Platform for African – European Partnership in Agricultural Research for Development

Monday, May 4, 2020

AR4D Funding Opportunities - May 2020




 A G R I C U L T U R AL

Research


The Essential Electronic Agricultural Library (TEEAL) is a full-text and searchable database of articles from high-quality research journals in agriculture and related sciences, housed at Cornell University in the USA. TEEAL is an offline tool, not requiring internet or a phone line. For eligible universities and research institutions in low-income EU-ACP countries (Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific), CTA in the Netherlands will provide the initial investment for the TEEAL base collection (equivalent to US$5 thousand) and the update in the following year. Applications can be made in English or French. 

The CS Fund and Warsh-Mott Legacy take an activist approach in making grants to defend traditional management of agriculture and natural resources in the Global South. Specific interests includes protecting local seeds and reducing chemicals in agriculture; regulating the introduction of genetically modified organisms; and supporting communities in their self-governance of natural resources. Recent grants include several for Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa. Most grants are under US$20 thousand. Letters of inquiry can be sent at any time.

The United Nations Capital Development Fund  (UNCDF) has announced a Call for Proposals for the Digital financial services for the rice value chain in Senegal. The objective of this call for proposals is to identify new partners such as financial intermediaries, insurance companies, agTechs, FinTechs, InsurTechs, duly registered in Senegal. The closing date for applications is 07 May 2020.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), is inviting applications for the fiscal year (FY) 2020 Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP). FMPP’s purpose is to support the development, coordination, and expansion of direct-producer-to-consumer markets to increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products. AMS will competitively award grants to eligible applicants for projects that meet the purpose of this grant program. The Deadline for this application is 11 May 2020.

The call is designed for companies that have been operational for at least two years (with a local partner in case of foreign companies) in Cambodia, Ethiopia, Uganda or Zambia and are active in the following sectors: agriculture & food, energy, or water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH). All ICT based innovations should be applied to one of the three main sectors (it is not a stand-alone focal sector). Innovations Against Poverty (IAP) is a specialized fund with the specific mandate to identify and support innovative products, services and inclusive business models that deliver both commercial benefits for the private sector and developmental benefits for people living in poverty, while paying specific attention to gender equality and climate protection. Developmental benefits include creating jobs, increasing incomes or cost savings, improving access to basic goods and services, and protecting the environment. The applications deadline is 15 May 2020.



The UK and Canada are running a joint funding competition to support collaborative research and development (CR&D) projects, to develop new products, processes and services. Projects must target improvement to the productivity and sustainability of crop, livestock and aquaculture systems. UK businesses with Canadian business partners can apply for a share of up to £2 million, from the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, for innovative projects that enhance productivity and sustainability of crop, livestock and aquaculture systems. UK and Canada want to support a portfolio of projects across the breadth of the agriculture sector, including projects that focus on crop, livestock and aquaculture production systems that: Combine digital technologies, artificial intelligence, the application of big data and engineering solutions with biological, environmental or social science to drive productivity; Develop technologies and solutions that connect farms and supply chains; Transfer technology from another sector into agriculture, providing this requires innovation. The Closing date for application is 20 May 2020.



The United Nations Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries (UNTB) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have announced a new partnership to support the delivery of online training activities for the 47 least-developed countries to enhance the access to recent scientific knowledge, and thus give them the opportunity to participate fully in the global scientific community. With this objective, UNTB and FAO will run two editions of the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) titled: “Research4Life Online Training Tools to develop capacities in information use, scholarly communication and information management in least developed countries”. The courses are set to be delivered in June and October 2020. Application ends on 31 May 2020.
Nuffic has announced a call for proposals to Promote Employment in Agriculture and Agricultural Growth to improve the quality and employability of Education and Training Winners Technical and Professional (TVET) in Tunisia. The Orange Knowledge Program is a 5-year program with the objective of contribute to the sustainable and inclusive development of society, by building capacities, the knowledge and qualities of both individuals and educational institutions, in the technical and vocational education and training and Higher Education. It contributes to the achievement of the objectives of the Dutch development cooperation, in which education plays a role considerable. The applications deadline is 04 June 2020.

Nuffic invites applications for Joint Proposals on Food and Nutrition in Vietnam, Tunisia, Sahel, Mali, and Benin. The Nuffic’s Orange Knowledge Programme aims to strengthen professionals and organizations through education and training. Proposed projects must contribute to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, promote sustainable agriculture, and ensure availability and sustainable management of water for all. Funding per institutional collaboration project is in the range of €600 thousand to €1 million. Deadlines vary per country, please check carefully. Last closing date for submission of grant applications is 11 June 2020.

