Platform for African – European Partnership in Agricultural Research for Development

Saturday, November 30, 2024

Webinars and events December

2 - 6 December. Taiwan Organic World Congress
  • Every three years, the global organic movement meets at the IFOAM Organic World Congress (OWC) and holds its General Assembly.
2–13 December 2024, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia UN | UNCCD COP16

  • online learning event byThe Youth Agripreneurship and Food Systems Finance Communities of Practice
  • Land Rights Research Initiative Webinar: with Professor Olúfémi Táíwò




6 December 2024 at 2:00 pm Kigali time, 3:00 pm EAT and 12:00 pm WAT, Seed systems webinar
  • The Pan African Farmers Organization (PAFO) and AgriCord co-organize a webinar to explore innovative seed initiatives implemented by farmers' organizations (FOs). 
  • This webinar aims to highlight best practices, share insights from various regions, and discuss the evolving role of FOs in seed production and management as well as how policies can better support Farmer Managed Seed Systems (FMSS) and Community-Based Seed Systems (CBSS).

9 - 11 December 2024. Bangkok FAO, International Soil and Water Forum 2024


10 - 11 December EU Agri-Food Days
  • 11 December: Presenting the EU Agricultural Outlook Report: Focus on the Changing Environment Driving Markets
  • 11 December: Future R&I agenda for competitive, sustainable and resilient agri-food systems in the EU and globally
  • 12 December: Overcoming Hurdles: Unlocking the Potential of Digitalisation in Agriculture

    Keynote speech
    • Alessandra Zampieri, Director for Sustainable Resources, Joint Research Centre, European Commission
    Panel discussion and Q&A session
    • Elli Tsiforou, Secretary-General, Committee of Professional Agricultural Organisations - General Confederation of Agricultural Cooperatives (COPA-COGECA)
    • Prof. Dr. Engel Arkenau, Deputy Director General for Digital and Data Policy, Innovation and Transfer, Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Germany
    • Caroline van der Weerdt, Senior Consultant, TNO Innovation for Life
    • Stefan Top, President of the European Agricultural Machinery Association (CEMA), CEO, AVR Machinery
    • Evangelia Mourmoura, Team Leader for Digitalisation, Data Governance Unit, Directorate-General Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
    • Catherine Geslain Lanéelle, Director for Strategy and Policy Analysis, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission, explores the potential of Artificial Intelligence.
    • Tassos Maltezos, farmer, shares his experience with smart farming infrastructure from the field
11 December 2024 @9:30am EST. Hybrid Policy Seminar, Conventional wisdoms about food value chain innovations and policies by IFPRI

11 December 2024. 11:30 AM EAT: Livestock, Gender, and Agency Amid Conflict in Ethiopia

11 - 12 December 2024. Berlin, Germany. 21st meeting of the CGIAR System Council
  • 09/12 EIARD meeting
  • 10/12 Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS)
12 December 2024. @ 10:00 AM CET  GFAiR/Agroecology - Zoom Webinar with JRC


  • Hosted by Knowledge Management Austria, in cooperation with the global Knowledge for Development Partnership (K4DP), the KM Award is given once a year to an outstanding person and an International Organisation. 
  • Recognition is given to their work, efforts and achievements in promoting KM for sustainable development.
17 December 2024 at 10:00 hours CET. Digitally enabled pluralistic extension and advisory services: Cases from Asia and the Pacific Region by FAO

18 December 2024, 13h00 - 14h00 (CET). Voices of Change: How Open Doors Fellowship Transforms Lives
  • The Open Doors Fellowship Programme (ODFP) is designed to support post-doctoral and mid-career women researchers working in agricultural research at African (inter)national research centers.
  • The speakers are: Dr. Hewan Demissie (from Ethiopia), Dr. Anique Godjo (from Benin), Dr. Hadiza Lawal (from Nigeria), Dr. Laura Cortada Gonzalez (from Spain/Belgium)

  • This seminar will explore what a genuinely participatory approach looks like from the perspectives of researchers, governments, and NGOs. It will discuss how epistemic justice can be achieved in development processes and agricultural research.

