Moonshots for Development Open Innovation Challenge Info Session

12 February 2026. Moonshots for Development Open Innovation Challenge Info Session

Innovators are invited to apply towards this transformative program, offering up to $360,000 in funding and support to teams and paving the way for groundbreaking success. Teams chosen for this remarkable opportunity will embark on an innovation journey that will take their ideas to the next level:

1. Begin with the Phase 0 virtual bootcamp, a dynamic launchpad designed to propel business model development, enriched by a month of personalized mentorship that will set the foundation for success in later stages.
2. Select teams progress to Phase 1, where startups can secure up to $10,000 USD. This phase offers bespoke coaching tailored to your unique business needs, with exclusive access to M4D’s invaluable resources and networks.
3. Top teams advance to Phase 2, with up to $100,000 USD in funding, along with comprehensive pilot and implementation support to bring your vision to life.
4. Finalists in Phase 3 have the potential to earn up to $250,000 USD and receive unparalleled support to scale your enterprise to new heights.

Upcoming:

18 March 2026. 10:00 AM US EDT | 2:00 PM GMT Interactive virtual information session Moonshots for Development Open Innovation Challenge Info Session

Operationalizing agroecology: Policy guidance, farmers’ strategies, and practical challenges

11 February 2026. Operationalizing agroecology: Policy guidance, farmers’ strategies, and practical challenges

This webinar organised under the Farmer-led Research and Innovation (FO-led R&I or FO-RI) programme promoted a shared understanding and practical exchanges on agroecology to support the agroecological transition led by farmers’ organisations.

• From EU Policy to field action: The EU Operational Guide on Agroecology. Key principles and guidance from the EU Operational Guide and its relevance for farmer-led research and innovation.
• Farmers’ Organisations as drivers of agroecological transition: PAFO’s advocacy strategy on agroecology and the strategic role of continental and national farmers’ organisations.
• Enabling agroecology in practice: Constraints to organic input production. Technical and systemic barriers to producing organic inputs and implications for scaling agroecological practices.

Speakers:

• Katja Vuori - CEO, AgriCord
• Marion Michaud - Policy Officer, DG-INTPA
• Schadrack Seneza - M&E officer Pan African Farmers’ Organization (PAFO)
• Sheila Chebichii Kosgei - Agribusiness Coordinator, Cereal Growers Association (CGA)
• Dr. Babafemi Oyewole, CEO of PAFO
• Moderated by Martin Agboton, FORI Program Manager, AgriCord

Resource

EC (2025) From EU Policy to field action: The EU Operational Guide on Agroecology.

Chapter 1 – Agroecology: Definitions and Guidance.

This chapter introduces agroecology as a concept that has evolved from a scientific discipline into a holistic approach to food systems. It recounts the origins of agroecology, its broadened scope encompassing ecological, social, and cultural dimensions, and the current positions of key actors - research institutions, civil society, governments, and international organisations. The chapter highlights that agroecology aims to transform food systems by grounding agricultural practices in ecological processes, local knowledge, and equity. It also emphasises growing institutional recognition, including within EU development policy frameworks.

Chapter 2 – Reference Framework on Agroecology.

The guide then presents a structured conceptual foundation for agroecology, describing it as a paradigm shift towards systemic thinking. Central to this framework are the 13 HLPE principles, aligned with the 10 FAO elements, which together define the ecological, economic, social, and governance dimensions of agroecology. The chapter details each principle—such as diversity, synergies, recycling, responsible governance, and co-creation of knowledge—and identifies practices not compatible with agroecology, including input-intensive monocultures and measures undermining farmer-managed seed systems. It also analyses related approaches (e.g., climate-smart agriculture, conservation agriculture), showing their points of convergence and divergence with agroecological principles.

Chapter 3 – Agroecology and Major Global Challenges.

This chapter explains how agroecology provides practical, evidence-based responses to global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, low farmer incomes, gender inequality, biodiversity loss, nutrition and health issues, water crises, and territorial management. For climate, agroecology increases vegetation cover, restores degraded land, strengthens water and nutrient cycles, and promotes carbon sequestration through agroforestry and organic fertilisation. For food security and income, it supports diversified production systems and reduces dependence on external inputs. Agroecology also advances gender equality, protects biodiversity through diversified landscapes and reduced synthetic inputs, improves nutrition through diversified diets, and supports sustainable water management. The chapter also underscores the role of territorial approaches, such as shared resource management, local governance, and inclusive participation.

Chapter 4 – Integration of Agroecology in Programming.

This section provides guidance for incorporating agroecology into EU multiannual programming processes, especially under the NDICI (Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument. Certain quantified objectives  of the NDICI are aligned with some key principles of the agroecological approach. In the current Multiannual Financial Framework (2021-2027).

Chapter 5 – Political Dialogue and Building a Case for Agroecology.

Here, the guide emphasises the importance of multi-stakeholder political dialogue with national, regional, and local authorities to advance agroecological transitions. It provides arguments demonstrating agroecology’s advantages: economic resilience, climate adaptation, biodiversity restoration, improved nutrition, and reduced input dependency. The chapter also recommends developing incentive mechanisms, including repurposing subsidies away from synthetic-input agriculture, creating financial incentives for agroecological innovation, and using public procurement to support agroecological production.

Chapter 6 – Possible Interventions by Type of Actor.