The MIT Solve community has announced the 2020 Global Challenge on the topic of “Sustainable Food Systems”. Agriculture occupies more than 40 percent of the Earth’s land and is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Farming, fishing, transporting, processing, and distributing food supports 28 percent of human livelihood, including 470 million smallholder farmers who often depend on less than 2 hectares for both income and sustenance. By 2050, that system will need to feed 3 billion more people while reducing net emissions to zero to align with Paris Agreement targets. New trends make transforming the food system more difficult. As people move out of poverty, they buy more meat, increasing the amount of land used to raise and feed animals, and further burdening over exploited fish stocks. Simultaneously, humanity gets 75 percent of food from just 17 species, decreasing resilience to diseases and other climate-related stresses and shocks. Finally, with 30 percent of food lost or wasted, a third of the food system’s environmental impact happens without feeding anyone. New data-rich technologies, combined with the revival of traditional practices such as inter cropping or indigenous fisheries management, hold great promise. But new business models are required to bring these approaches to far more people, while further innovation is still needed to transform the food system at scale. The Deadline for this application is 18 June, 2020.

The “Solve” program at MIT announces five global challenges in 2020, inviting anyone in the world to propose solutions to them. The 2020 challenges include one on sustainable food systems. MIT Solve Sustainable Food Challenge is looking for technology-based solutions for a low-carbon global food system that provides nutrition with minimal environmental impact. The finalists in each challenge will be invited to present their ideas at an event in New York (simultaneous with the UN General Assembly, September 2020). The winner receives a US$10 thousand grant. In addition, MIT Solve will honor innovative technology solutions that improve quality of life for women and girls with the ‘Innovation for Women Prize’ (up to US$75 thousand). The draft submission deadline is 18 June 2020.






Agribusiness

Techstars provides funding and mentorship programs for entrepreneurs. Techstars Impact Accelerator is for for-profit founders building tech to solve social & environmental problems. Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator is for entrepreneurs focusing on the tech/digital side of food and agriculture. The Techstars Sustainability Accelerator, in Partnership with The Nature Conservancy, is for entrepreneurs with commercially viable technologies that can rapidly scale to help sustainably provide food and water and address global issues like climate change. Each selected project team receives up to $100 thousand startup investment. Application deadline is 05 April or 10 May 2020 for most programs. (please check application deadlines carefully).

UPJA 2020 is a distinctive program offered by Pusa Krishi, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi under the RKVY-RAFTAAR scheme of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The Program offers acceleration and market access to start-ups in Agri-Tech and allied sectors having a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) based on innovative solutions/ process / products/ services/ business models in agriculture and allied sectors. The mentoring support offered under this program is a prominent segment where the start-ups is given an opportunity to have close interactions with the technical & industry experts; along with investor reach out for further fund raise. The applications deadline is 10 May 2020.



The call is designed for companies that have been operational for at least two years (with a local partner in case of foreign companies) in Cambodia, Ethiopia, Uganda or Zambia and are active in the following sectors: agriculture & food, energy, or water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH). All ICT based innovations should be applied to one of the three main sectors (it is not a stand-alone focal sector). Innovations Against Poverty (IAP) is a specialized fund with the specific mandate to identify and support innovative products, services and inclusive business models that deliver both commercial benefits for the private sector and developmental benefits for people living in poverty, while paying specific attention to gender equality and climate protection. Developmental benefits include creating jobs, increasing incomes or cost savings, improving access to basic goods and services, and protecting the environment. IAP is funded by Sida (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency) and managed by SNV Netherlands Development Organization in partnership with BoP Innovation Center and Inclusive Business Sweden. IAP challenges the private sector to develop innovative products, services and business models that can contribute to poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability, while successfully maximizing their competitiveness and profitability. These are defined as innovative Inclusive Business ideas. Application ends on 15 May 2020.



The program is launched by UNDP ImpactAIM Accelerator and implemented jointly with Armenia National Agrarian University (ANAU), Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST), International Center for Agribusiness Research and Education (ICARE) Foundation, Nation in Action initiative, is supported by Armenian National Innovation SDG Lab and ADB Ventures Facility. The program is designed to support science and technology-backed startups and budding entrepreneurs offering solutions to tackle challenges in the agricultural sector of Armenia and worldwide. AIM ANAU AgriTech Accelerator program is the follow-up phase of the ANAU AgTech incubator launched in 2019 at Armenian National Agrarian University (ANAU) with a 10-week pre-incubation training program and deep learning workshops for 44 participants including ANAU students and the young professorship. Several monetary prizes were awarded. The Deadline date for application is 24 May 2020.
Newton-Katib Çelebi Fund, with Turkey’s social welfare and economic development with a focus on science and innovation issues directly related to joint United Kingdom and aims to promote research and innovation partnership between Turkey. The Institutional Links Program aims to ensure the establishment of sustainable research partnerships beyond individual researcher links. The applications deadline is 12 June 2020.
Entries Open for 2020 GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize – Africa
Entries are now open for the GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize which is a pan-African competition for innovative, young entrepreneurs pursuing the trillion-dollar opportunity of Africa’s agri-food sector. The entries will be judged to award two young agripreneurs with pioneering business ventures, one of two US$50,000 cash prizes that will help them change their world and transform the agrifood business.One male and one female winner will be chosen based on the innovation, originality, scalability and environmental sustainability of their business venture.. The applications deadline is 18 June 2020
World Vision’s Agricultural Innovation Challenge – Ethiopia                                                           
World Vision has issued an Agricultural Innovation challenge to solve - and innovators come up with ideas. This year’s Social Innovation Challenge is centered around agriculture in the community of the Enemay Woreda (District), East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Opportunity Areas This Challenge offers several opportunities to adopt applicable approaches and to contribute to the advanced practices and livelihood of smallholders in Bichena. The applications deadline is 20 June 2020