15 - 17 January  2025 - Lesotho 2nd APPSA Scientific Conference - The CCARDESA Secretariat, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition of Lesotho,

25 February 2025. Inclusive Digital Tools Project: Scaling climate-informed agroecological outcomes

25 February 2025. United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16) - Countries to Resume Crucial Biodiversity Discussions in Rome

25 February - 1 March 2025. Corvallis, Oregon. Organic Seed Alliance conference
to be held Hydrid: In-person and virtual.
  1. Day 1 (March 11) will feature the different EU R&I programmes and focus on results and lessons from EU -funded interventions and other international interventions aiming at supporting innovation in agri-food systems
  2. Day 2 (March 12) morning will broaden the reflection and discussion by focusing on how to support innovation at scale by making use of R&I outcomes (policies for enabling environment, market and public/private funding, capacities including education)
  3. Day 2 (March 12) afternoon will be dedicated to the high-level discussions on on-going and future EU policies for R&I cooperation with partner countries
  4. Day 3 (March 13) will be dedicated to special sessions proposed by organisations participating in the conference, including launch of the International Research Consortium, SCAR-ARCH meeting, AU/EU Working group on the Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture, DeSIRA+.
  • Centre for Rural Development/Humboldt University Berlin
  • This training will delve into the unique challenges and opportunities of transforming food systems in the Global South, offering practical insights and strategic guidance.
  • Aim: Highlight the main challenges in the current food system(s), and co-develop practical solutions and action plans based on the objectives and local realities of the participants.
  • Target group : Urban planners, Project Manager in International Development NGOs, Food Value Chain Experts.
17-20 March, Brussels 5th Africa-Europe Science Collaboration Platform (AERAP)

25 - 28 March 2025. The 2nd Eastern Africa Agroecology Conference (EAAC25) Transforming Food Systems for Responsible Production, Consumption and Social Wellbeing

7 - 12 April 2025. CGIAR Science Week, Nairobi

22 April  2025. The International Agrobiodiversity Congress - Agrobiodiversity for People and Planet

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


23 - 25 September 2025. Uppsala. Agri4D 2025

Thursday, November 28, 2024

DAS Digital Agriculture Resource Library


The goal of the webinar was to highlight the potential role that knowledge-sharing platforms play in advancing evidence-based policymaking and project implementation within the digital agriculture space, with a special focus on the newly launched DAS Digital Agriculture Resource Library.

Summary


Webinar Purpose: Discuss the role of knowledge sharing platforms in enhancing evidence-based policies for digital agriculture.
  • IFAD's Impact: Highlight digital agriculture's benefits, especially for women and youth, bridging the digital divide through initiatives like DAS.
  • Knowledge Library Introduction: Present DAS Digital Library focused on capacity building and the application of developed knowledge products in agriculture.
  • Collaboration Importance: Emphasize the need for collaboration among platforms to improve data sharing and avoid redundancy in initiatives.
  • Next Steps: Share platform links, demonstrate the DAS Digital Library, and explore collaboration opportunities to strengthen knowledge utilization.
 

Resource:

Learnings and knowledge generated during the implementation of the Digital Advisory Support Services for Accelerated Rural Transformation (DAS) Program, an IFAD-financed grant.

Development Gateway: An IREX Venture (DG), with a grant from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), is leading the implementation of the The Digital Advisory Support Services for Accelerated Rural Transformation (DAS) Program to address the gap in digital tools and information access for smallholder farmers. DG has partnered with digital development experts, JengaLab, and training experts,TechChange, to provide a holistic approach to advisory support within the DAS Program.

