Platform for African – European Partnership in Agricultural Research for Development

Thursday, October 31, 2024

AR4D Funding Opportunities for Africa - November 2024

 

Agriculture Fisheries Forestry


Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

World Food Day Poster Contest (Age 5-19)

2024-11-08

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

Belmont Forum

Tropical Forests

2024-11-12

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

Forward Fooding

FoodTech 500

2024-11-15

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

AGCO Agriculture Foundation

Quality Education, Research and Innovation in Agriculture

2024-11-29

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


Biodiversity Conservation Wildlife


Hurtigruten Foundation

Grants Program

2024-11-01

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

Rainforest Trust

Creating New Protected Areas

2024-11-01

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

Prince Albert II Foundation

Environmental Photography Award

2024-11-03

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

Biodiversa+

Biodiversity and Transformative Change

2024-11-08

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


National Geographic Society

Ocean Exploration and Discovery

2024-11-14

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

Wildlife Acoustics

Bio-Acoustics Product Grants

2024-11-15

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

Earth Prize

Student Environmental Projects

2024-11-30

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

Yves Rocher Foundation

International Terre des Femmes Award

2024-11-30

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

European Outdoor Conservation Association

Funding for Conservation Projects

2024-11-30

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

European Commission

TROPIMUNDO Masters Program in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems 2025-2026

2024-11-30

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

American Museum of Natural History

Ornithology Research

2024-11-30

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


Crosscutting


Composting Council Research and Education Foundation

Poster Contest

2024-11-01

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

Catholic Relief Services

International Development Fellows Program

2024-11-01

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

Iran Ministry of Science and Technology

38th Khwarizmi International Award

2024-11-01

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

Conrad Foundation

Spirit of Innovation Challenge 2025

2024-11-01

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

ACT Foundation

Grant Cycle 2025

2024-11-03

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

UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Chevening Scholarships 2025-2026

2024-11-05

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

Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance

Accelerating Investments in Climate Resilience

2024-11-07

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

Mountaintop International

Fellowship for Community Leaders

2024-11-08

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

Social Science Research Council

APN Individual Research Fellowships

2024-11-08

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

MasterCard Foundation

Scholarships for Africans at the University of Edinburgh 2025

2024-11-08

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

Schlumberger Foundation

Funding for Women in PhD and Postdoctoral Studies

2024-11-08

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

African Leadership Academy

Anzisha Prize for Young Innovators

2024-11-08

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

German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development

African-German Leadership Academy

2024-11-10

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

International Research & Exchanges Board

Community Solutions Program

2024-11-13

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

Pulitzer Center

Local Letters for Global Change

2024-11-15

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

American Association for the Advancement of University Women

International Fellowships 2025

2024-11-15

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

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University

2024-11-15

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

CIFAR

Global Scholars

2024-11-20

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

D-Prize

Funding Entrepreneurs to Alleviate Poverty

2024-11-24

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

Wellcome Trust

Career Development Awards

2024-11-24

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

Beit Trust

Support for Community and Conservation Projects

2024-11-30

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

Royal Geographic Society

Grants with Deadlines in November 2024

2024-11-30

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

Asia-Pacific Biopesticides Community of Practice

31 October 2024. Asia-Pacific Biopesticides Community of Practice.

APAARI launched the Asia-Pacific Biopesticide Community of Practice (ABCoP) in May 2024 which serves as a dynamic platform that brings together key players from the biopesticide sector—spanning industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. The primary objective of ABCoP is to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, foster collaboration, and advance biopesticide promotion and trade opportunities across the region.

Born out of the successful STDF project titled ‘Asia Pesticide Residue Mitigation Through the Promotion of Biopesticides and Enhancement of Trade Opportunities’, which was facilitated and implemented by APAARI in partnership with AgAligned Global, USA from 2020 to 2023, ABCoP builds on the significant milestones achieved during this period. The project laid the groundwork for developing best practices and protocols for biopesticide research and use. It also addressed key challenges related to Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) posed by the use of chemical pesticides and how field application of biopesticides can help avoid residues and, hence, facilitate safe trade. By working closely with both government agencies and the private sector, the project enhanced technical and functional capacities in MRL data generation, biopesticide production, and regulatory harmonization across participating countries.
  • Dr. Richard Roush, Immediate Past Dean, College of Agricultural Sciences Pennsylvania State University
  • Dr. Mukhdoom Mashhood, Head Secretariat, Regenerative Production Landscape Collaboratives, WWF Pakistan - Topic: Bridging Research, Governance, and Commercials for Sustainability in Bio-inputs
  • Prof. Bina Siddiqui, Distinguished National Professor, HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, ICCBS, University of Karachi, Pakistan - Topic: Neem Based Biopesticide for control of locusts.

    biopesticide BIOSAL is registered by the Plant Protection Department, Government of Pakistan.