Future Agro Challenge — Agripreneur Global Championship
Future Agro Challenge (FAC) is a global competition for food and agribusiness startups. Ideas and ventures will be selected to compete for the title of “Agripreneur of the Year.” The challenge is open to ideas in many areas such as agroforestry, sustainability, agriculture tourism, and others. Selected agripreneurs will gain access to mentors, investors, potential clients, and new market opportunities at the FAC Global Championships, an event at the Global Agripreneurs Summit. The application deadline is 31 July 2020. Application deadline and procedure may vary across countries, please check carefully.





Bio-diversity, Environment, Climate change

EIT Climate-KIC — Green Business Idea CompetitionClimateLaunchpad is the world’s largest green business ideas competition. The competition invites business ideas that addresses climate change with the goal to support new clean-tech startups. Selected participants will take part in an idea boot camp and receive intensive coaching. The winner will receive €10 thousand, the runner up €5 thousand. The submission deadlines from February to May vary by country (please check carefully).

Rainforest Action Network — Climate Action FundThe Climate Action Fund makes small grants to community groups that active in preventing the extraction of fossil fuels, and in preventing or decommissioning large point sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Grants can be made in all regions, but the Fund’s geographic priority areas are South and North America. Grants generally do not exceed US$2,500. Applications can be submitted at any time.

Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility — Small Grants ProgramCCRIF finances small projects managed by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), charity organizations and/or mandated by National Disaster Coordinators in local communities in the Caribbean. Projects submitted for consideration should fall within the thematic areas of disaster risk management and climate change adaptation and range between US$5 to US$25 thousand. Proposals for small grants may be submitted anytime.

Climate Tracker — Online Course: Climate JournalismClimate Tracker’s Train-the-Trainer course covers basic journalism skills, such as pitching, article-framing, interviewing, data visualization in the context of human-interest climate journalism. Participants will receive a certificate of completion to demonstrate their competence as a climate communication trainer. The e-course is open for participants worldwide. 

German Government — International Climate Initiative Southeast AsiaGermany’s International Climate Initiative (IKI) supports projects on climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable energy, and biodiversity projects with climate relevance in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. The programs should have a funding volume between €8 million and €20 million (depending on thematic focus area and country of implementation). Non-governmental organizations, business enterprises, universities and research institutions from Germany and abroad are eligible to apply. Program outlines can be submitted until 14 May 2020.


European Commission — Civil Society Development in GeorgiaThe European Commission seeks to strengthen the civil society in Georgia and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms. One priority area (Lot 4) under the current call is climate change and mitigating its adverse effects, including negative impacts of environmental degradation on the public health. Applicants may request between €800 thousand and €1 million under Lot 4. Eligibility extends to non-profit, civil society organizations. Deadline for submission of concept notes is 15 May 2020.


The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites applications for small grants to promote conservation of biodiversity in the Mountains of Central Asia. This call is open to NGOs, community groups, universities, civil society organizations in the Turkmenistan. (Note: calls for proposals in other countries in the region will be forthcoming in the next weeks.) The maximum funding amount per project is US$20 thousand. Expressions of interest should be submitted by 22 May 2020.


German Government — International Climate Initiative Medium GrantsGermany’s International Climate Initiative (IKI) supports projects on climate change mitigation and adaptation, and biodiversity projects that have climate relevance. The focus of the IKI Medium Grants scheme is to provide support to the implementation of projects addressing the global loss of biodiversity in connection with climate change. Each project can receive a grant of between €300 thousand to a maximum of € 800 thousand over a period of two to three years. Civil society organizations (foundations, federations, associations, and trade unions), universities, research institutions, and non-profit enterprises based in Germany that are active in international cooperation in climate and biodiversity protection are eligible to apply. Due to the current pandemic, the deadline has been extended to 26 May 2020.


