objectives and local realities of the participants.
  • Target group : Urban planners, Project Manager in International Development NGOs, Food Value Chain Experts.
17-20 March, Brussels 5th Africa-Europe Science Collaboration Platform (AERAP)

7 - 12 April 2025. CGIAR Science Week, Nairobi

9 and 13 June 2025. African Conference on Agricultural Technologies (ACAT) Kigali, Rwanda,

Thursday, October 31, 2024

AR4D Funding Opportunities for Africa - November 2024

 

Agriculture Fisheries Forestry


Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

World Food Day Poster Contest (Age 5-19)

2024-11-08

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FOA) calls on children and teens from all over the world (ages 5 to 19) to use their imagination and create a poster of their water action for food. "Rights to foods" explores how we should all be able to enjoy nutritious food so that we can grow and live an active life. Winners will be promoted by FAO offices around the world and receive a surprise gift bag. Entries have to be submitted by 08 November 2024.

Belmont Forum

Tropical Forests

2024-11-12

The Belmont Forum aims to coordinate actions and projects with a transdisciplinary approach to develop innovative solutions to the challenges faced in tropical forest regions. The Belmont Forum will fund three-year projects. This call for proposals recognizes the growing threats to those ecosystems and their inhabitants, such as climate change, deforestation, unregulated agroindustry and land conversion, illegal activities, pollution, and environmental/climate injustices. All projects should include 3 funding agencies from 3 different countries. Registrations are due on 12 November 2024.

Forward Fooding

FoodTech 500

2024-11-15

FoodTech 500 showcases the latest developments from international startup and scaleup companies across the food supply chain. FoodTech companies gain recognition in the AgriFoodTech industry and get the opportunity to be a speaker or exhibitor at international gatherings, conferences, and meetups. All companies from the Food Tech (or ‘AgriFoodTech’) sector can apply. The application deadline is 15 November 2024.

AGCO Agriculture Foundation

Quality Education, Research and Innovation in Agriculture

2024-11-29

The AGCO Agriculture Foundation (AAF) seeks proposals from non-profit organizations and public universities/educational institutions around the world. AAF considers proposals that increase the capacity of farmers, farming communities, young people and/or women, and facilitates access to the tools, training, activities, and support. Grants between US$200 thousand and US$450 thousand are available. Only non-profits and public universities/educational institutions with innovative solutions targeted at increasing the capacity of farmers are eligible to apply for grant funding. The grant application is open until 29 November 2024.


Biodiversity Conservation Wildlife


Hurtigruten Foundation

Grants Program

2024-11-01

The Hurtigruten Foundation seeks submissions for the Hurtigruten Foundation Grants Program to fight climate change, strengthen local communities, and stop unsustainable mass tourism. All grants are awarded in the range of €5 thousand to €10 thousand. The Foundation currently funds projects in Alaska, Antarctica, Arctic Canada and the Northwest Passage, Argentina, the British Isles, the Caribbean, Chile, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, the Falkland Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Norway and Svalbard, Cape Verde, Senegal, Gambia and Guinea-Bissau in West Africa. The application deadlines are 01 May and 01 November 2024.

Rainforest Trust

Creating New Protected Areas

2024-11-01

The Rainforest Trust partners with local conservation organizations to create new protected areas and expand existing ones for Critically Endangered and Endangered species. The Initiative invites applications for conservation partnerships from nonprofit entities and NGOs for projects in tropical Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Applying organizations may submit proposals for either a land purchase or a protected area designation. Applications to create new protected areas are reviewed three times per year. The application deadlines are 01 March, 01 June, and 01 November 2024. Applications for less than US$250 thousand may be submitted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Prince Albert II Foundation

Environmental Photography Award

2024-11-03

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation (PA2F) Environmental Photography Award aims to reward photographers who put their creativity to good use in raising awareness on environmental protection. Photographers are invited to reflect on our relationship towards nature and the interrelation between human health and planetary health. Images can be entered in 5 categories: Polar Wonders, Beneath the Canopy, Life under the Surface, Humanity versus Nature, and Towards a Sustainable Future. The grand prize winner receives €5 thousand, each category winner receives €1 thousand. The closing date for entries is 03 November 2024.

Biodiversa+

Biodiversity and Transformative Change

2024-11-08

Biodiversa+ launches a joint call for transnational research proposals on the topic “Biodiversity and Transformative Change” (BiodivMon). The call is focused on helping understand trade-offs and cross-linkages between the worldwide crises of biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution and identifing transformation processes that may safeguard biodiversity by mitigating its threats and halt its decline. The call is an opportunity to advance knowledge on biodiversity through monitoring, building on previous and existing efforts across Europe and beyond. Funding organizations have reserved a total amount of over €40 million for joint research projects. Research teams must form transnational research consortia with eligible partners from a minimum of 3 countries participating in the call. The deadline for pre-proposals submission is 08 November 2024.