  • Mr. Fritz SCHUSTER, Co-Founder & Managing Director & Mr. Pablo CID, Project Manager, Lexagri SAS, France - Topic: “Solution Finder” and how it can help to develop bio-control solutions
  • Moderation: Ms. Samitha Manohar & Ms. Darshika Senadheera, APAARI, Bangkok

Related:

21 - 23 October 2024. 19th Annual Biocontrol Industry Meeting (ABIM) 2024 held in Basel, Switzerland.

Organized by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA), ABIM 2024 saw more than 2,000 delegates and 157 exhibitors from 67 countries showcase nature-based solutions and services for more environmentally friendly grown food.

Pakistan’s new biopesticides registration guidance to tackle a range of crop pests and diseases has been highlighted 

Scientists from CABI’s Swiss Centre in Delémont facilitated and organized the representation of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R) to show how Pakistan is moving towards more sustainable agricultural practices.

24 October 2024. CABI/PlantwisePlus organized a webinar the day after ABIM entitled ‘Paving the way for lower risk crop protection: regulatory pathways for the registration of biopesticides.’
  • Experts from regulatory bodies and inter-governmental organizations discussed strategies for creating a regulatory environment that enables innovation while ensuring safety and efficacy.
  • Participants included Dr Sabyan Honey, Dr Saliou Niassy, Coordinator of the Inter-African Phytosanitary Council (AU-IAPSC), Dr Muhammad Tariq Khan, Director General of Pakistan’s Department of Plant Protection, Dr Melanie Bateman, and Dr Robert Malek.

Supporting and Shaping the Global Nutrition Agenda with Evidence

30 October 2024. Supporting and Shaping the Global Nutrition Agenda with Evidence: A Three-Decade Journey of Research and Partnerships for Impact by IFPRI

This year’s Forman Lecture was delivered by Dr. Marie Ruel, Senior Research Fellow in the Nutrition, Diets, and Health Unit at IFPRI. She served as the Director of IFPRI’s Poverty, Health, and Nutrition Division from 2004 to 2023, after serving as Senior Research Fellow and Research Fellow in that division beginning in 1996.

Dr. Ruel reflected on the role of research in supporting and shaping the evolution of the global nutrition agenda over the last three decades. Drawing on examples from her journey in research leadership, she presented the case for how investments in rigorous research and partnerships with development actors around the world have supported this evolution.

Reflections and Tributes from Panelists
  • Shawn K. Baker, MPH, Chief Program Officer, Helen Keller International
  • Namukolo Covic, Director General’s Representative to Ethiopia, CGIAR Ethiopia Country Convenor and CGIAR Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
  • Omar Dary, Senior Nutrition Science Specialist, Bureau of Global Health, MCHN, United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
  • Patrick Webb, Chief Nutritionist, United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Knowledge Café Validation: Policy Briefs with Narcisse and Wilfrid

A knowledge Cafe involving KM4AgD 2024 graduates, Narcisse Yehounou and Wilfrid Adjimoti will take place on Thursday, 31st October 2024. 

Themes:

  • A pathway towards sustainable soil fertility management for food security in sub-saharan Africa
  • Exploring women's land access challenges, & importance of secure tenure for economic & social empowerment. 

Register via this 🔗 ZOOM-LINK




15th Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS)

29 October- 01 November 2024
, in Harare, Zimbabwe. 15th Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS) 

The African Union Department of Agriculture Rural Development Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE), African Union Development Agency- New Partnership for Africa's Development (AUDA-NEPAD) and Partners, organised the 20th Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Partnership Platform and Commemoration of the 15th Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS).

Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) Partnership Platform 
(PP), Malabo Policy Learning Event (MAPLE), and the Biennial Review (BR) are three critical 
pillars that define CAADP processes.