The program offers the following on-demand services to countries:
  • Ecosystem assessment and mapping for country strategies, development plans, supply chains, or specific sectors;
  • Digital tool appraisal to map user journeys, user experience, scalability, and sustainability;
  • ICT4Ag trainings to provide introductory training that complements ICT4D initiatives. The ICT4Ag training is intended to be transferable to various contexts and will consist of open enrollment courses: Principles for Digital Development (PDD), Interoperability (how-to guide for AgTech tools), and Digital Finance;
  • Customized training to promote capacity and awareness building of target institutions, government, and implementing partners on ICT topics;
  • Customized training to promote capacity and awareness building of target institutions, government, and implementing partners on ICT topics;
  • Establishment and documentation of data governance procedures to support digital tool management;
  • Integration of ICT technology indicators into the
  • project, program, or strategy M&E results frameworks;
  • Support in the development of a Request for Proposal/Terms of Reference/Scope of Work to engage an ICT service provider; and
  • Research brief on specific ICT topics (e.g., SMS for extension services, digital finance platforms, data protection factors, etc.).

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

AR4D Funding Opportunities for Africa - December 2024


Agriculture Fisheries Forestry

Food-System Transformation

2024-12-01

ProVeg Grants provides funding to diet-change organizations and projects that align with ProVeg‘s mission to reduce the global consumption of animals by 50%. The ProVeg Grants program offers expertise and support to organizations. ProVeg provides both financial support and assistance with capacity-building. Financial support is between US$5,000 and US$50 thousand per year. Applicants must be individuals or organizations focused on food-system transformation. ProVeg has four application deadlines per year: 01 March, 01 June, 01 September, and 01 December.

Ocean Stewardship Fund

2024-12-02

The Marine Stewardship Council invites fisheries, scientists, NGOs and postgraduates to apply for grants from the Ocean Stewardship Fund. The fund supports best practices in sustainable fishing with the aim to increase the number of sustainable fisheries around the world. Grants are also available to support small-scale fisheries and fisheries in the developing world. Furthermore, the Student Research Grant awards funding to support postgraduate students who are carrying out research with fisheries engaged or working towards the MSC program. Awards of between £5 thousand to £50 thousand are available across five different strands. The application deadline is 02 December 2024.

Mediterranean Forestry and Natural Resources Management

2024-12-31

The Master's Degree in Mediterranean Forestry and Natural Resources Management (MEDfOR) is a two-year international program in the field of Forestry and Sustainability. The MEDfOR Consortium includes seven European universities with expertise in Mediterranean forestry. The master course is open to EU and non-EU students. Scholarships to cover participation costs, travel costs, and a monthly subsistence allowance will be offered by different funding agencies according to specific eligibility requirements. The program is open to candidates from all over the world, who have a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Environmental and Earth Sciences, Mathematics, Economics, Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or similar areas. The closing date for applications is 31 December 2024 (non-EU students) and 01 March 2025 (EU students).

Seed Grants for Women's Micro-Credit Projects

2024-12-31

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; and 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. Grants are usually US$5,500 (but many are considerably smaller) for a one-year project. The application deadline is 31 December each year. (However, RSWR recommends earlier submissions of at least a month prior to the deadline to allow time for revisions.)

Biodiversity Conservation Wildlife

Student Grants

2024-12-01

The British Herpetological Society (BHS) offers small grants to current students in support of herpetological fieldwork and other research costs. Projects which benefit species of conservation concern are likely to be favored. The scheme is open to students and research projects in any country, but applications from countries where funds are relatively easy to obtain may be at a disadvantage. Applicants do not have to be BHS members, though this is encouraged. Small grants are up to £300. The remaining application deadlines are 01 June and 01 December 2024.

Wild Bird Health Fund 2025

2024-12-01

The Association of Avian Veterinarians seeks research projects addressing wild bird health. Projects of interest include epidemiology of disease in wild populations, ecotoxicology, diagnostic testing and treatment of wild birds, and conservation medicine. Grants are limited to US$5 thousand per project. Pre-proposals must be submitted by 01 December 2024.