National Geographic Society

Ocean Exploration and Discovery

2024-11-14

The National Geographic Society provides early-career ocean scientists from around the world the opportunity to lead impactful projects that will explore, understand, and inform the protection of the ocean. Scientists will take advantage of the available berth space and research infrastructure aboard SOI’s Falkor research vessel during its 2025 season traversing the southeast coast of South America. To cover travel and project-related costs, the Society will award grants of up to US$20 thousand to selected research, conservation or technology projects. The deadline for this opportunity is 14 November 2024.

Wildlife Acoustics

Bio-Acoustics Product Grants

2024-11-15

Wildlife Acoustics aims to advance animal biology research, habitat monitoring and environmental conservation through bio-acoustics recording technology. The Wildlife Acoustics Scientific Product Grant Program offers US$4 thousand of product-in-kind grants to biologists, researchers, conservationists, and students who work for charitable, educational, and other tax-exempt organizations. There are no geographical limitations. Applications are evaluated quarterly with deadlines on 15 February, 15 May, 15 August, and 15 November.

Earth Prize

Student Environmental Projects

2024-11-30

The Earth Prize is an annual, global environmental sustainability competition for students between the ages of 13 and 19. The Earth Prize will reward seven regional winners, each receiving $12,500 to implement their ideas. The regions are Oceania, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, North America, and Central & South America. Additionally, The Earth Prize will recognize three mentors and three educators of the year, awarding each $2,500. The registration phase closes on 30 November 2024.

Yves Rocher Foundation

International Terre des Femmes Award

2024-11-30

The Yves Rocher Foundation invites applications for the International Terre de Femmes Award to honor women for their achievements in environmental awareness, conservation, and solidarity. This year, the Foundation invites applications from women committed to coastal ecosystems. The award will be given to a project launched by a woman or a group of women committed to the conservation of wildlife and associated ecosystems. The winner receives a monetary award of €10 thousand. The international award is open to women worldwide involved in a project that helps to protect the environment through a non-profit organization. The closing date for applications is 30 November 2024.

European Outdoor Conservation Association

Funding for Conservation Projects

2024-11-30

The European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) makes grants for field-based projects in wildlife conservation; protection of forests and wetlands; litter clean-up on trails and mountains; environmental education in local communities; and other initiatives in support of nature-based travel and tourism. Project applications must protect a threatened species or habitat; have a link to the outdoor enthusiast; and involve hands-on practical conservation work. Grants are to nonprofit organizations in amounts up to €30 thousand for projects of one to two years anywhere in the world (except North America). There are two application periods per year. The next application window is 1-30 November 2024.

European Commission

TROPIMUNDO Masters Program in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems 2025-2026

2024-11-30

TROPIMUNDO is a 2-year Erasmus Mundus master's program in tropical biodiversity and ecosystems. Students alternate their semesters between consortium universities in Europe (Belgium, France, Italy) and tropical regions outside Europe (Australia, Cameroon, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Malaysia). Applicants should have an internationally accepted bachelor’s degree in biology, natural sciences, environmental sciences, or equivalent. The EC provides a certain number of scholarships for EU and non-EU students. The deadline for applications (for scholarship seekers or self-funded applicants) is 30 November 2024.

American Museum of Natural History

Ornithology Research

2024-11-30

The Frank M. Chapman Memorial Fund supports ornithological research anywhere in the world. Chapman Research Grants are small short-term awards for research that are available to graduate students for expenses associated with projects primarily focused on the systematics and evolutionary biology of birds. Most grants average approximately US$1,500. The application deadline is 30 November 2024.


Crosscutting


Composting Council Research and Education Foundation

Poster Contest

2024-11-01

The International Compost Awareness Week Committee invites submissions for its annual poster contest. This year’s theme is “Composting in My Community.” The winning poster will serve as the promotional piece of the 2025 International Compost Awareness Week and the winner will receive US$500. The contest is open to anyone from 9th grade (age 14) or older from anywhere in the world. The contest runs until 01 November 2024.

Catholic Relief Services

International Development Fellows Program

2024-11-01

The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) invites individuals dedicated to a career in international relief & development work to apply for the International Development Fellows Program. Fellows receive training and support CRS’ work in various sectors such as agriculture/livelihoods, health, water and sanitation, emergency response, or micro-financing. The Catholic Relief Services offers 20-30 fellowships each year. Each fellow is placed in one of CRS’ overseas country programs for a 12-month fellowship. The application deadline is 01 November 2024.