Main programme

29/10 MALABO POLICY LEARNING EVENT MAPLE


The Biennial Review (BR) Results – Performance over 8 years of measurement
  • Presentation of the Biennial Review (BR) results over the four (4) BR cycles: Performance on the Malabo Era  - Dr. John Ulimwengu
  • REC Representative – COMESA –Mr Joel Okwir
  • REC Representative – SADC – Mr Duncan Samikwa
  • NSA representative – MS Constance Okeke
  • Focus on Soils – Mr Sebastian Nduva
  • CAADP Regional Expert, ECOWAS – Dr Raphael Babatunde

The Use of the Biennial Review (BR) Results

  • Changes to policy and implementation at the process, outputs and outcomes levels - Dr. Greenwell Matchaya
  • The role of continental organizations in enhancing changes to policy and implementation at the Member State Level Dr. Augustin Wambo Yamdjeu 
  • CAADP NSA Coalition Group – MS Chikondi Chabvuta 
  • Member of Parliament (MP) from Zambia – Hon. Michelo Kasauta  
  • CAADP Regional Expert, SADC – Dr Moraka Makhura 
  • Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF) – MS Elizabeth Nsimandala 
  • Dr Hamady Diop (Post-Malabo Process Coordinator) 

Subthemes of the Combined ADFNS, CAADP PP and MAPLE

30/10 Sub-theme 1: Empowering Youth and Women in Education, Food Safety, Nutrition and Agrifood Systems  

This sub-theme focused on empowering youth and women through targeted policies, education, nutrition interventions and vocational training, and entrepreneurship support, ensuring their full participation in nutrition and agri-food sector. The sub-theme also explored the Social and economic cost of child under nutrition in education using findings from the African Union led Cost of Hunger in Africa (COHA) report implemented across its Member States. Furthermore, other African Union programs such as the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) have shown how consuming unsafe foods such as those contaminated with aflatoxins cause childhood stunting. 

  • Moderator: Prof. Francis Zotor – Public Health and Nutrition
  • Ms. Bibi Giyose, “Exploring the Nexus of Nutrition, Food Safety and Education - The Cost of Hunger in Africa”

Panel
  • Moderator: Mr. Titus Mung’ou, Nutrition International.
  • Ms. Kefilwe Moalosi, AUDA-NEPAD
  • Mr Koffi Amegbeto, FAO 
  • Representative Nutrition International 
  • Ms. Tendai Gunda SUN Movement  
As part of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Civil Society Network's flagship Youth Leaders for Nutrition programme, a platform was created to provide young people with the skills and understanding to engage key decision makers in the nutrition and food sector, influence policy change and raise the profile of youth https://www.suncivilsociety.com/youth-leaders/
  • Ms Aisha Oluwakemi Ololade, Government intervention on school feeding and Education  
  • Mr. Galal Ari Pan Africa Parliament
  • Gertrude Kara, AU-HSS 
Case Studies 
  • Dr. Amare Ayalew - Integrating Gender for inclusiveness and effectiveness of Food Safety programs in AU, Member States (results of studies from 12 MS) 
  • Ms. Edna Kalima – AUDA-NEPAD GCCASP Introduction & contribution to Food & Nutrition Security 
  • Mrs Stella Dopgima – FOCWED – Promoting Food and Nutrition Security through Climate Smart Agricultural Practices and Strengthening Cooperative Initiatives for Production, Transformation and Commercialization (SME Cameroon)

30/10 Side event Smart Food Africa: The Way Forward to Mainstream the Family of Millets and Pulses 


by ICRISAT with FARA


At the #CAADP-Partnership Platform meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe, leaders from Africa and Asia launched the #SmartFood Africa Initiative led by ICRISAT in partnership with @FARAinfo @FANRPAN @CORAFNews @APAARI! This initiative
aims to make climate-smart crops like millets and legumes central to healthier, sustainable, and resilient food systems.

Smart Food is food that fulfil all criteria of being good for you (nutritious and healthy); good for the planet (environmentally sustainable); and good for the farmer (climate smart, potential to increase yields, multiple uses). 
  • The key objective of the Smart Food initiative is to diversify staples across Africa and Asia. By focusing on staples, often 70% of the plate and eaten 3 times a day, Smart Food Initiative plans to have the biggest impact. 
  • To achieve this, the initiative focuses on a couple of Smart Foods to not just popularize but bring into mainstream. 
  • Smart Food is one of the solutions that contributes to addressing some of the largest global issues in unison: poor diets (malnutrition to obesity); environmental issues (climate change, water scarcity and environmental degradation); and rural poverty.
Speakers included:
  • Dr. Anxious Masuka, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture ,Fisheries,Water & Rural Development of Zimbabwe
  • Prof. Wole Fatunbi of FARA

The CEA-FIRST Policy Forum will bring together policymakers, funders, and higher education institutions to strengthen the AU-EU International Research Consortium (IRC) on Food Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA). 
Through structured dialogue and interactive sessions, participants will explore ways to reduce fragmentation in AU-EU collaboration, enhance evidence-based policymaking, and improve coordination of FNSSA-related funding. 