Research and Conservation of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles

2024-12-01

The Turtle Conservation Fund (TCF) makes grants to organizations and individuals worldwide for the conservation and research of endangered and critically endangered tortoises and freshwater turtles. TCF lists priority species. Most regular grants are US$2 thousand to US$5 thousand per project. The Fund also makes seed grants of US$1 thousand or less. Application deadlines for both programs are 01 June and 01 December of each year.

Environmental Conservation Grants 2025

2024-12-02

The Japan Fund for Global Environment makes grants to non-profit organizations in Japan and developing countries for field projects in environmental conservation. Grants are for grass-roots projects and range from 500 thousand to 3 million JPY. Each non-Japanese applicant needs to have an agent in Japan to communicate and apply in the Japanese language on behalf of the applicant. The application deadline is 02 December 2024.

Masters in Conservation Leadership

2024-12-03

The Cambridge Masters in Conservation Leadership invites applications for entry in 2025. The full-time master's program during one year is aimed at graduates of leadership potential with at least three to five years of experience relevant to biodiversity conservation. Scholarship programs offer support to students from developing countries. The application deadline for program admission is 03 December 2024.

Nominations 2025

2024-12-11

The Earthshot Prize searches the globe for game-changing innovations that will help repair our planet. The best five solutions receive £1 million to scale their work. The categories are: Protect and Restore Nature; Clean our Air; Revive our Oceans; Build a Waste-Free World; and Fix our Climate. The Earthshot Prize has a network of official nominators. Some nominators are happy to accept proposals from the public for consideration. Nominations for the 2025 prize year will close on 11 December 2024.

Zoological Medicine and Wildlife Health Research Grant

2024-12-15

The American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) awards the Zoological Medicine and Wildlife Health Research Grant to professionals in zoological medicine for the care and conservation of captive and free-ranging wildlife. Two categories of funding are available: standard grants (maximum US$20 thousand) and small grants (maximum US$7,500). The application deadline is 15 December 2024.

Grants in Herpetology

2024-12-15

The Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAR) makes 12 grants of US$500 each for herpetological field research, education, and conservation. Applications are submitted by individuals. Some grant categories are restricted to SSAR members and students, while others are open to everyone. The application deadline is 15 December 2024.

Faculty Fellowship 2024

2024-12-18

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF), through the Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN), offers fellowship opportunities to support university faculty members who are affiliated with or currently employed at African, Asian, and Latin American universities. The fellowship is offered to enable faculty members to pursue their PhD. Applicants from eligible countries can apply for three years of study, with funding of up to US$30 thousand per year. The application deadline is 18 December 2024.

Rainforest Investigations Network

2024-12-31

The Pulitzer Center accepts applications for the Rainforest Investigations Network (RIN). The RIN Fellowship fosters collaboration among journalists to investigate the financial incentives, illegal activities, and global supply chains driving industrial-scale deforestation. RIN Fellows will pursue both individual and joint investigative projects, examining the root causes and structural drivers of deforestation across the three main tropical rainforest regions: the Amazon, the Congo Basin, and Southeast Asia. The Pulitzer Center seeks seasoned investigative journalists who are from the tropical rainforest regions. The application deadline is 31 December 2024.

Small Grants for Conservation in Africa

2024-12-31

The Jana Robeyst Trust Fund provides financial resources to small non-profit organizations and individuals to carry out conservation research in Sub-Saharan Africa. Priority will be given to projects related to the conservation of forest elephants. Applicants can be based anywhere in the world. Funding is €1,500 per applicant. Application deadlines for small conservation grants are 30 April, 31 August and 31 December each year.

Crosscutting

Youth Design Challenge

2024-12-01

The Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge is an annual global initiative encouraging young individuals aged 15-26 to pitch their ideas for innovative learning programs for their dream university. Participants can pitch programs on one of the following themes: Community Engagement, Socio-emotional Development, and Sustainability (planetary health and regenerative economy). The 12 finalists will receive regular mentorship from a global network of industries with the goal of implementing their programs. The winner receives US$1000. The deadline for submissions is 01 December 2024.

