UK to establish agritech hub in Oyo, Nigeria

10 February 2025. UK to establish agritech hub in Oyo.  The Oyo State Government is set to benefit from a partnership with the United Kingdom Agritech Centre to enhance agriculture and livestock production through science and other technology-based solutions.

The Centre is also set to establish an Agritech Hub within one of the state’s Agribusiness Industrial Hubs, which will help revolutionise agriculture and provide practitioners with resources and opportunities for technological innovations in farming practices.

The UK has a new major project that is a tripartite relationship between Brazil, the UK, and Nigeria. It is called the Agritech. The UK Agritech Centre, as an organisation, comprises 300 members from the private sector and academia, and they bring to Nigeria science and technology-based solutions. https://ukagritechcentre.com/event/uk-brazil-building-collaboration-in-agri-tech-workshop/ 

Funding Forgotten Foods (2)

11 - 14 February 2025. Ibadan, Nigeria. The Global Forum for Agricultural Research and Innovation (GFAiR) organised a second proposal write shop to target funding opportunities on Forgotten Foods. This follows a first proposal write shop in Winneba (Ghana) in January. 

The main aim of this meeting was to apply for

• 
  The INCiTiS-FOOD Open Call for Local Innovation Hubs Deadline: March 20th, 2025
  The INCiTiS-FOOD Open Call aims to attract Local Innovation Hubs (LIHs), small consortia that must comprise a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 legal entities, such as NGOs, cooperatives, and educational institutions. These consortia will co-create and implement innovative solutions tailored to sustainable and circular food systems, fostering collaboration and addressing local food system challenges.
  A webinar for Q&A will be held on 5th March
  
  
• 
  The One planet call for proposals: Mobilizing Children and Youth in the One Planet Network to
  Support Implementation of the Global Strategy on Sustainable Consumption and Production
  Sustainable Food systems Project proposals should drive meaningful change and support the achievement of the following impacts: - Knowledge and Advocacy: (1) Promote the uptake of SFS Programme Knowledge Hub resources and tools among global and national stakeholders. (2) Represent the
  Youth Voice in the shaping of the emerging OPN flagship initiative on leveraging sustainable public procurement to advance sustainable food systems, with a current focus on school meals. (3) Act as a multiplier by supporting the SFS Programme through communication activities (social media). Deadline: March 3rd, 2025
  
  

Extract of the program:

10/02 Concept note of the proposal

K-TOMFonio-Project. Ponic Technologies for Developing Human and Poultry Diets from Fonio Seeds and King Tuber Oyster Mushroom

The project shall demonstrate innovative ponic technologies for producing human and poultry diets from forgotten crops such as fonio and KOM at urban and peri-urban environments in Nigeria. The technologies are cost-effective and shall utilize minimal space and time to produce highly nutritious diets in the study environments. The project shall create potential income channels for urban and peri-urban farmers, new research skills for the participating researchers and introduce highly nutritious human and poultry diets to end users.

11/02 Panel discussion: Forgotten foods and the research - private sector nexus

Download the summary (7 pp.)

Objective:

1. 
   Share examples on how the private sector can take up research outcomes related to Forgotten Foods
2. Research priorities
3. How to link up with the private finance sector
4. Public funding opportunities

Online Speakers: (International Nutrition and Food experts)

1. Dr. Habiba Wassef (MD), ANS (African Nutrition Society) Living Legend of the International Union of Nutrition Sciences ; Health and Nutrition Policy in Sustainable Development ; Chair, National Nutrition Sciences Committee Egypt 
2. Robert Fungo, President, The Federation of African Nutrition Societies (FANUS), School of Food Technology, Nutrition & Bio-Engineering, Makerere University Kampala, Uganda
3. Francis Zotor, Professor of Public Health Nutrition at the Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ghana. He serves as Vice President of the International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS), a body that oversees the strategic directions of nutrition across the globe. 
4. Amos Laar, Professor of Public Health Nutrition, Department of Population, Family & Reproductive Health, University of Ghana
5. 
   Prof. Folake Samuel Community Nutrition, Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics
   (University of Ibadan) Nigeria. She Programme director of the Food and Nutrition Society of Nigeria (FNSN), responsible for the BMGF funded Grand Challenge Nigeria Programme 
6. Gloria L. Essilfie (Ph.D), Senior Lecturer, Postharvest Technology/Food Microbiology, Department of Crop Science, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana  – presentation boot camp of the Postharvest Innovation Challenge (PIC) funded by the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture. 40 Ghanaian-owned businesses participated in a bootcamp (22-24 January, Accra). They were selected among 152 applicants with innovative solutions that promote the consumption of African indigenous/ neglected and underutilized fruits and vegetables in Ghana.
7. Excused: Prof. Mady Cisse, President African Nutrition Society, Professor Mady CISSE is currently in charge of the Agri-food Industries Continuing Education Laboratory at the Ecole Supérieure Polytechnique (ESP) of  Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar (UCAD) Senegal 