Keynote speakers and experts provided insights into the IRC’s role in FNSSA collaborations, while interactive discussions gathered input to shape the IRC’s strategic direction, encouraging stakeholder dialogue and innovation for Africa’s agricultural systems.


31/10 Sub Theme 2: Implementation of the Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan


This sub-theme will provide insight on the work plan for the implementation of the African Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan (AFSH-AP) and associated organizations for adoption and subsequent implementation. 

31/10 Sub-theme 3: Engaging Research and Innovation Building Digital and Climate-Resilient Agrifood Systems


This sub-theme will explore how emerging technologies and innovations will be harnessed to promote digital agriculture, precision agriculture, and climate-smart agriculture to build resilient agrifood systems.
Opening Remarks
  • Board Chair, FARA, Ms Bongiwe Njobe 
  • President, Agrinatura, Dr Stephen Onakuse 
  • Special Adviser to the Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa, FAO, Dr David Phiri
  • Keynote Speaker: European Commission, Science Counsellor- Directorate-General Research & Innovation, Laurent Bochereau
The FNSSA Roadmap Review and the International Research Consortium (IRC) 
  • CIRAD, Senior Scientist, Bernard Mallet 
  • RUFORUM, Executive Secretary, Dr Patrick Okori
  • FARA, Lead-AU-EU IRC on FNSSA, Dr. Irene Annor-Frempong 
  • Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Prof. Ioannis Dimitriou
Policy Round Table Discussion
  • Moderator  FAO, Special Adviser to the Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa, Dr David Phiri
  • Moderator FARA, Cluster Lead, Policy, Research and Investments, Dr Kwaku Antwi \
  • AUC/ESTI, Thematic Expert, Dr Taibou Bâ 
  •  EC/DG-AGRI, Policy Officer, Antonio Malta-Reis 
  • AUC Senior CAADP Advisor, Ms Elago Panduleni 
  • CCARDESA, Executive Director, Prof. Cliff Dlamini 
  • FAO/Regional Office for Africa, Senior Policy Officer Koffi Amegbeto

31/10 Side event The Role of African Agricultural Research, Innovation & Education Institutions on increasing Agricultural productivity & youth and women employment in Africa 

by Afaas-Africa / FARA

01/11 Sub-theme 4: The Role of Media, and Communication - Positioning the Youth as the Most Valued Players (MVPs) of Food and Nutrition Security in Africa


This sub-theme is projected as an inspiring experience-sharing session exploring the pivotal role of youth in transforming food and nutrition systems across Africa. It will cover some examples of how youth across the continent have been empowered to contribute to food and nutrition security. The session will encompass gaps as well as recommendations on how to accelerate youth empowerment for food nutrition. The session will highlight successful initiatives and programs that showcase youth as the Most Valuable Players (MVPs) in creating sustainable agri-food systems through TED Talks and other interactive discussions.

01/11 Sde event Cultivating Nutrition-Sensitive Agri-Food Systems Innovations for Better Diets in Africa 

by AGRA

01/11 Engaging Research and Innovation to build Digital and Climate-Resilient Agri-food Systems

by FARA, FAO  


Biodiversity for nutrition and health through Agroecology

30 October 2024. 4pm - 5:30pm Biodiversity for nutrition and health through Agroecology

Agrobiodiversity is a crucial component of biodiversity. While producing 80% of the food, family farmers and Indigenous Peoples applying agroecology and traditional knowledge, are also the safeguards of 80% of the world’s biodiversity and forests, and the custodians of indigenous and traditional crops. Fostering the traditional knowledge held by family farmers, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities ensure a transformation towards more just, fair and resilient food systems. 

Agroecology Principles and Elements constitute a holistic approach with multiple co-benefits on biodiversity, climate adaptation and mitigation, and soil health, while providing nutritious food for all. This side event will tackle how, through agroecology, agrobiodiversity can be sustainably managed and used while promoting nutrition and health

At the country-level, it will showcase how agroecology is as a crucial pathway for countries like Colombia and Brazil which are striving to meet their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), and how it achieves the multiples targets set by the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), 

At the local level, it will feature grassroots initiatives demonstrating how agroecology provides a pathway to protect nature, conserve the richness of biodiversity and restore degraded land and ecosystems, while producing healthy, diversified nutritious and culturally appropriate food.