This chapter outlines concrete actions for different stakeholders: strengthening farmers’ capacity for innovation, improving advisory services through participatory and co-creation-based approaches, supporting value chain actors to enhance access to inclusive markets, promoting action-research, updating academic and vocational training curricula to incorporate agroecology, and assisting ministries in developing public policies that enable agroecological transitions.

Chapter 7 – Topics of Intervention.

Building on Chapter 3, this section proposes practical activities to operationalise agroecology in areas such as climate change, food security, gender, biodiversity, value chains, nutrition, water, and territorial approaches. Examples include crop diversification, support for seed systems, soil carbon sequestration practices, water-efficient irrigation technologies, anti-erosion measures, and co-created advisory services. These activities illustrate how agroecological principles can be translated into concrete interventions.

Chapter 8 – Examples of Contextualised Interventions.

This chapter provides examples demonstrating how agroecological initiatives have been adapted to specific regional and socio-economic contexts, showing the diversity of pathways and the importance of local relevance in successful transitions.

Chapter 9 – Evaluation Methodologies.

The guide reviews a suite of evaluation tools, including TAPE, the Agroecology Criteria Tool (ACT), Business Agroecology Criteria Tool (B-ACT), the AE Assessment Framework, and EFA+—used to assess agroecology at farm, project, enterprise, policy, or territorial level. These tools measure environmental, social, economic, nutritional, and governance dimensions and support evidence-based decision-making throughout project cycles.

Chapter 10 – Developing a Logical Framework.

The final chapter offers guidance for designing logical frameworks compatible with agroecology, including indicators and examples that reflect the multi-dimensional nature of agroecological transitions. It stresses ensuring coherence between objectives, results, and monitoring systems while respecting agroecological principles.

How to Build Resilient Agrifood Systems. Máximo Torero, FAO Chief Economist

10 February 2026. In this first episode of The Work We Do, Ms. Park speaks with Máximo Torero, Chief Economist of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Máximo served as the Director of Markets, Trade and Institutions Division at IFPRI and later as an Executive Director for the World Bank representing several South American countries.  

The conversation explores how agrifood systems, global markets, financing, and macroeconomic stability are deeply interconnected, and why food security is not only a humanitarian concern but a central pillar of economic and political resilience, promoting national security. 

Máximo explains how countries can better protect themselves against food crises through smarter investment, early action, and risk-informed policies, and why prevention is far more effective than crisis response. The episode also unpacks the links between hunger, migration, and conflict, and the role international institutions play in stabilizing agrifood systems and reducing systemic risk in an increasingly volatile global environment. 

Máximo also offers a glimpse into how his upbringing in Peru and his early years as a researcher have shaped his career and worldview.  

From Farm to Market: Investing with Young Entrepreneurs

10–11 February 2026. IFAD Governing Council: 49th Session.

The overarching theme of the Governing Council is “From Farm to Market: Investing with Young Entrepreneurs”.

IFAD recognizes that youth are not just the future, they are the present. By investing in their entrepreneurial potential, we can unlock new pathways for employment, reduce poverty and inequality, and ensure that rural areas become thriving engines of stability, prosperity and sustainable growth.

This session took place at the beginning of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, declared in recognition of the key role that women farmers around the world play in agrifood systems and their

contributions to food security, nutrition and poverty eradication. It comes at a time when we need to redouble our efforts to address the root causes of fragility, conflict and forced migration and overcome the discrimination and challenges faced by rural youth and women farmers so that they may realize their potential as drivers of economic and social development and transformed rural areas.

Extracts of the programme

10/02 Young Entrepreneurs at the Heart of Transformation: From Vision to Impact

This session highlighted the transformative potential of youth entrepreneurship in revitalizing rural economies and food systems, and kicked off with a fireside chat between IFAD’s President and Mr Tony Elumelu, founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

• Alvaro Lario – President, IFAD
• Tony O. Elumelu – Group Chair, Heirs Holdings & United Bank for Africa; Founder, The Tony Elumelu Foundation - The foundation is the leading philanthropic organization in Africa, empowering a new generation of entrepreneurs, driving poverty eradication, catalysing job creation across all 54
  African countries, and increasing women’s economic empowerment. The discussion was led by a dynamic panel of young entrepreneurs exploring investment opportunities in the next generation ofleaders and innovators. They also shared inspiring stories about their journey from farm to markets. 
  
• Johann Saathoff – Parliamentary State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (Germany)
• Juan Antonio Rivas – Senior Vice President & Global Head, Sustainable Business Development, Olam Food Ingredients (OFI)

Young Entrepreneurs featured:

• Ms. Cecilia Sejekam Wajai – Administrative Manager, Bosque de las Nuwas Association (Peru) - a women-managed initiative in Peru that preserves Amazonian forests, promotes ancestral plant knowledge and markets forest products and ecotourism experiences
• 
  Ms. Clara Kamlomo – Founder, Amazing B Projects (Malawi) - a youth-led agribusiness in
  Malawi focused on farming, training and value-add production to generate jobs and strengthen rural livelihoods
• Ms. Didiki Fanai – Manager, Dairei Banana Food Processing (India) - transforming local banana produce into value-added food products
• Mr. Hubert Stephy Tchuigoua – Founder, Family Green Corporation (Cameroon) - an agritech enterprise offering digital tools and market access services to smallholders
• Ms. Lakmini Weerakkody – Founder & MD, Lak Nature International (Sri Lanka) - producing and exporting organic natural food products sourced from smallholder farmers
• Mr. Mamadou Diop – Programme Officer, Youth, CNCR (Senegal) - supports youth engagement in agricultural value chains and rural enterprise development
• Mr. Morgan Mwamuye – Founder, Bahari Haven (Kenya) - a sustainable aquaculture enterprise in Kenya promoting coastal fish farming and livelihood diversification
• Ms. Sabrina Ounis Faiza – Founder & Manager, Desert Fish (Algeria) - Algerian venture pioneering sustainable aquaculture systems adapted to arid environments
• Ms. Sara Perez – Secretary, Cooprobaolupe Oversight Committee (Dominican Republic) - advancing cooperative agricultural production and market access for local farmers
• Moderator: Melissa Bell, Senior International Correspondent, CNN)