Iran Ministry of Science and Technology

38th Khwarizmi International Award

2024-11-01

The Khwarizmi International Award recognizes outstanding scientific achievements made by researchers, inventors, and innovators from all over the world. The disciplinary fields include Agriculture, Natural Resources, Animal Sciences & Veterinary Medicine, Biotechnology, Green Technologies, among others. The deadline for submission is 01 November 2024.

Conrad Foundation

Spirit of Innovation Challenge 2025

2024-11-01

The Spirit of Innovation Challenge is a worldwide competition for youth ages 13-18 to create commercially viable products or services to address issues of global sustainability. Categories include "Energy and Environment". Ideas are submitted by student teams, which can be international, if desired. There is a fee for team registration (discounted rates may apply for qualified title one schools or special circumstances). The winning teams are offered seed money to continue the development of their ideas. The application deadline for the activation stage (phase 1) is 01 November 2024.

ACT Foundation

Grant Cycle 2025

2024-11-03

The Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation accepts applications from national and regional non-profit organizations working to address social, environmental, and economic challenges across the African Continent. Focus areas include health, environment, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Proposed projects must have a maximum life cycle of 12 months and benefit African communities. The application deadline is 03 November 2024.

UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Chevening Scholarships 2025-2026

2024-11-05

The Chevening Scholarships provide full or partial funding for full-time courses at the postgraduate level, normally a one-year master’s degree, in any subject at any UK university. Chevening Scholars come from 150 countries, excluding the USA and the EU. Applicants complete the application forms for their chosen universities. The available courses include subjects such as agriculture, conservation, climate change, and others. The current application closes on 05 November 2024.

Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance

Accelerating Investments in Climate Resilience

2024-11-07

The Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance invites innovative solutions that address barriers to climate investment in emerging markets and support the transition to a net-zero economy. The call for ideas covers four programs, each with distinct priorities. In 2025, the Lab will develop at least nine ideas. Six ideas will focus on five regional programs, with two ideas targeting Latin America and the Caribbean, and three thematic ideas. Selected ideas will receive guidance and support from experts and investors, as well as analytical and communications support. The application deadline is 07 November 2024.

Mountaintop International

Fellowship for Community Leaders

2024-11-08

The Mountaintop Fellowship is a paid, one-year, full-time fellowship for local leaders to stay in or return to their home communities and contribute to systems change in lower-income places around the world. Fellows receive a US$3,600 grant paid in 12 installments and have the opportunity to apply for the Catalyst Fund, which funds up to US$2,500 for fellows to implement a project in their community. The fellowship is open to individuals worldwide. The application deadline is 08 November 2024.

Social Science Research Council

APN Individual Research Fellowships

2024-11-08

The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) offers fellowships to African researchers, policy analysts, and practitioners working on conflict and peace-building issues. The posted list of issues includes natural resource conflicts and water conflicts. The fellowships are intended to support six months of field-based research with grants of up to US$15 thousand. Applicants must be citizens of and reside in an African country. The application deadline is 08 November 2024.

MasterCard Foundation

Scholarships for Africans at the University of Edinburgh 2025

2024-11-08

The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program funds citizens and residents of Sub-Saharan Africa for graduate studies at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. The fields of study include Environment; Food Security; Sustainable Energy Systems; and others. The Foundation will provide 3-year part-time online Master’s scholarships and 2-year part-time postgraduate diploma scholarships, which will cover the full tuition fees and expenses for accommodation and maintenance. The application process closes on 08 November 2024.

Schlumberger Foundation

Funding for Women in PhD and Postdoctoral Studies

2024-11-08

Schlumberger Foundation's 'Faculty of the Future' supports women in developing and emerging economies in pursuing PhD and postdoctoral studies at the international level. Grants are in the physical sciences, engineering, and related fields -- including past grants in subjects such as ecology and environment. Grants can be up to US$50 thousand per year for PhD courses and a maximum of US$40 thousand for post-doc research programs. The deadline to submit new applications is 08 November 2024.

African Leadership Academy

Anzisha Prize for Young Innovators

2024-11-08

The Anzisha Prize seeks young innovators ages 15-22 in Africa who develop and implement innovative solutions to challenges facing their communities. Past awards include innovations in energy, agriculture, and ecological consumer products. The grand prize winners will share prizes worth US$140 thousand. Applicants must be nationals of an African country with a business based in Africa for African customers/beneficiaries. The next application closes on 08 November 2024.

German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development

African-German Leadership Academy

2024-11-10

The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) offers an innovative training program for early to mid-career professionals from Germany and African partner countries. The training aims to capacitate professionals to engage in addressing significant global challenges, such as climate change and economic disparity. Participants of the Leadership Academy must be nationals or permanent residents of Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Togo, or Zambia, and work on issues relevant to sustainable development. The deadline for applications is 10 November 2024.