U.S. Agency for International Development — Health, Ecosystems and Agriculture for Resilient, Thriving SocietiesThe Office of Forestry and Biodiversity in USAID’s Bureau for Economic Growth, Education and Environment seeks transformational solutions to cross-sectoral development challenges in biodiverse landscapes. Sectors that may comprise HEARTH concepts are: biodiversity conservation, health, food security (agriculture and nutrition), governance, economic development and livelihoods, water supply and sanitation, education, modern energy solutions, forest management and restoration, and climate resilience. Eligible priority countries include Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and South America Regional; Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Central Africa Regional; Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Vietnam and the Regional Development Mission for Asia. Awards range between US$1 million and US$10 million. The deadline for applications is 15 June 2020.








Fellowships/scholarships/grants 

The Noel Buxton Trust makes grants up to £5 thousand per year for up to three years for projects in Africa that promote economic development, or that support the care of street children. Past recent projects in the theme of economic development include examples in livestock raising, aquaculture, and credit for women-led businesses. The Trust especially welcomes applications in support of initiatives that help build sustainable futures in the semi-arid areas of Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, Sudan, and South Sudan. The Trust invites applications from registered civil society organisations in Africa, and from UK-based charities — including from diaspora organisations based in the UK – for projects in the priority countries. Applications can be submitted at any time.

Each month, the Awesome Foundation makes a micro-grant of US$1,000 to an organization or project worldwide. Projects include initiatives in a wide range of areas including arts, technology, community development, and more. Anyone is eligible for a grant, including individuals, groups, and organizations. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

The EU’s Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan includes grants of technical assistance to benefit government institutions and private-sector organizations. Projects need to address the identified themes in FLEGT. Currently, requests can be submitted from entities in VPA countries and non-VPA countries. The VPA countries are Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Republic of the Congo, Indonesia, Lao, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Guyana, and Honduras. Grants are up to US$55 thousand. Eligibility extends to government institutions and non-profit organizations. Applications (English, French, Spanish) can be submitted at any time.

Urgent Action Fund Africa (UAF-Africa) is a rapid response fund to offer financial and technical resources at critical moments of need to African women’s organizations. Grants are made in five categories, including one category on natural resources governance & climate change. The Fund aims to respond to most urgent requests within 24 hours. Grants are up to US$12 thousand. Applications can be submitted in five languages (English, French, Swahili, Arabic, Portuguese) at any time.

The Violet Jabara Trust supports organizations working in the developing countries of the Middle East to promote sustainable economic development, as well as reproductive health and women’s welfare. The Trust’s thematic interests include environmental issues, among others. Priority countries are Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Palestine (Occupied Territories), Yemen, Egypt and North Africa. Countries further afield (such as the Gulf countries, Sudan, or Afghanistan) may be considered, but will not be given priority. Eligibility for grants extends to nonprofit groups in the USA and internationally, with preference for small local organizations. There is no deadline for submitting letters of inquiry.

Tools with a Mission (TWAM) supports livelihood projects in Dem Rep Congo, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The program ships tools and school books to registered charities and NGOs either working in Africa or based in Africa. Organizations can apply for different kits, including the Agricultural Tool Kit, the Electricians Kit, and the Plumbers Tool Kit. TWAM lists the available equipment and books on its website. There is no application deadline.

The New England Biolabs Foundation makes grants to grassroots and charitable organizations to support conservation of biological diversity; ecosystem services; community food security; and marine environment. The geographical scope focuses on regions (specified on the website) in Central America; South America, and West Africa. Maximum grant size is US$10 thousand. Most grants are US$3 thousand to US$8 thousand. The deadlines for submission of LOIs are 23 March 2020 and 10 August 2020.

The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at KNUST provides academically talented yet economically disadvantaged young people in Ghana and Africa with access to quality university education. The Program offers an opportunity for its scholars to receive holistic training that empowers them to be change leaders. The Scholars Program embodies an array of services including mentorship, cultural transition, etc. that will lead to the scholar’s academic success, community engagement and transition to employment opportunities which will further the goal of social and economic transformation of Africa. Deadline for the Submission of Applications: Friday, 1st May, 2020 at 17:00GMT


The Africa Center of Excellence (ACE) for Pharm-Biotechnology and Traditional Medicine (PHARMBIOTRAC) is based at the Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), a public university located in Southwestern Uganda about 260 km from Kampala, the Capital City of Uganda. PHARMBIOTRAC is pleased to invite applications from highly motivated, talented, practically-focused and qualified candidates for admission in the Short Course: Certificate of Production and Quality Assurance of Herbal Medicine. This course shall enable the holder to be equipped with knowledge and skills in: cultivation, sustainable harvesting, processing and extraction methods of medicinal plants; quality assurance and quality control of herbal materials; production and quality control of liquid, semi-solid and solid herbal dosage forms; research, commerce, innovation and regulation of herbal medicine. Application Deadline: Intensive course: 1st May, 2020.