10/02  New Frontiers for IFIs: Financing Rural Development at the First Mile

This session explored tools and partnership approaches among international financial institutions (IFIs) to crowd in finance for the “first mile”, namely the rural communities at the beginning of the food value chain, where immense investment opportunities exist to foster growth, employment and prosperity. The discussion focused on country-driven approaches and platforms that can facilitate larger-scale, more-coordinated investments in market access, resilient infrastructure and digital connectivity, all key for

rural development. 

• Ms. Federica Diamanti – Associate Vice-President, External Relations Department, IFAD
• Mr. Aki Nishio – Vice-President for Development Finance, World Bank Group
• Mr. Matteo Patrone – Vice-President for Banking, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
• Mr. Musab Alomar – Vice-President for Strategy, OPEC Fund
• Dr. Ludger Schuknecht – Vice-President for Strategy and Policy, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

11/02 International Year of the Woman Farmer

In recognition of the United Nations’ declaration of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, this dialogue showcased the experiences and amplify the voices of women farmers, highlighting the vital role they play in reducing poverty, ensuring food and nutrition security, strengthening community resilience, and advancing sustainable rural development.

• H.E. Mary Robinson – Co-founder, Project Dandelion; former President of Ireland; former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
• Gérardine Mukeshimana – Vice-President, IFAD
• Katherine Meighan – Chief Legal & Governance Officer & General Counsel, IFAD
• Clara Kamlomo – Founder, Amazing B Projects (Malawi)
• Andrea Lucía Sarnari – President, Federación Agraria Argentina

12/02 IFAD14 Consultation 

The forty-ninth session of the Governing Council also marked the establishment of the IFAD14 Consultation : a Consultation on the Fourteenth Replenishment of IFAD's Resources (the IFAD14. Consultation) and provide a forum for Governors to share their insights on priority areas for strategic action.

Mainstreaming Land Rights and Climate Change in Agricultural Food Systems

11-12 February 2026, Quezon City, Philippines. Asian Regional Workshop on Mainstreaming Land Rights and Climate Change in Agricultural Food Systems.
Day 1 (11 February 2026) - Please register here for Day 1
Day 2 (12 February 2026) - Please register here for Day 2

Research and development on food and agriculture in recent decades have focused on increasing productivity prompted by uncertainties of food supply. These undertakings have secured the food needs of the global population as affirmed by FAO in The State of Food and Agriculture of 2023 that “agrifood systems generate significant benefits to society, including the food that nourishes us, and jobs and livelihoods for over a billion people”.[1]

However, this development pathway opened opportunities to commercialize food and agriculture attracting multinational corporations to establish large scale plantations, congregating international value chains, and marketing taking on a global scale. Today, just a handful of powerful agri-corporations dominate each of 11 key industrial agrifood sectors – from seeds and fertilizers to grocery retail and food delivery.[2]

Moreover, advances in productivity have been negated by climate change – as rural livelihood and livelihood assets become more exposed and vulnerable to changes in rainfall and drought patterns. Many Asian countries also have large growing populations with a high proportion of poor people living with tenure insecurity which lessens their resiliency to the adverse effects of disasters and to cope with climate change.

Civil society organizations (CSOs) and farmer organizations[3] have been advocating the need for greater focus on community-led, farmer-based research and extension, sustainable farming systems, greater recognition of indigenous knowledge and gender equity, among others.[4]  While thematic priorities vary among these groups, they are consistent in focusing on vulnerable smallholder producers with insecure land tenure, high vulnerability to environmental disasters and weak market linkages.

Given that the problems are complex and multifaceted, a wholistic approach of looking at the interplay of land tenure, climate change, and food security towards transforming the food systems is recommended. Recognising the social function of land increases the opportunities to emphasize the cultural, as well as the nutritional importance of food systems and provides an important reference point when designing land use, and particularly change of land use, regulations and policies.

The Asian Regional Workshop organized jointly by Asian NGO Coalition for Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (ANGOC) and the Asia-Pacific Association of Agriculture Research Institutes (APAARI), in partnership with the Global Forum on Agricultural Research and Innovation (GFAiR) and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD),  will discuss the challenges and recommend policies towards building "productive, equitable, and resilient agricultural systems."  

This regional workshop was undertaken as part of GFAiR Collective Action on Land Tenure and Climate Change, coordinated by ANGOC and funded by the European Commission (EC).

Defining the future of bean production in Eastern Africa

Mwungu, C.; Petsakos, A.; Andrade, R.; Gotor, E. (2025) Defining the future of bean production in Eastern Africa: Challenges, trends, and strategic priorities to 2050. Foresight Policy Briefs Series. 7 p.

Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are central to food security, nutrition, and rural livelihoods in Eastern Africa, providing affordable protein and income to millions of smallholder farmers. While Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Tanzania have made notable productivity gains, Kenya continues to face persistent structural constraints, and Burundi has experienced a long-term decline in productivity.

Across the region, yields remain far below genetic potential due to weak seed systems, limited mechanisation, declining soil fertility, pest and disease pressures, and climate variability. Meanwhile, rapid population growth, urbanisation, and growing regional trade are driving strong demand, positioning beans as both a staple food and a commercial crop.

Looking ahead to 2050, the future of the bean sector in Eastern Africa depends on scaling climate-resilient and biofortified varieties, strengthening seed and post-harvest systems, and promoting good agronomic practices. With sustained research investments and supportive policies, beans can continue to serve as a pillar of resilience, nutrition, and rural livelihoods, supporting regional food security and agricultural transformation.

Bridging the market-to-farmer disconnect

5 February 2026. Bridging the market-to-farmer disconnect.

together with Panafrican Farmers Organisation, Global Citizen, and SDG2 Advocacy Hub, AGRA hosted a timely dialogue on bridging the market-to-farmer disconnect and making Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) work where it matters most: at the farm gate.

The session focused on the persistent gap between agricultural policy intentions and the realities faced by smallholder farmers in African markets, highlighting that policies such as the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) often fail to translate into tangible benefits at the farm gate. Speakers emphasised that farmers frequently struggle to access profitable markets due to systemic disconnects—including weak market information flows, infrastructure bottlenecks, and misaligned incentives—despite concerted continental ambitions to transform agrifood systems.

• 
  Chilufya Chileshe — Chief Operating Officer, SDG2 Advocacy Hub
  Chilufya Chileshe from the SDG2 Advocacy Hub brought a strong advocacy perspective, urging policy and market frameworks to be better grounded in the lived experiences of producers, particularly women and youth, whose livelihoods hinge on responsive market linkages. 
• Jonathan Said — Vice President, Centre for Technical Expertise, AGRA
  Jonathan Said shared insights from AGRA’s technical vantage, emphasising the need for actionable reforms that align CAADP implementation with market dynamics. 
• 
  Dr. Babafemi O. Oyewole, PhD, MBA — Chief Executive Officer, Pan-African Farmers Organisation
  Dr. Babafemi Oyewole stressed the importance of farmer organisations as essential intermediaries in closing informational and logistical gaps
• Fahari Marwa — Head of Agriculture and Food Security, East African Community
  Fahari Marwa linked these issues to regional integration efforts within the East African Community, underscoring that market access improvements must be complemented by harmonised standards and supportive trade policies.

Overall, the dialogue called for practical, farmer-centric solutions—from enhanced market intelligence systems and local aggregation platforms to policy processes that routinely include farmer insights—so that agricultural transformation frameworks like CAADP deliver real economic opportunities where they matter mos

Mapping KM-MEL Pathways for Evidence-Driven Agricultural Development

29 January 2026. The webinar focused on strengthening integration between Knowledge Management (KM) and Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) to ensure that knowledge products and processes meaningfully contribute to evidence-based agricultural development:

Watch the recording here

It emphasized the need to articulate and map the pathways through which KM activities (like knowledge creation, access, adoption, and use) translate into development outcomes and impacts. Participants explored how integrated KM–MEL value chains can help institutions move beyond counting outputs (like publications) to measuring uptake, behavioral change, policy influence, and improved institutional performance.

Practical tools were showcased — such as results matrices, indicators, milestones, and dashboards — which support tracking KM contributions throughout programme planning and execution. The session reinforced that KM should be seen as integral to programme design, reporting, accountability, and adaptive learning rather than a standalone function.

A moderated discussion allowed participants to share experiences, address challenges in measuring KM impact, and discuss practical design considerations for KM–MEL frameworks.

The webinar brought together KM and MEL practitioners from across Africa and beyond, including:

• Benjamin Abugri – Knowledge Management, Digitalization & Learning (KMDL) Cluster Lead at Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) – opened the session and set the context.
• Anselme Vodounhessi – Lead Specialist for Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning and CAAPs Programme Coordinator at FARA – delivered the core presentation, offering practical insights on linking KM and MEL.
• Upile Faith Muhariwa – Moderator; affiliated with CCARDESA (Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research & Development for Southern Africa) and Certified KM Practitioner (led part of the interactive dialogue).
• Mabel Lum Shu – Moderator; associated with WACSI (West Africa Civil Society Institute) and Certified KM Practitioner (co-facilitated the discussion).

Africa Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization

3 - 6 February 2026. Africa Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization

Organized by FAO in collaboration with the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, the Africa Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization provided a neutral space for farmers, mechanization service providers, research institutions, development agencies, policymakers, extension specialists, civil society, opinion leaders and the private sector to engage in open dialogue, exchange experiences and explore new pathways for accelerating sustainable agricultural mechanization.

View the recording of the official opening (mainly in Kiswahili)

Agriculture in Africa continues to face persistent challenges, including labour shortages, climate variability, rising production costs, and low productivity, limited access to appropriate technologies and finance, which make it increasingly difficult for farming systems to meet the continent’s growing food demand.

In this context, agricultural mechanization offers more than just tools, it opens up new ways of working that can help farmers tackle long-standing challenges. By making field operations more efficient, easing the physical strain of manual labour, and enabling practices that are better adapted to climate pressures, mechanization helps increase productivity without depleting the land while supporting sustainability and resilience of farming systems.