International Research & Exchanges Board

Community Solutions Program

2024-11-13

The International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) seeks applications for its Community Solutions Program (CSP) with the aim to improve communities by addressing issues related to the environment, among others. The Community Solutions Program is a year-long professional development program with a four-month fellowship in the United States. To be eligible, applicants must be between the ages of 26 and 39 (as of 01 January 2025). Eligible countries from Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, Eastern Europe, East Asia and the Pacific, South and Central Asia, and Latin America are listed in the announcement. Applications must be submitted by 13 November 2024.

Pulitzer Center

Local Letters for Global Change

2024-11-15

Local Letters for Global Change is a Pulitzer Center writing contest for students. Students are encouraged to write a letter to a local elected representative that explains the global issue they want them to prioritize (e.g., Climate and Environment), shows how it connects to their local community and proposes a solution. The Pulitzer Center welcomes entries from all current K-12 students across the globe. First-place winners will receive US$300 to support global community engagement. Educators working with groups of 50 or more students can also schedule a free, virtual workshop facilitated by a member of the Pulitzer Center Education team. The application deadline is 15 November 2024.

American Association for the Advancement of University Women

International Fellowships 2025

2024-11-15

The American Association for the Advancement of University Women (AAAUW) provides support for women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the USA who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Preference is given to women who show prior commitment to the advancement of women and girls through civic, community, or professional work. Fellows represent all subject areas, including those important in the Terra Viva Grants Directory. Fellows receive between US$20 thousand and US$50 thousand to pursue their studies. The deadline for the submission of applications is 15 November 2024.

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University

2024-11-15

The Johns Hopkins Science Writing Fellowship aims to improve science journalism and science itself by providing reporting grants for feature-length magazine articles. Grants will support articles that reveal flaws in current science policy, practice, or funding and identify ways these challenges might be overcome. The Good Science Project–Johns Hopkins MA in Science Writing Fellowship will award four grants each year. Grant funds will be distributed in two installments: US$2,500 when the grant is awarded and US$2,500 upon submission of a polished final draft. Awardees can use the funds to cover living expenses and reporting costs, including travel, and are not required to track or submit expenses. International applicants are welcome to apply, but proposed articles should address scientific funding in the United States. The deadline to apply is 15 November 2024.

CIFAR

Global Scholars

2024-11-20

The CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars program provides funding, skills training, mentorship, and opportunities for research collaboration. CIFAR invites early-career researchers pursuing the most exciting and important research questions across the natural, biomedical and social sciences and the humanities to join an interdisciplinary research program. As part of the program, scholars receive C$100 thousand in unrestricted research support over two years. To be eligible for this program, applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent) and be within the first five years of starting a full-time research position at an institution of higher education or research. The deadline for applications is 20 November 2024.

D-Prize

Funding Entrepreneurs to Alleviate Poverty

2024-11-24

The D-Prize funds pilot projects that more widely distribute relatively low-cost products and services in the fight against poverty. The current challenges include social enterprises for innovations in specified themes of agriculture; energy; WASH; and several other categories. The D-Prize will award 30 teams with up to US$20 thousand each to launch nonprofits or social ventures that can distribute proven poverty interventions to people in need. Eligibility to compete extends to entrepreneurs anywhere in the world and of any age or background. The D-Prize invites concept notes before 13 October 2024 (early deadline); 03 November 2024 (regular deadline); or 24 November 2024 (limited extension).

Wellcome Trust

Career Development Awards

2024-11-24

The Wellcome Trust supports bold and creative discovery research that has the potential to improve human life, health, and well-being. Career Development Awards provide funding for mid-career researchers from any discipline who have the potential to be international research leaders. Research can be in any discipline, including STEM, experimental medicine, or climate – as long as it has the potential to improve human life. The Trust provides a salary for the grant holder and research expenses for up to 8 years. The applicant’s host organization has to be based in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, or a low- or middle-income country (apart from India and mainland China). The deadline for new applications is 24 November 2024.

Beit Trust

Support for Community and Conservation Projects

2024-11-30

The Beit Trust supports projects for health, education, welfare, and the environment in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. Themes include wildlife conservation. Additionally, the Trust’s interests in community welfare include drinking water and irrigation water. Grants do not normally exceed £50 thousand. Applications should be submitted by the end of May and November each year.

Royal Geographic Society

Grants with Deadlines in November 2024

2024-11-30

The Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers (RGS-IBG) makes grants for geographical research, fieldwork, and teaching that include several awards with deadlines in November. The deadline is 23 November for the Ralph Brown Expedition Award; Thesiger-Oman International Research Fellowships; Hong Kong Research Grant; Walters Kundert Fellowship; Dudley Stamp Memorial Award; Postgraduate Research Awards; and Geographical Club Award. The deadline is 30 November for the Neville Shulman Challenge Award.