The Nestlé Foundation supports research in human nutrition in low-income and lower middle-income countries. In relation to agriculture, the Foundation will consider research on food policy, food production, and food technology if the intervention has high potential for improved nutritional status and public health. The Foundation offers training grants, pilot grants, and full project grants. Priority is for proposals submitted by researchers in developing countries, or jointly with partners in developed countries. A Letter of Intent (LOI) can be submitted at any time of the year. The deadlines for full grant applications are 10 January and 10 May 2020.

India’s Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) offers postdoc fellowships to young scientists from developing countries (other than India) to pursue postdoctoral research at CSIR’s laboratories and institutes. The duration of the fellowships is six to twelve months. Subject areas range across the physical and natural sciences, including agricultural sciences. CSIR will provide a monthly stipend to cover living costs, food, and health insurance. The application deadline is 11 May 2020.



The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is announcing the availability of CIG On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials (On-Farm Trials) to stimulate the adoption and evaluation of innovative conservation approaches in partnership with agricultural producers. The purpose of On-Farm Trials is to stimulate the adoption and evaluation of innovative conservation approaches in partnership with agricultural producers. For 2020, NRCS is implementing On-Farm Trials through eligible entities, which in turn work collaboratively with NRCS and agricultural producers to implement innovative approaches on private lands. On-Farm Trials supports the implementation of innovative approaches that have a positive conservation effect but which, for any number of reasons, have not yet been adopted by producers. Each year, NRCS identifies priority topics for On-Farm Trials. For 2020, On-Farm Trials applications must address one of the four following priorities. Proposals may address more than one priority, but each proposal must clearly identify a primary priority for the application to be considered under. The Closing date for application is 11 May 2020.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), is inviting applications for the fiscal year (FY) 2020 Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP). FMPP’s purpose is to support the development, coordination, and expansion of direct-producer-to-consumer markets to increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products. AMS will competitively award grants to eligible applicants for projects that meet the purpose of this grant program. FMPP funds projects that develop, coordinate, and expand direct producer-to-consumer markets to help increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products. The program focuses on: Supporting and promoting domestic direct producer-to-consumer (including direct producer-to retail, direct producer-to-restaurant and direct producer-to-institutional marketing) marketing such as farmers markets, roadside stands, agritourism activities, community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, or online sales; Encouraging the development of value-added agricultural products; Developing marketing strategies for producers of local food and value-added products; Facilitating regional food chain coordination and mid-tier value chain development; Promoting new business opportunities and marketing strategies to reduce on-farm food waste; Responding to changing technology needs in direct producer-to-consumer marketing; and Covering expenses related to costs incurred in obtaining food safety certification and improvements to food safety practices and equipment. The Deadline for application is 11 May 2020. 

Tiny Beam Fund offers the Burning Questions Fellowship to researchers who wish to “address negative impacts of global industrial food animal production” (especially in low- and middle-income countries). The fund is directed to PhD researchers from any residence, citizenship, or location. There will be three awards available, one in each category. Category 1: US$15 thousand for a single individual enrolled for a PhD; Category 2: US$20 thousand for a single individual with a PhD degree; and Category 3: US$25 thousand for a team of two to four researchers that has at least one person with a PhD/doctoral degree. Application closes 11 May 2020.

Annie’s Homegrown Sustainable Agriculture Scholarship Program is open to full-time undergraduate and graduate students studying at an accredited college or graduate school in the US. Students must be focusing their studies on sustainable and regenerative agriculture. International students may apply as long as they are studying at an eligible institution in the US. Funds are intended for school needs, such as room and board, books, and tuition. The application deadline is 15 May 2020.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) seeks applications for funding for the development of food security activities in Ethiopia. USAID plans to award up to four cooperative agreements with the goal to improve food security of vulnerable households in targeted communities, contributing to a sustained reduction in rural poverty. The anticipated funding for all awarded multi-year activities is US$550 million over a five-year period. U.S. and foreign NGOs, as well as public international organizations are eligible to apply. The closing date for applications is 15 May 2020.

RADP-E has established a rapid response grants fund to address the operational disruptions being experienced by input suppliers, production firms, processing firms and exporter/packers in the targeted value chains caused by the pandemic in eastern Afghanistan. The Regional Agricultural Development Program – East (RADP-E), Logar, Nangarhar, Parwan, Wardak, and Kabul. Program activities will support the apricot, tomato, poultry and dairy value chains is a five-year USAID-funded program to expand sustainable agriculture-led economic growth in the eight target provinces of Ghazni, Kapisa, Laghman through the provision of training, technical assistance, and small grants targeting input suppliers, aggregators (exporters, wholesalers, local traders, distributors) and agro-processorsThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused serious disruptions in the operations of firms in these value chain. The application deadline is 18 May 2020. 