As innovation continues to advance and new delivery models emerge, mechanization is increasingly becoming a cornerstone of agricultural transformation across Africa. It is helping to shape a future in which farming is more productive, sustainable, and efficient, and capable of meeting the evolving needs of communities across the continent while supporting inclusive growth and decent rural employment.

Webinars and events February 2026

2 February, 10:00 AM CAT. EAC Quality for Trade (Q4T) Platform - BURUNDI – Coffee, Tea, and Avocado Sectors

• Registration link for the Webinar: https://bit.ly/4sflnyT
• Service offered by the Association Nationale pour la Promotion de la Qualite au Burundi (ANPQ-Burundi)

3 - 6 February 2026. Africa Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization 

5 February 2026. Bridging the Market-to-Farmer Disconnect: Aligning CAADP Implementation with Smallholder Realities

5 February 2026, 10:00 AM EAT. EAC Quality for Trade (Q4T) Platform - UGANDA (Coffee, Cocoa, Avocado Sectors)

• Registration link for the Webinar: https://bit.ly/48QeN8P
• Service offered by the Quality Assurance Association of Uganda Limited (QAAUL)

10 February 2026. Hybrid. World Pulses Day 2026 – Scientific and culinary forum

10–11 February 2026. IFAD Governing Council: 49th Session: “From Farm to Market: Investing with Young Entrepreneurs

11-12 February 2026, Quezon City, Philippines. Asian Regional Workshop on Mainstreaming Land Rights and Climate Change in Agricultural Food Systems.

• Day 1 (11 February 2026) - Please register here for Day 1
• Day 2 (12 February 2026) - Please register here for Day 2

9-13 February, 20th European Forum on System Dynamics and Innovation in Food Networks – Garmisch, Germany

11 February 2026. Time: 14:00-15:30 (CET) Operationalizing agroecology: Policy guidance, farmers’ strategies, and practical challenges

• This webinar organised under the FORI programme aims to promote a shared understanding and practical exchanges on agroecology to support the agroecological transition led by farmers’ organisations.
• From EU Policy to field action: The EU Operational Guide on Agroecology. Key principles and guidance from the EU Operational Guide and its relevance for farmer-led research and innovation.
• Farmers’ Organisations as drivers of agroecological transition: PAFO’s advocacy strategy on agroecology and the strategic role of continental and national farmers’ organisations.
• Enabling agroecology in practice: Constraints to organic input production. Technical and systemic barriers to producing organic inputs and implications for scaling agroecological practices.

11 February 2026. Promoting Resilience in Nigeria through Improved Varieties, Quality Seed & Seed Systems by IFPRI

12 February 2026. 9:00 PM US EDT | 2:00 AM GMT. Moonshots for Development Open Innovation Challenge Info Session

17-18 February 2026. 3.30pm IST. International Conference “Global Sustainability through Life Sciences: Green Energy, Climate Resilience & SDG Integration”

18 March 2026. 10:00 AM US EDT | 2:00 PM GMT Interactive virtual information session Moonshots for Development Open Innovation Challenge Info Session

20 February 2026. African Livestock Genetic Resources and Sustainable Breeding Strategies: Unlocking a Treasure Trove and Guide for Improved Productivity 

25 February, 3PM (Rome Time)] Launch webinar for the new IPES-FOOD report on "Challenging the digital takeover of farming", 

25 February 2026. 3.30pm IST. 2-3pm WAT Harnessing Global Opportunities in Underutilized Legumes Value Chains

• How to harness global marketing and product developments for underutilized legumes particularly Bambara groundnut, Winged Bean, Common bean etc.
• The overall goal is to gain a better understanding of how Bambara groundnut and others can be utilized globally to achieve the desired support for both human and animal health, while also considering their impacts for sustainable environments.
• With Joanna Kane-Potaka of the Global Forum for Agricultural Research and Innovation (GFAIR)

24 - 28 February 2026. International Conference on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development - Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

25-27 February 2026 – Nairobi, Kenya. Africa Dairy Innovations Summit

26 February 2026. 11:00 am to 12:30 pm (online). AI in Smallholder Agriculture: Hype or Game Changer? by the Agri-Food Innovation Centre (SAFIC) of Strathmore University.

• Denis Mujibi, Associate Director, Data Insights and Market Intelligence, Strathmore Agri-Food Innovation Center (SAFIC)
• Dr. Elizabeth Wamicha, AI & Digital Innovation for Social Impact | Researcher & Advisor
• Jared Ochieng, Senior Agriculture Finance Specialist, FSD Kenya
• Joseph Theuri Gitonga, Lead Data Scientist, SAFIC

15-20 March 2026. International symposium on Beverage crops South Africa

• Under the theme ‘Beverage Crops: Sustainability and Scientific Advancements in the 21st Century,’ this symposium will highlight the latest research, technological innovations, and industry trends shaping the future of beverage crop production and processing.
• This theme reflects the growing importance of beverage crops in sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and global trade. Beverage crops encompass a vast diversity of fruits, nuts, vegetables, vine and berry fruits, and botanical plants used for fresh juices, extracts, fermentations, and infusions.
• From widely consumed beverages such as coffee, tea, beer, and wine to emerging plant-based alternatives like almond and soy beverages, as well as herbal infusions rich in bioactive compounds—including the proudly South African Rooibos tea—this symposium provides a platform for scientific exchange, innovation, and industry collaboration.
• This event builds on the success of previous symposia held in Cairns, Australia (2016), Xi’an, China (2018), and Murcia, Spain (2023)

25-27 March 2026 – Lusaka, Zambia. Africa Food Manufacturing Zambia & Southern Africa

6-7 April 2026, Dubai, UAE. 5th International Conference on Plant Science & Agricultural Research (ICPAR 2026)

14 April 2026. Brussels. Forum for the Future of Agriculture (ForumforAg) Annual Conference

20 - 26 April 2026. Salon International de l'Agriculture au Maroc (SIAM 2026)

• The 18th edition will focus on "Durability of livestock production and food sovereignty" (Durabilité de la production animale et souveraineté alimentaire).