The Periodic Table of Food Initiative

29 October 2024
. The Periodic Table of Food Initiative: Mapping Food Quality of the Planet’s Edible Biodiversity for Human and Planetary Health 

To address our most pressing human and planetary health challenges, we need to rely on food biodiversity. We need to explore food biodiversity more deeply and widely, become more curious and systematic about documenting local food biodiversity and all associated traditional knowledge related to these precious resources that are the secret to helping us transition to more climate-smart, people and planet friendly food systems. 
  • We currently understand about 1 percent of the thousands of compounds present in the foods we eat every day. 
  • In addition, current food composition tables, have only documented the nutritional composition of a small range of available edible food biodiversity
  • Using new scientific methods, we can now detect thousands of biologically active compounds present in our food. Not only, is there much to discover about our favourite foods that we consume daily, but also about food that we have relied on for centuries, but is out of the mainstream, including thousands of cultivars, varieties and breeds of traditional and location specific edible treasures. 
  • The Periodic Table of Food Initiative (PTFI) is a global effort to catalogue the biomolecular composition of the world's food biodiversity using new data-driven innovations and creating a global network of partners with a-like vision to document edible biodiversity
  • The PTFI is designed to democratize access to new scientific tools and techniques and mobilize resources that benefit researchers in locations around the globe. 
  • The global ecosystem of the PTFI extends to partners on every continent, from Fiji to Thailand to Ghana and Colombia. It is building a global infrastructure of like-minded partners who want to build a better future through food. Food biodiversity is all around us, we just need to harness our collective curiosity to increasingly document the planetary and health benefits of more diverse food systems.


Related: 


 

World Food Prize and Borlaug Dialogue

29-31 October 2024. Iowa World Food Prize and Borlaug Dialogue

The Borlaug Dialogue is complemented by side events, briefings and seminars organized by NGOs, agribusinesses, advocacy groups, public stakeholders and other institutions. 

The resulting full week of events attracts more than 1,200 attendees and participants each year representing more than 65 countries – and includes many of the top minds and most innovative actors in the international effort to end hunger in communities around the world. 

Extracts of the programme 

29/10 ‘Achieving a Hunger-Free World’: the future of agriculture.

  • President of the African Development Bank Group, Hon. Akinwumi Adesina
  • President of the World Bank Group, Ajay Banga,

29/10 Bold Measures to Feed Africa - Part 1 

This panel features 
  • Senior Advisor to the President at African Development Bank Group, Victor Oladokun
  • Vice-President of International Fund for Agricultural Development, Géradine Mukeshimana
  • Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Axxess, Founder and Chairman of Cavista Holdings, John Olajide
  • President of International Corn Foundation and Chair-Professor at Handong Global University, Soon-Kwon Kim; 
  • Special Envoy for Global Food Security at U.S. Department of State, Cary Fowler
  • Vice President of Agriculture, Human and Social Development at African Development Bank Group; 
  • Executive Vice President of Community Pass and Strategic Growth at Mastercard, Tara Nathan.

01/11 World Food Prize Laureate Award Ceremony


Live coverage of the 2024 World Food Prize Laureate Award Ceremony at the Iowa Capitol. Dr. Geoffrey Hawtin OBE of the U.K. and Canada and Dr. Cary Fowler of the U.S. are the 2024 World Food Prize Laureates for their work to preserve the world’s heritage of seeds.

 

2024 Top Agri-Food Pioneer List

The World Food Prize Foundation is celebrating 38 global innovators transforming food systems in honor of its 38th anniversary. See below a selection

Ogugua Aworh

Nigeria | Indigenous Crops

Ogugua Aworh is a distinguished Nigerian food scientist and professor at the University of Ibadan, renowned for his expertise in food processing and preservation technologies. His research focuses on enhancing the safety, shelf life, and quality of traditional African foods, significantly contributing to food security and rural development in Sub-Saharan Africa. Aworh has played a key role in advancing indigenous food processing methods and is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of scientists. Widely published, his work bridges academic research and practical applications, making a lasting impact on the field of food science and the broader African agricultural landscape.

Innoscensia John

Tanzania | Indigenous Crops

Innosencia John is a prominent advocate for sustainable agriculture and youth empowerment in Africa. Known for her leadership in agricultural development, she has mentored and supported young agripreneurs, helping them access resources and develop skills crucial for success in the sector. A strong proponent of gender equality, Innosencia works to elevate the role of women in agriculture, ensuring their contributions are recognized and amplified. Her initiatives have significantly advanced food security and economic development across Africa. Innosencia’s impactful work has earned her numerous accolades, solidifying her as a key leader in creating resilient and inclusive food systems.