The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) a network of 126 universities in 38 African countries, with funding from Carnegie Cooperation of New York invites application from former RUFORUM-Carnegie supported doctoral alumni for 22 months post-doctoral fellowships to be based at a university in Africa. The 22 months post-doctoral fellowships builds on, and helps to scale up, the RUFORUM commitment to strengthen postgraduate training and academic mobility in Africa. Since 2012, RUFORUM with support from Carnegie Cooperation of New York and other agencies has facilitated, mentored and contributed to a growing number of doctoral graduates who upon successful completion of their studies return to their home countries and integrate back in teaching and research. The application deadline is 20 May 2020. 

The RUFORUM Secretariat announces the availability of 42 PhD research grants under the GTA programme to support their doctoral research over two years. The research supported through these grants should as much as possible have a participatory, action research approach, working closely with a range of stakeholders and thus contributing to the RUFORUM mission of linking universities more closely with rural communities and with research, extension, development and policy-making agencies. However, basic research may also be considered depending on the research area of the GTA Fellow. The application deadline is 20 May 2020. 

The GSMA Innovation Fund (“the Fund”) supports innovative start-ups or small to medium sized private sector companies (SMEs) in emerging markets to achieve sustainable growth and improved socio-economic impact. The Fund aims to support innovation that increases mobile internet adoption and usage for the underserved and those who are currently not using mobile internet services. The application deadline is 22 May 2020

The U.S. Department of Agriculture welcomes applications for the 2020 Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship Program. The program offers training and collaborative research opportunities to scientists, researchers, and policymakers from developing countries. Themes include soil and water management; agricultural genetics and breeding; livestock health and management; agricultural processing; biotechnology; climate change; biofuels; and others (varying by eligible countries). Awards range from US$300 thousand to US$700 thousand. Fellows work with a mentor at a U.S. university, research center, or government agency — usually for 8-12 weeks. The U.S. mentor later visits the fellow’s home institution to continue collaboration. The application deadline is 29 May 2020. 

The ForestGEO Grants Program supports research that uses forest data from the program’s field sites. Priority will be given to early-career researchers, and researchers with less access to other institutional funds. Social scientists and natural scientists of all nationalities are eligible. Applicants do not need to be associated with a site prior to applying, but each applicant will need to contact a site Principal Investigator (linked from the announcement) prior to submitting a proposal. Research projects up to US$15 thousand will be considered. The deadline for applications is 29 May 2020.

SlovakAid supports small-scale projects in various sectors, including food and agriculture, and the sustainable use of natural resources in developing countries. The current call supports local projects in Georgia in accordance with the Strategy of the Slovak Republic for Development Cooperation. The maximum financial support per project is €10 thousand with a maximum project duration of 6-12 months. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations and local authorities in Georgia. The deadline for submission of project proposals is 31 May 2020.



The Friends of Malawi Association (FOMA) Charitable Trust Fund has announced a call for applications for its small grant program.  FOMA make grants to carefully selected small projects in Malawi where they believe their contribution can make a distinctive difference in ways that other bigger charities and organizations may not. Applications from charitable organizations, registered either in the UK or Malawi, are encouraged, particularly from those with connections to FOMA members. Projects should be community-based and ideally focus on the key target areas of health, education and agriculture or local infrastructure. Projects must promote self-help within the community and have a clear plan for future sustainability and development. The Closing date for application is 31 May 2020.

The Clif Bar Family Foundation is seeking applications for its small grants program to support innovative small and mid-sized groups working to strengthen food system and communities, enhance public health, and safeguard environment and natural resources. The grants are awarded for general organizational support as well as funding for specific projects. The Deadline for this application is 01 June, 2020.

The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) is seeking applications for its Travel Grants Program to reinforce the Center’s efforts and resources in the promotion of inclusive and sustainable agricultural and rural development (ISARD) toward food security and poverty alleviation in the region. SEARCA will provide travel grants of up to a maximum of US$1,200 to each qualified agriculture and agriculture-related professional, social scientist, or graduate student in Southeast Asia. The Deadline for this application is: 7 June, 2020.

SEARCA provides travel grants to qualified agriculture and agriculture-related professionals, social scientists, or graduate students in Southeast Asia. Applicants can request up to US$1,200 to participate and/or present papers at relevant local or international scientific conferences and fora. Eligibility extends to nationals from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam. SEARCA operates on a regular grant schedule with four application deadlines per year. The next application deadlines are 07 June 2020 (for 1st Quarter Travel), 07 September 2020 (for 2nd Quarter Travel), and 07 December (for 3rd Quarter Travel).