6 - 7 May 2026. GLF Africa 2026: Rangelands

9 - 11 June 2026. Stuttgart. Agroecology, Climate Resilience, and Indigenous and Underutilised Crops: Rethinking Value Chains for Sustainable Food Futures

1-2 July 2026. Utrecht, the Netherlands. Land, Conflict, and Peace conference

15-17 July 2026 – Nairobi, Kenya. Africa Food Manufacturing Kenya & Eastern Africa

16 July 2026 – Nairobi, Kenya. Africa Food Awards

25 - 26 August 2026. Leuven, KU Leuven. Plant-Based Fermented Foods for Healthier and More Sustainable Diets - HealthFerm Final Conference

8-10 September 2026, Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE. Agra Middle East 2026 (AgraME 2026)

September 2026. Africa Food Systems Forum 2026

15-17 September 2026 – Lagos, Nigeria Africa Food Manufacturing Nigeria & Western Africa

22–25 September 2026. Nairobi (Kenya). Smart Agriculture: Innovation, Digital Transformation, and Trade for a Climate-Challenged Africa.

• The event invites papers and proposals on topics like climate-smart ag, agri-finance, digital tech, value chains, and gender/youth in agriculture, with submissions due by March 31, 2026 
• by African Association of Agricultural Economists (AAAE).

October 2026. FAO’s World Food Forum (WFF) Youth Assembly 

• This is a year-round platform for youth engagement in agrifood systems. It includes ongoing virtual and thematic consultations throughout the year and typically culminates in activities around the flagship World Food Forum event in October.

19–23 October 2026. FAO HQ, Rome, Italy. CFS 54th Plenary Session

19-30 October 2026. Seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity

31 October 2026. International Conference on Agroforestry Systems for Climate Adaptation and Biodiversity (ICASCAAB-2026)

• Focuses on agroforestry systems, climate adaptation, and biodiversity — a platform for researchers and practitioners to share developments in the field.

25-27 November 2026. Santiago, Chile. XI CONGRESSO LATINOAMERICANO DE AGROECOLOGIA

Webinar Series – AI for Food Systems Research

29 January 2026. From Foundations to Field: Lessons from Microsoft and Reply’s Work in Agriculture

CGIAR/IFPRI webinar in the AI for Food Systems Research series — panel exploring how AI and digital tools are used in agricultural decision-making, innovation adoption, and research-to-practice translation

See the recording here

As large language models (LLMs) and generative AI systems evolve, understanding how these technologies work—and what they can realistically achieve—has become essential for researchers and practitioners alike. 

• The session began with a deep dive from Sean Smith of Reply/Microsoft, who will unpack the core principles behind AI and LLMs—how these models are trained and what their strengths and limitations are across different use contexts.
• Building on this foundation, Ryan McCamy, also from Reply/Microsoft, showcased practical use cases in the agricultural sector. He demonstrated how AI-driven tools are being designed and deployed to enhance decision-making, streamline knowledge management, and support sustainable food system innovation.
• Lina Yassin, Digital & Data Product Director with the CGIAR Digital Transformation Initiative, who will led the discussion and offered reflections from the perspective of CGIAR’s applied research and digital innovation portfolio.

The presentations bridged the gap between technical innovation and agricultural impact—highlighting how cutting-edge AI models can be harnessed responsibly to address real-world challenges while remaining attentive to local context, data ethics, and user trust.

Open Forum: Agricultural Evolution at the World Economic Forum

22 January 20216.  The global food system is under mounting strain. Feeding a growing population amid climate disruption, resource scarcity and nutritional inequality demands transformation. As innovations in farming, ingredients and supply chain move from theory to practice, the challenge is to scale solutions that are both people and planet positive. 

The forum explored how food systems around the world are evolving and what it will take to transition them toward sustainability, resilience and inclusion. Participants discussed ways to build systems that expand consumer choice, support and sustain farmers, and restore environmental health — all while ensuring greater equity and access in food production and distribution.

• Christian Frutiger — President, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Switzerland
• Nyifamu Manzo — Director of Global Programs, Heifer International 
• Alice Ruhweza — Africa Regional Director, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) International
• Sam Kass — Former White House Senior Policy Advisor for Nutrition and Executive Director, Let’s Move! Initiative 
• Sabrina Dhowre Elba — UN Goodwill Ambassador, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
• Herman Betten — Former Director of Crops, CGIAR (title most frequently used in international agricultural research contexts)

AR4D Funding Opportunities for Africa : March 2026

 

Agriculture Fisheries Forestry

International Foundation for the Law of the Sea

Training Program Law of the Sea

2026-03-06

The Tribunal runs an annual capacity-building and training program on dispute settlement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The nine-month program is aimed at junior to mid-level government officials and researchers mainly from developing countries who are currently working on issues related to the law of the sea, maritime law, or dispute settlement. All participants' costs, including travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and a monthly allowance, are covered by the Nippon Foundation. The application deadline is 06 March 2026.