3rd NARES-CGIAR Genetic Innovation Leadership Meeting

29 October 2024. 
3rd NARES-CGIAR Genetic Innovation Leadership Meeting

The 3rd CGIAR Genetic Innovations – NARES leadership meeting builds on previous meetings held in 2022 and 2023 in Nairobi and Marrakesh respectively. Within Genetic Innovation and beyond, CGIAR is undergoing a transition to have greater impact in collaboration with national partners.

This annual forum provided a platform for senior leadership from CGIAR, NARES (National

Agricultural Research and Extension Systems), SRO (sub regional organizations) and Universities in Africa to meet, exchange views and take stock of the current state of crop improvement partnerships. Progress against previous commitments were tracked and critical areas of improvement to further strengthen partnerships and collaboration are identified.

This event was hosted by the CGIAR Genetic Innovation Science Group. Participants include National Agricultural Research and Extension Services (NARES) leaders, CGIAR Genetic Innovation leaders, regional organizations, CGIAR breeding program leaders. A range of CGIAR Centers also partipate, and Genetic Innovation Research Initiatives are involved, including: Accelerated Breeding,
Breeding Resources, Genebanks, Market Intelligence, Seed Equal.

GFAiR’s Executive Secretary Hildegard Lignau, attended the CGIAR-NARES-leadership meeting and spoke about GFAiR and GFAiR's Global NARS Consortium (GNC) initiative.

BMBF presentation:


Slide 1: CROP INVESTMENTS SHOULD PRIORITIZE MARKET-DEMANDED, CLIMATE RESILIENT VARIETIES AND DEMONSTRATE PROGRESS ALONG THE IMPACT PATHWAY WITH DATA

1. Crop Improvement Impact Pathway

  • Improving Breeding Population: Genetic Gain
  • On-farm testing & validation of pipeline: On-farm performance data and replacement cases for release
  • Production and distribution of varieties: Certified or breeder seed production
  • Adoption at scale in target geographies: WANA farmer adoption surveys
  • Increased yield impacts: Nutritional productivity statistics

2. The further along the impact pathway, the more persuasive the data is for investment impact.

3. Comparative advantage along impact pathway: Activities become local.

4. Topline Argument for the BMGF CGIAR investment portfolio is not the CG research agenda. It is the dissemination, reach, and leverage of the partnership network.

Slide 2: BMGF STRONGLY SUPPORTS NARES-CG BREEDING NETWORKS

  1. From the scientific perspective: Shared population development with a broad regional testing footprint is the fastest path to climate resilient varieties.
  2. From an impact perspective: Demand is local. Release is local. Adoption is local. Regional collaborative breeding is an accelerator that must serve national needs to demonstrate impact.
  3. From a long-term, strategic perspective: Complementary benefits for the future.

  • NARES – shape regional MTS, TPPA, and advancement of germplasm to benefit national releases and breeding programs. Accelerate modernization of national breeding programs.
  • CGIAR – tune regional breeding efforts for bigger impact, evolve the CGIAR’s role toward a future of strong African national systems.

Slide 3: WE SUPPORT NARES-CG BREEDING NETWORKS AS THE UNIT OF WORK, MANAGEMENT, GOVERNANCE, AND COSTING

  1. Are organized around regional market segments that are shaped bottom-up by local demand and impact potential identified by NARES and SMEs.
  2.  Clear roles and decision rights for all network partners, CGIAR, NARES, SMEs, according to comparative advantage and capacity.
  3. Transparent costing of networks, with each partner receiving appropriate budget according to role and contribution.
  4. We strongly support allocation of a proportion of MF funds to NARES partners: As partners in success who should be determined by their mandate.
  5. Ability to pivot and reallocate operations and enhance network impact as we learn.
  6. Joint accountability on variety releases, with shared accountability across and support for breeding, scaling, licensing, and local backstopping.
  7. Joint reporting on progress with metrics and indicators for both breeding and partnership.


Aide-Memoires

Resources: 

Related

4 - 8 November 2024. Dubai. The CGIAR Independent Science for Development Council ISDC meeting will finalize the review of CGIAR Portfolio 25. This meeting will conclude the ISDC-moderated review engaging 39 external Subject Matter Experts who will assess the 13 Portfolio 25 proposals throughout October.