Picture: Emily offering Bambara groundnut crackers produced by the food processing lab of IITA

In person speakers (at IITA Ibadan):

• Owole Fatunbi - Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa: FARA Forgotten Foods Dgroups / Community of Practice
• Babafemi Oyewole - CEO Pan African Farmers Organization (PAFO) Kigali, Rwanda

12/02 I-Youth agribusiness

• Presentation (on site) by Noel Mulinganya, IITA Program Manager - Youth Program/Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT).

12/02 Urban agriculture: business for young entrepreneurs? 

• Presentation  (on site) by Angel Adelaja, CEO, Fresh Direct, Nigeria 
  
  

(below: 10 April 2018. CTA Brussels Development Briefing no. 50 on “Growing food in the cities: Successes and new opportunities”. This Briefing was organised by the ACP-EU Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA), in collaboration with the European Commission / DEVCO, the ACP Secretariat, and CONCORD.)

13/02 The new Odisha Government scheme on neglected crops and forgotten foods.

• By Dinesh Balam, Program Officer - Policy Advocacy and Coordination - Revitalizing Rainfed Agriculture Network. WASSAN (Watershed Support Services and Activities Network) is the anchoring secretariat of CoFTI (the Coalition of food systems transformation in India initiative). 

Download the summary (5 pp.)

13/02 Community of Practice on Africa Forgotten and Underutilized Food Commodities

• By Wole FATUNBI, Lead Specialist: Innovation Systems and Partnerships - Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA)

Resources:

FAO (2024) Compendium of forgotten foods in Africa: A companion publication for Integrating Africa’s forgotten foods for better nutrition 120 pp.

Indigenous communities across Africa have used several locally adapted crops for millennia, mainly for nutrition, medicinal and ornamental purposes. Unfortunately, many of these crops have been progressively substituted with imported genotypes favoured by industrial agriculture. Pervasive monoculture of the exotic crops and increasingly standardised diets have partly contributed to the utter denigration of the indigenous crops, earning them the appellation of "forgotten crops.”

GFAiR policy brief: The Role of Private Sector Investment in Scaling Agricultural Innovations: Focus on Nutrition and Forgotten Foods (4pp.) 

• This is an extract of a forthcoming GFAiR Insights - 40 pp.
• GFAiR is currently finalising a GFAiR Insights publication (40 pp.) on the need for agricultural research to reach out to the private (finance) sector. 
• The full report includes the example of The INCITIS-FOOD consortium. 
• The INCITIS research project and consortium funded by DG RTD exceptionally involves a financial partner to upscale innovation. The African Rural and Agricultural Credit Association (AFRACA) is a leading pan-african network of financial and non-financial institutions involved in promoting access to rural and agricultural finance in Africa. 
• The INCITIS-FOOD Project is working on improving innovative circular food system in 6 countries across 3 African regions: East (Kenya), West (Ghana, Nigeria and Sierra Leone) and Central (Cameroun and Gabon). 
• The objective of the eight living labs in six African countries is to map the landscape of food providers, manufacturers, marketers, and consumers and to help identify bottlenecks and challenges that can be addressed by the living labs.

Related event

11-13 February 2025. Lusaka, Zambia. Academic symposium and workshop ‘Traditional foods for the future’

Many local traditional foods exist that are part of local culture and tradition. They are usually well suited to local agronomic practices and informal value chains and, have great potential to promote nutrition and livelihoods. However, due to specific characteristics of each of these foods and the focus on globally available alternatives, local traditional foods have been understudied. This has hampered their use to promote nutrition and livelihoods within the local context of many LMIC.

To promote traditional foods, a symposium is specifically focusing on local traditional (fermented) foods in Southern Africa. 