SFIAR annually awards a prize to scientists working at or in association with a Swiss institution in agricultural research for development. For 2020, the best team project will be awarded CHF 5 thousand, and the best master’s thesis CHF 1 thousand. To be eligible, research must have been carried out at or in close collaboration with a Swiss institution. The deadline for applications (French, German, and English) is 13 July 2020.



The Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET) is an African-led initiative with the goal of strengthening skills in the Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology to further socio-economic transformation in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF) is the flagship program of PASET. RSIF focuses on transformative technologies that have a far-reaching positive impact on society. It is funded by contributions from African governments, the World Bank and the Government of Korea and facilitated by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi, Kenya. RSIF aims to train quality PhD students and post-doctoral researchers at selected African universities (‘African Host Universities’) to address the human resource gap of highly qualified specialists in the fields of applied sciences, engineering, and technology (ASET) and to contribute to improving research and innovation capacities in those fields in SSA. RSIF also supports the strengthening of research and innovation ecosystems at the African Host Universities by providing funding through competitive grants. Deadline for submission: 15th JUNE 2020, 17:00 (East Africa Time UTC+3)

The Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Minsk has announced a call for proposals for 2020 Small Grants Program. The proposals must be in accordance with the Strategy of the Slovak Republic for Development Cooperation for 2019– 2023. Project proposals which are not in line with the focus of this call for proposals will not be accepted. The duration of each project is from 6 to a maximum of 12 months beginning from the date of the signing of the Agreement between the Slovak Agency for International Development Cooperation and the Final Beneficiary. The call for proposals is open to registered legal persons:  NGOs, non-profit subjects and local authorities. The Deadline for this application is 19 June, 2020.

Right Sharing of World Resources (RSWR) makes seed grants to support income-generating projects led by women. RSWR’s current priorities are grassroots organizations selected states and districts of India; Quaker groups in Kenya and Sierra Leone. Projects include many in the production and sale of fruits and vegetables; meat and milk; grain crops; fish; fuelwood; and other enterprises associated with small-scale agriculture and rural livelihoods. RSWR provides micro-credits of up to US$5,500 for one year projects. The next application deadline is 30 June 2020.

Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) offers scholarships for PhD and Master Studies. The scholarships are intended for graduate and postgraduate students from Southeast Asia who are regular employees of academic or research institutions or government agencies. Areas of specialization include: Agricultural/Biological sciences, Agro-industrial Technology, Environmental Sciences, Forestry and Fisheries, among others. The scholarship covers tuition and other school fees; travel allowance; thesis/dissertation support; book and supplies allowance; health insurance; and stipend for food, lodging and incidental expenses. Deadline for the submission of applications is 31 July 2020.


Tinker’s program of Institutional Grants supports the theme of sustainable resource management (among others) in Latin America. Particular issues of interest include sustainable agriculture, sustainable forestry and non-timber forest products, sustainable tourism, fisheries management, and payment for environmental services. Tinker is also very interested in issues of water scarcity and quality for communities. Past grants range from US$200 thousand to US$600 thousand. The Foundation encourages project collaboration among organizations in the USA and Latin America. Tinker invites brief letters of inquiry to the Foundation before proposals are prepared and submitted. The application deadlines for LOIs are 31 January and 31 July of each year.

The Regional Studies Association (RSA) covers issues in the fields of climate change, energy, migration, and economic development. RSA makes grants to researchers interested in establishing networks for research collaboration. The maximum funding is £10 thousand for newly established networks; and £7,500 for renewing networks. A research network must be organised and managed by active RSA members. Networks are typically made up of individuals from different countries, without any geographical limitation. The application deadline is 20 September 2020.

The MAN Impact Accelerator seeks social entrepreneurs from Europe, South Africa, and Brazil to tackle social and environmental challenges through innovative solutions in the transport and logistics industry. Social businesses and startups in the key areas agriculture, data analytics (including environmental data), sensors, among others, are invited to apply. The program provides indirect grants and support of up to US$50 thousand (no equity or cash) for each startup. This also includes free access to coaches and mentors as well as to software and data perks. The application deadline is 01 October 2020.


AWARDS and O T H E R

The School Enterprise Challenge is an international business program for schools run by the educational charity Teach A Man To Fish. It guides and supports teachers and students to plan and set up real, sustainable school businesses and generate real profits to help support their school or a social cause of their choice. Thematic areas include agriculture, drinking water and sanitation, and the environment, among others. Prizes are between US$250 and US$5 thousand, including in-kind donations like laptops and cameras. Please note that only pre-primary schools, primary schools, secondary schools and technical/vocational colleges are eligible (universities are not eligible to apply). The deadlines for project submission are 20 February, 20 May, 20 August, and 20 November 2020.