Biodiversity Conservation Wildlife

Senckenberg

Global Fellowships

2026-03-01

Senckenberg offers fellowships to early-career scientists (doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers) from the Global South. Fellowships are offered for a 3-month period to establish and/or strengthen collaboration with scientific staff at Senckenberg. Applicants must hold a master's or doctoral degree in biodiversity, anthropology, geology, collection-based research, or conservation ecology. The next application deadline is 01 March 2026.

Rainforest Trust

Creating New Protected Areas

2026-03-01

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 2026. Applications for less than US$250 thousand may be submitted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation

Science without Borders Challenge 2026

2026-03-02

The Science Without Borders (SWB) Challenge is an international student art competition. The theme for this year’s challenge is “Microscopic Marine Life.” Students are asked to create artwork celebrating the vital role of tiny ocean organisms—like phytoplankton, zooplankton, bacteria, and protists—that sustain marine ecosystems, produce oxygen, recycle nutrients, and regulate Earth’s climate. The SWB Challenge is open to primary and secondary school students (aged 11-19 years) from all around the world. The winners will receive scholarships of up to US$500. The deadline is 02 March 2026.

British Ecological Society

Small Research Grants 2026

2026-03-10

The British Ecological Society (BES) makes small research grants in support of scientific ecological research where there are limited alternative sources of funding. Small projects can be awarded up to £5 thousand. Applicants must be members of BES. However, there are no restrictions on nationality or residence of applicants, or where they carry out their research. The application deadline is 10 March 2026.

AEON Environmental Foundation

MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity 2026

2026-03-31

The MIDORI Prize is a biennial international prize to honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity at global, regional, or local levels. In principle, the MIDORI Prize is awarded to three individuals. Each prize winner is awarded US$100 thousand. The deadline for nominations is 31 March 2026.

Zebra Foundation

Support for Vets and Vet Students

2026-03-31

The Zebra Foundation for Veterinary Zoological Education assists veterinary students and veterinary surgeons from anywhere in the world to gain additional experience in veterinary zoological medicine. The program funds seeing practice at an institution specializing in zoological medicine or research projects (laboratory, field, or clinic-based) leading to advances in zoo and wildlife health. Grants range from £100 to £1000. Applications are considered twice a year. The application deadlines are 31 March and 30 September 2026.

European Outdoor Conservation Association

Funding for Conservation Projects

2026-03-31

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 01-31 March 2026.

Crosscutting

Trust for Sustainable Living

International Schools Essay Competition

2026-03-01

Every year, the essay competition focuses on a different global sustainability challenge. This year’s theme is “Creating a Sustainability Culture.” Participating students are invited to create a piece of artwork, music, video, poem, essay, letter, or story. The Grand Prize trophy winner will receive a free international trip to a TSL Summit, including £1000 spending money. Schools have to register a Teacher Champion to participate in the competition. The deadline for essay entries is 01 March 2026.

University of Antwerp

Masters Program in Development Studies

2026-03-01

The University of Antwerp's Institute of Development Policy and Management (IOB) offers three specializations for one-year master's programs in development studies. Topics include poverty, climate change, conflict, good governance, sustainable development, and others. The Institute of Development Policy awards scholarships to students from many countries of Africa, Asia, and Latin America for studies at Belgian universities that include Antwerp's IOB. Candidates applying for an ICP Connect scholarship have to submit their application by 01 March 2026.

Belgian Royal Academy for Overseas Sciences

Research Competition 2026

2026-03-01

Each year, the Belgian Royal Academy for Overseas Sciences sponsors a competition to stimulate high-quality research regarding problems inherent in the developing world. The questions for 2026 request a study on the impact of climate change on the spread of tropical diseases in humans, animals or plants. Each award-winning work is granted a prize of €2,500. The deadline for the 2026 competition is 01 March 2026.

NextWorldNow Community Investments

Community Grants 2026

2026-03-01

NextWorldNow (NWN) is committed to working with community leaders who are solving difficult social problems. This includes social problems related to water, sanitation, deforestation, smallholder productivity, and food security -- among other subject areas. Grants are up to US$10 thousand. To apply, community organizations submit a short "Notification of Interest" to register their intent to submit a formal grant application. NWN will screen the initial requests and forward a full application form to selected community organizations. The 2026 Grant application period begins 01 January 2026 and remains open until 1000 requests have been received or 01 March 2026, whichever comes first.

Tony Elumelu Foundation

Entrepreneurship Program for Africans 2026

2026-03-01

The Tony Elumelu Foundation fosters and supports start-up enterprises in Africa. The TEF Entrepreneurship Program provides mentoring, training, forums, seed capital, and alumni support to individuals in Africa proposing new business ideas or early-stage companies in sectors that include agriculture, among others. Participants receive up to US$5 thousand in seed capital. The program is open to citizens and legal residents ages 18 and older in any African country. The next application deadline (English, French, Portuguese) is 01 March 2026.