Research on Solid Waste

2024-12-01

The Environmental Research and Education Foundation (EREF) offers research grants on the management of solid wastes. Topics include waste minimization; recycling; waste conversion to energy, biofuels, chemicals, and other products; waste diversion to other uses; and landfills. There are no geographical restrictions on institutions that can apply. Previously awarded grants have ranged from US$15 thousand to over US$500 thousand (with an average grant amount of US$160 thousand). The deadlines for pre-proposals are 01 May and 01 December 2024.

Annual Photo Contest 2024

2024-12-02

Smithsonian.com accepts submissions from photographers worldwide in the theme of “Natural World,” among other categories. The Grand Prize is US$2,500 and the winners in each category will receive US$500 each. The deadline for submissions is 02 December 2024.

Swiss Postdoctoral Fellowships

2024-12-02

SNSF Swiss Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to applicants of any nationality with destination Switzerland who intend to apply for a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions individual postdoctoral fellowship. This funding scheme will offer applicants with a PhD a position at a non-commercial research institution in Switzerland for 12-24 months. The grant includes a salary with social security contributions, financial contributions to research, and conference costs. The scheme is open to all research disciplines and topics. The deadline for submissions is 02 December 2024.

Critical Conservation Challenges

2024-12-03

In support of the United Nations agenda on sustainable development, the Science for People and Nature Partnership (SNAPP) aims to find solutions for problems at the interface of economic development, nature conservation, and human well-being. SNAPP operates through working groups that represent 200 institutions from more than 30 countries. SNAPP provides up to US$1 million total across 4-6 working groups. Proposals are invited from researchers and practitioners of any nationality affiliated with an academic, governmental, multilateral, or non-profit institution. Individuals operating independently are also eligible to apply. Proposals from low- and middle-income countries are especially welcome. The deadline for proposals is 03 December 2024.

Mentorship for Emerging Leaders

2024-12-03

The Dalai Lama Fellowship offers emerging leaders from all around the world mentorship and coaching to design and implement their own original field projects addressing a global challenge. Project areas include environmental sustainability, among others. The fellowship does not offer funding for projects, instead, it offers coaching and a global community. This program is open to next-generation leaders (20-35 years old). The deadline for applications is 03 December 2024.

Associateship Scheme for Research Collaboration

2024-12-05

In collaboration with UNESCO, TWAS enables researchers from developing countries to visit research centers. Selected associates are appointed for three years during which they can visit one of 300 participating centers twice for research collaboration. TWAS provides travel support and a contribution towards subsistence costs up to US$300. Living expenses are covered by the host centers. The deadline for submission is 05 December 2024.

Research Professorships in Least-Developed Countries

2024-12-05

TWAS funds selected TWAS members to assist with building research capacity in the least-developed countries (LDCs). During a period of five years, each funded professor will be expected to make three visits to a host institution in a partner LDC, for a minimum stay of one month each visit. TWAS will provide travel support while living expenses are covered by the host institution. Requests need to be submitted by research groups and scientific institutions in the LDCs. The application deadline is 05 December 2024.

TechGirls 2025

2024-12-06

TechGirls is an international summer exchange program designed to empower and inspire young women from around the world to pursue careers in science and technology. The program is open to teenage girls (ages 15-17) from eligible countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia and Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, the Middle East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, and Latin America. TechGirls covers the costs of travel, accommodation, and meals for participation in the technology camp hosted by Virginia Tech University. The application will close on 06 December 2024.

Digital Transformation to Save our Planet

2024-12-09

The Box Impact Fund will award a total of US$150 thousand to six different non-profit organizations pursuing digital transformation projects. Each selected organization will receive a US$25 thousand grant to put their idea into action. The project category “Protecting the Planet” covers areas such as environmental protection, energy conservation, renewable energy, nature conservation, and biodiversity. The application deadline is 09 December 2024.