This symposium covers six topics and their interrelationships:

1. Food fermentation: processing and product functionality
2. Microbial ecology of the environment and fermented foods
3. Food environment, diets and health
4. Personal entrepreneurial context
5. Value chains and institutions
6. Consumer needs and preference

FAO Policy and research roundtable dialogue on integrated climate-nutrition action

5 February 2025. Climate Change and Nutrition. FAO Policy and research roundtable dialogue on integrated climate-nutrition action.

View the webcast

This roundtable event, organized by FAO and the Government of France, facilitated knowledge exchange between researchers and policymakers to outline critical data and evidence needs for science-driven policy, action, and investment in Climate Change and Nutrition.

During the event, policy options on climate and nutrition backed by the current knowledge base and data, metrics, and evidence on integrated climate-nutrition action were presented. The dialogue will focus on context-specific policy needs and knowledge gaps to guide future research agendas and policy action. 

This roundtable event, supported by the Initiative on Climate Action and Nutrition (I-CAN) partners including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement, the Standing Together for Nutrition (ST4N)/ Micronutrient Forum and the SickKids Hospital/ Aga Khan University, is an important milestone in the build-up to the Paris 2025 Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit. The outcomes will also inform and stimulate further dialogue, contributing to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) processes and the 30th UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP30).

Objectives

• To present the latest data, metrics, and evidence on the impact of integrated climate-nutrition action;
• To foster dialogue between Permanent Representations to FAO and Rome-based Agencies and research institutions and academics on data and evidence on integrated climate-nutrition initiatives to inform national policy;
• To promote knowledge exchange and collaboration among researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders working in the fields of climate change and nutrition;
• To outline key policy and research priorities to advance climate and nutrition integrated action.

List of speakers

• Ms Nancy Aburto, Deputy Director, ESN, FAO 
• Ms Beth Bechdol, Deputy Director-General, FAO
• H. E. Krisztina Bende, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Switzerland
  
  
• 
  Dr Juan Lucas Restrepo, Global Director of Partnerships and Advocacy, CGIAR, Director General of the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) See webcast @ 41:50 The latest data, metrics and evidence on the impact of integrated climate and nutrition action
  
  
• Prof. Zulfiqar A. Bhutta, Robert Harding Inaugural Chair, Global Child Health & Policy at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto and Founding Director, Institute for Global Health & Development, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
• Mr Bruno Brasil, Director of Sustainable Production and Irrigation, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Brazil (COP30 Presidency)  
• H.E. Carla Barroso Carneiro, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Federative Republic of Brazil
• H.E. Luke Daunivalu, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Fiji to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva  
• Mr Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)  
• H.E. Céline Jurgensen, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations in Rome
• Ms Afshan Khan, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, Coordinator of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement
• Dr Amos Laar, Professor of Public Health Nutrition, University of Ghana
• Ms Piedad Martin, Deputy Director, Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB), FAO 
• H.E. Thesele John 'Maseribane, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Lesotho
• Ms Lynnette Neufeld, Director, Food and Nutrition Division (ESN), FAO  
• Ms Beatrice Ekesa Onyango, Head of Nutrition, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
• Dr Saskia Osendarp, Executive Director, Micronutrient Forum  
• Atty. Asis G. Perez, Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and Regulations, Department of Agriculture, Philippines  
• H.E. Brieuc Pont, Special Envoy for Nutrition, Secretary General of the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit, France  
• H. E. Bassam Essam Rady Abdelhamid Rady, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Arab Republic of Egypt

Growth component analysis for experimental research on vegetable crop physiology

3 - 4 February 2025. Nairobi. Growth component analysis for experimental research on vegetable crop physiology

 INCiTiS-FOOD partner, University of Bologna,organised an insightful workshop on Growth Component Analysis for Experimental Research in Nairobi

• Giuseppina Pennisi
• John Wesonga
• Francesco Orsini

How Business Can Support Sustainable Development

Homi Kharas, Koji Makino, John W. McArthur, and Jane Nelson (2025) For the World’s Profit. How Business Can Support Sustainable Development 278 pp.

This book argues that the world is at a key juncture for considering how the targeted pursuit of business profits can better add up to the world’s profit, broadly defined.