Regional Studies Association

Early-Career Grant

2026-03-03

The Regional Studies Association (RSA) covers issues in the fields of climate change, energy, migration, and economic development. RSA makes grants to early-career researchers in support of their regional studies and/or regional science research. Individuals can apply for up to £10 thousand for projects of up to 18 months in duration. Please note that applicants have to be RSA members (non-members may apply and join RSA at the same time). Grants have no geographical limitation, past grant holders come from Egypt, Argentina, China, etc. Expressions of Interest have to be submitted by 03 March 2026.

European Commission

STARTS Prize 2026

2026-03-05

STARTS Prize is an innovation challenge of the European Commission honoring innovative artistic projects inspired by technology, industry, and society. Projects from all fields of technological and scientific research and development that have been inspired by art or involve artists as catalysts of novel thinking are eligible. Artists or researchers from all around the world can participate. Two prizes, each with €20 thousand prize money, are awarded. The submission phase ends on 05 March 2026.

Belmont Forum

Ocean Biodiversity and Ecosystem

2026-03-06

The Belmont Forum welcomes transdisciplinary research addressing global ocean challenges. Proposals should focus on at least one of three key areas: Biodiversity Conservation and Nature-Based Solutions; Ocean-Biodiversity-Climate Integration; Nature Futures, Ocean Governance, and Ethics for Sustainability. Projects are expected to last 36 months and involve research consortia with participants from multiple countries and disciplines, including societal partners. All projects should include 3 funding agencies from 3 different countries. Registrations are due 06 March 2026.

British Academy

International Fellowships Program

2026-03-11

The International Fellowships Program provides support for early-career researchers to establish and conduct their research in the UK. Applicants may apply for research expenses of up to £12 thousand and relocation costs of up to £8 thousand. The applicant must have a PhD and hold a citizenship other than the UK. The deadline date for research proposals is 11 March 2026.

Yale School of the Environment

Online Certificate Program: Tropical Forest Landscapes

2026-03-16

The course “Tropical Forest Landscapes: Conservation, Restoration and Sustainable Use” is an online certificate program for environmental professionals from around the world. The program combines online coursework with an in-person field component in the tropics and is open to applicants from any country with relevant professional experience; a university degree is recommended but not always required. The course covers themes in tropical forest landscape conservation and restoration, climate change mitigation, and food security. Partial scholarships are available on a competitive basis. Scholarship awards cover between 25-75% of the tuition fee. The application deadline is 16 May 2026.

UK Royal Society

International Exchanges 2026

2026-03-18

The Royal Society's International Exchanges Scheme makes grants to scientists based in the UK who seek new international collaborations. The scheme covers all areas of life and physical sciences, except clinical medicine. Applicants may request up to £12 thousand for travel to/from all countries outside the UK. The standard program is open for applications and will close on 18 March 2026.

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit

Africa Fellowship Program

2026-03-22

AFRIKA KOMMT! is a fellowship program that provides young African professionals with a one-year career transformational experience at leading German companies. Participants receive management training followed by an 8-month fellowship in a partner company. The monthly allowance is € 750. The initiative is open to citizens from all countries in Africa. The application deadline is 22 March 2026.

ETH Zurich

Faculty Exchange Grants

2026-03-30

ETH for Development (ETH4D) provides grants for visiting scientists who belong to academic institutions in low and lower-middle-income countries. The visiting scientist may visit ETH Zurich to conduct a short research stay or to attend a conference or workshop organized by ETH Zurich scientists. The grant covers expenses up to a maximum of CHF 10 thousand. The main applicant has to be a senior scientist or professor of ETH Zurich and invite colleagues from lower-income countries. The application deadline is 30 March 2026.

ETH Zurich

Doctoral Mentorship Program

2026-03-30

The ETH for Development (ETH4D) provides grants for mentoring doctoral candidates from low- and lower-middle-income countries. Doctoral candidates profit from research stays of up to 3 months at ETH Zurich. The grant covers expenses up to a maximum of CHF 15 thousand. Eligibility extends to doctoral candidates who are registered at a university or research institute in any low- or middle-income country. The next application deadline is 30 March 2026.

ETH Zurich

Research to Action Grants

2026-03-30

ETH for Development (ETH4D) supports ETH bachelor students, master students, doctoral candidates, post-docs, and senior scientists to develop prototypes. The grant sum is up to CHF 5 thousand. Preference is given to activities in lower-middle-income countries with direct involvement of collaborating institutions or agencies from said countries. The application deadline is 30 March 2026.

United Nations University

PhD Internships in Economics

2026-03-31

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

International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

Research Fellowships 2026

2026-03-31

The Arturo Falaschi Fellowships Program offers long and short-term fellowships to assist in the training of scientists from ICGEB's member states, including many developing countries. The fellowships are for research at collaborating universities in the UK, Italy, India, and South Africa. The closing date for applications is 31 March 2026.

Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation for the Americas

Grants for Environmental Conservation

2026-03-31

The Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation for the Americas (MCFA) makes grants to nonprofit charitable organizations in Canada, the USA, and Latin America for biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, environmental justice, and environmental education. Most recent grants are for two to four years, ranging from under US$30 thousand up to US$1 million. The ideal timing for submitting proposals is during the first quarter of the calendar year.

International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

Research Mobility Grants

2026-03-31

The ICGEB SMART Fellowship program provides fellowships to scientists in the early stage of their career wishing to spend between 3 and 9 months at a research institution in an ICGEB Member State other than their own. The stipend ranges from US$ 800 to US$1,500 per month. SMART Fellowships are intended to promote collaboration among researchers. Applications are welcome in any area of the Life Sciences. The application deadline is 31 March 2026.