Residency Program

2024-12-09

The Humboldt Residency Program offers participants the opportunity to cooperate on a common topic, generate new ideas, and communicate them to a broad audience. The topic for 2025 is “The Future of Food". During the six-week residency in Brandenburg/Berlin, participants meet daily in shared working spaces and have the unique opportunity of extensive time and freedom to gain an in-depth understanding of each other’s work. Funding for participation in the Humboldt Residency Program includes a monthly allowance, travel allowance, accommodation, and a budget for arranging public event formats. The deadline for applications is 09 December 2024.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2025

2024-12-12

With funding from the UK's Department for International Development, the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are available to citizens of Commonwealth countries for master's studies at UK universities, usually for one year. The participating academic programs include several subject areas such as environmental science and management, agroforestry, livestock management, remote sensing, disaster management, wetlands science, etc. The CSC lists the participating universities and their eligible courses. Potential applicants must check with the relevant UK university regarding their admission requirements and guidelines for applying. The deadline for scholarship applications is 12 December 2024.

Visiting Research Fellow Program

2024-12-13

The Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN) Visiting Research Fellow Program brings overseas researchers to the Institute for periods of two to six months to engage in research collaboration. Each visiting fellow must work with a RIHN host researcher who acts as the main point of contact with the Institute. Applicants must have a PhD and be employed in an overseas research institute. Travel, accommodation, and daily expenses are covered by RIHN. The application deadline is 13 December 2024.

Global Citizenship Learning Program

2024-12-15

The Global Citizenship Learning Program is a 1.5-year learning program with virtual and in-person activities, and interdisciplinary community projects furthering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The program is open to university students aged 18- 25 who are currently enrolled at one of our partner universities (China, India, Chile, Ghana, Germany, United States). The program offers financial aid for deserving participants. Applications close on 15 December 2024.

Global Solvers Accelerator

2024-12-15

The Global Solvers Accelerator is an eight-month project-based collaborative learning workshop furthering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Up to 20 participants will be invited to attend the fully sponsored week-long in-person retreat, the Global Solvers Co-Lab (July 2025). Eligibility extends to young community development practitioners aged between 20 – 35 years from all around the world. Applicants must have an existing social impact project. The program offers financial aid for deserving participants. Applications close on 15 December 2024.

MSc in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security

2024-12-15

The United Nations University (UNU) and the University of Bonn welcome applicants for the international joint MSc program, “Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security.” The ideal candidate has a strong interest or experience in human-nature relations and risk governance in the Global South. Women and applicants from developing countries are strongly encouraged to apply. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships to financially support successful applicants from developing countries. The application deadline is 15 December 2024.

Scholars Program at Columbia University

2024-12-16

The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University (USA) is a one-year training program for leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to finding solutions to challenges in their communities or countries. Scholars attend courses and participate in leadership development training. Participants receive a furnished studio apartment during their stay, a monthly stipend to assist with living expenses, as well as travel and tuition fees paid. The program is open to applicants from all around the world. Applications for the 2025-2026 program have to be submitted until 16 December 2024.

Postgraduate Fellowship Program

2024-12-16

The TWAS-TÜBİTAK Postgraduate Fellowship Program is a fellowship for foreign scholars from developing countries in the South who wish to pursue research toward a PhD in a field of the natural and related applied sciences. TWAS provides a list of suitable host institutions and a list of public and private universities in Turkey for candidates to choose from. TWAS will provide travel support, TÜBİTAK will provide a monthly allowance to cover accommodation and living expenses. Applicants must be residents and nationals of a developing country and have a maximum age of 35 years. The call for applications is open until 16 December 2024.

Food Systems Fellowship

2024-12-18

The WWF Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN) invites applications from researchers to pursue graduate-level studies geared towards research that cultivates a better understanding of the place-based nature of food systems and transformation. The fellowship is open to nationals of Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chile, Colombia, Dem. Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Fiji, French Guiana, Gabon, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Indonesia, Kenya, Laos, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Paraguay, Peru, Republic of Congo, Suriname, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam, and Zambia. The deadline to submit an application is 18 December 2024.

Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award

2024-12-18

Cisco and Global Citizen invites applications for the Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award. The Award is made to a young individual (18-30 years) who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending global poverty. Global Citizen accepts applications from individuals who have, or contribute to, a registered legal entity such as a non-profit, for-profit, or social enterprise. The award includes a US$250 thousand prize paid to the organization to which the individual contributes. Submissions will close on 18 December 2024.

Clinton Global Initiative University

2024-12-20

The Clinton Global Initiative University seeks student leaders from around the world who are committed to taking action in their community to address a pressing challenge such as the environment, climate change, poverty alleviation, or public health. Fellows receive an all-expenses-paid trip to attend the Clinton Global Initiative 2025 Annual Meeting in New York City in September 2025. Applicants have to be at least 18 years of age and be currently enrolled in an institution of higher learning. The application deadline is 20 December 2024.

Leadership Training Program

2024-12-31

The United People Global (UPG) Sustainability Leadership training program offers young leaders from all over the world the opportunity to participate in an immersive 1-week experience on an island in the USA. UPG seeks young people (18-35 years) who want to take positive action that helps the world tackle a sustainability challenge to achieve any of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 500 young leaders will be selected to participate in an online program and receive a certification after successful completion of the online training. 60 participants will have the chance to attend the complimentary 1-week training in the USA (all costs of the program will be covered). Applications should be received by 31 December 2024 for the Class of 2025.


OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:

Request for Consultancy


Consulting Service: Support the establishment of the Postharvest Incubation Program and Agribusiness Accelerator in Mali aimed at promoting technologies and innovations in postharvest management of indigenous fruits and vegetables under the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture project. 

Project Name:  Enhancing the production and consumption of African Indigenous Fruits and Vegetables to improve diets in Ghana and Mali (Eco-Inveg)

Submission Deadline: Tuesday, December 03, 2024




Thursday, November 21, 2024

Engaging Research and Innovation to Build Digital and Climate-Resilient Agri-Food Systems

 



By: Irene Annor-Frempong,  Aggrey Agumya & Benjamin Abugri


The African Union-European Union (AU-EU) Research and Innovation Partnership on Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA) is making significant strides in building digital and climate-resilient agri-food systems. This initiative, under CAADP’s (Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme) Sub-theme 3, emphasizes the need for research and innovation to foster sustainable agriculture and food security across Africa.

Achievements and Lessons from the AU-EU FNSSA Partnership

The achievements of the AU-EU partnership on FNSSA from 2016 to date highlight the impact of international cooperation on agricultural development. With over 1 billion Euros mobilized and invested in line with the AU-EU FNSSA Roadmap (2016-2026), more than 500 projects have been implemented across four thematic areas. These areas align with the CAADP Malabo priority themes, as outlined in the Science Agenda for Agriculture in Africa (S3A).

The four thematic areas are:

  • Sustainable Intensification
  • Agriculture and Food Systems for Nutrition
  • Expansion and Improvement of Agricultural Markets and Trade
  • Crosscutting Issues, including improved coordination between European and African FNSSA R&I projects. 




Through these projects, the AU-EU partnership has delivered tangible benefits to farmers, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and research and innovation institutions across Africa. Additionally, the partnership has strengthened science-policy linkages and enhanced institutional and individual capacities within participating regions.

Key Challenges and Proposed Solutions

While the partnership has achieved significant success, certain gaps remain, particularly in the areas of coordination and leveraging resources. Over the past eight years, stakeholders identified two critical levers for enhancing the impact of international cooperation: the partnership model and the financing model. Addressing these areas will further streamline the implementation of the CAADP Agenda and amplify the benefits of research and innovation for sustainable agriculture.

Two solutions were proposed to harness international cooperation for the implementation of CAADP:
  • Developing a strategy for leveraging international cooperation
  • Coordinating cooperation programs like the AU-EU FNSSA partnership to show its contribution on the implementation of CAADP

Read full article HERE...