The World Food Prize Foundation invites nominations for the annual World Food Prize. The World Food Prize (US$250 thousand) recognizes an individual or individuals who have made outstanding achievements to enhance the world’s food production and its distribution to those most in need. The deadline for nominations is 01 May 2020.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is announcing the availability of CIG On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials (On-Farm Trials) to stimulate the adoption and evaluation of innovative conservation approaches in partnership with agricultural producers. The purpose of On-Farm Trials is to stimulate the adoption and evaluation of innovative conservation approaches in partnership with agricultural producers. The Deadline for this application is 11 May 2020.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) seeks applications for funding for the development of food security activities in Ethiopia. USAID plans to award up to four cooperative agreements with the goal to improve food security of vulnerable households in targeted communities, contributing to a sustained reduction in rural poverty. The anticipated funding for all awarded multi-year activities is US$550 million over a five-year period. U.S. and foreign NGOs, as well as public international organizations are eligible to apply. The closing date for applications is 15 May 2020.

UNCCD invites young changemakers to participate in a social media campaign trending under #UNCCDLandHeroes and #FoodFeedFibre. Participants are invited to submit a short text with a photo or video proposing specific solution to limit the footprint that current production and consumption of food, feed and fibre leave on the land. The contest is open to youth (15-30 years old) worldwide. A US$500 cash price will be awarded to one of participating UNCCD Land Heroes. The deadline to participate is 15 May 2020.

The Zayed Sustainability Prize has announced that its submissions process for the 2021 edition is now open. The Prize fund comes from the Abu Dhabi Government as a way to honor and continue the sustainability and humanitarian legacy of the founding father of the United Arab Emirates, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize 2021 will be announced at the annual awards ceremony held during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, in January 2021. The Deadline for this application is 21 May, 2020.

The Global Confederation of Higher Education Associations for the Agricultural and Life Sciences (GCHERA) supports innovation and leadership in education, research, and outreach in the agricultural and life sciences. This year, two World Agriculture Prizes will be awarded, each to a faculty member from a higher education institution for lifetime achievements in agriculture and life sciences. At least one prize will be awarded to a person from a developing country. The amount of the prize is US$100 thousand. The closing date for nominations is 31 May 2020.

The GCHERA WORLD AGRICULTURE PRIZE is the international award of the Global Confederation of Higher Education Associations for the Agricultural and Life Sciences (GCHERA). The Prize aims to encourage the development of the mission of higher education institutions in education, research, innovation and outreach in the agricultural and life sciences by recognizing the distinguished contribution of individuals to this mission. Two 100,000 USD prizes will be awarded in 2020 with at least one recipient coming from a country NOT classified as having a developed economy.The World Agriculture Prize will be closed for registration and nominations on May 31, 2020 5:00 pm GMT.

The World Agriculture Prize is offered by the Global Confederation of Higher Education Associations for Agricultural and Life Sciences (GCHERA) with the support of Nanjing Agricultural University (NAU) to academicians for outstanding lifetime achievement. The Prize aims to encourage the development of the mission of higher education institutions in education, research, innovation and outreach in the agricultural and life sciences by recognizing the distinguished contribution of individuals to this mission. The prize was first proposed by both Prof. ZHAI Huqu, the former Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAASS) and Prof. ZHOU Guanghong, the President of Nanjing Agriculture University (NAU) and Chairman of the Education Professional Committee (EPC) of the Chinese Association of Agricultural Science Societies (CAASS) on October 20, 2012 in the occasion of NAU’s 110th anniversary. The Deadline for this application is 31 May, 2020.

The Africa Food Prize honors outstanding contributions to agriculture and food production in the challenge to combat hunger and reduce poverty in Africa. The Prize can be awarded for a specific contribution or achievement, or for a series of efforts and results within the last few years. Nominations are open to qualified candidates irrespective of their nationalities, professions, or locations. The Prize is US$100 thousand (to be shared if there is more than one winner), a diploma, and a trophy. The deadline for nominations (English, French) is 01 June 2020. 

SFIAR annually awards a prize to scientists working at or in association with a Swiss institution in agricultural research for development. For 2020, the best team project will be awarded CHF 5 thousand, and the best master’s thesis CHF 1 thousand. To be eligible, research must have been carried out at or in close collaboration with a Swiss institution. The deadline for applications (French, German, and English) is 13 July 2020.

The World Food Prize Foundation invites nominations for the Borlaug Field Award. The Award (US$10 thousand) recognizes science-based achievement in international agriculture and food production by an individual under age 40 in the challenge to eliminate global hunger and poverty. The deadline for nominations is 15 June 2020.



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1 comment:

  1. I am a Rural Development Consultant, part of the topics I deal with is Value Chain, I have to think widely and to contribute to support others to think widely about planning, production, micro-financing and marketing. The trainees are graduates to train rural producers (ToT) or direct simple producers

    So I need to benefit from your writings to benefit others

    Shokrun indeed

    ReplyDelete