The edited volume brings together a remarkable array of distinguished corporate, investor, government, academic, and nonprofit perspectives to reflect on the issues. The authors tackle such questions as how businesses can work more effectively with governments, financial institutions, and civil society to mitigate their own enterprise risk alongside risks to people and planet; how private resources, innovation, and networks can be mobilized to create value in solving major social and environmental challenges; and what types of accountability structures are needed to set boundaries, provide oversight, and create positive incentives for business performance.

Their perspectives offer insights into how sustainability can be introduced into business practices, finance and policymaking in a way that expands market opportunities and accelerates progress toward global sustainable development.

Related: Profit and purpose: Aligning business for a sustainable future

10 January 2025. The Center for Sustainable Development at Brookings launched the book’s publication with an overview and panel discussion of key themes. 

• The event discussed actionable strategies for aligning business goals with global priorities, notably the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), against the backdrop of a rapidly shifting landscape of sustainability standards and policies. 
• It shared insights on how business leaders, financial actors, policymakers, and regulators can contribute to an ecosystem where the targeted pursuit of business profits can better add up to the world’s profit, broadly defined.

 

Food as medicine report

Platkin, C., Cather, A., Butz, L., Garcia, I., Gallanter, M., Leung, MM., (2022) Food As Medicine: Overview and Report: How Food and Diet Impact the Treatment of Disease and Disease Management. Center for Food As Medicine and Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center; March 30, 2022, available at foodmedcenter.org and nycfoodpolicy.org. 169 pp.

There is overwhelming evidence demonstrating the impact of food and diet on health, specifically among food-related diseases. Whether or not a poor diet can cause damage to the body should no longer be debated, as evidence supports the potential causal relationships between dietary factors and diet-related diseases such as ischemic heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. While diet has the potential to cause disease, it is also capable of building, maintaining, and restoring health. The report, written in conjunction with the Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center, aims to bridge the gap between traditional medicine and the use of food as medicine in the prevention and treatment of disease.

This comprehensive narrative review and report is divided into five parts, including: 

1. background information on the history of using food to treat disease, 
2. modern challenges to widespread use and acceptance of food as medicine practices, 
3. current evidence about contemporary food as medicine practices (such as medically tailored meals, produce prescriptions, and functional foods), 
4. literature review of food as treatment for specific disease states, and 
5. recommendations to stakeholders (including policymakers, health care professionals, and academics) to contribute to a healthier, more equitable health care system.

Download the report HERE >>

Third School Meal Programs Around the World Report

Global Child Nutrition Foundation (GCNF). (2024) School Meal Programs Around the World: Results from the 2024 Global Survey of School Meal Programs, 121 pp.

The third round of the Global Survey of School Meal Programs © was conducted by the Global Child Nutrition Foundation (GCNF) in 2024, gathering information on the school year beginning in 2022. The survey saw participation from 142 countries and collected detailed data on 207 large-scale school meal programs. Survey results are presented in the School Meal Programs Around the World report and summarized in the Survey Highlights.

4 February 2025. Third School Meal Programs Around the World Report

School meal programs are an effective way to boost children’s nutrition and wellbeing, including physiological development and academic performance. These programs can also play an important role in food systems transformation by ensuring access to healthy diets, supporting equitable livelihoods, and contributing to environmental sustainability. However, data on large-scale school meal programs have historically been fragmented and inconsistent, despite the global prevalence of these programs and evidence of their positive impact. 

The Global Survey of School Meal Programs © seeks to address this gap, collecting the most comprehensive data to date on national and large-scale school feeding programs, with information on 167 countries. It provides comprehensive global data on school meal coverage, financing, food baskets, laws and policies, home-grown school feeding, and more, thus serving as a foundation for monitoring global progress over time.

Introductory Remarks

• Purnima Menon, Senior Director, Food and Nutrition Policy; Acting Senior Director, Transformation Strategy, IFPRI
• Mary Muinde, Chief of Staff to the First Lady of Kenya
• Fabio Veras Soares, Researcher, International Policy Centre for Inclusive Development, Institute for Applied Economic Research (IPCid/IPEA), Government of Brazil
• Neo Sediti, Director, National School Nutrition Programme, Government of the Republic of South Africa
• Dana Thomas, Managing Director, Food is Medicine, The Rockefeller Foundation

Overview of Survey Results

• Arlene Mitchell, Executive Director, Global Child Nutrition Foundation (GCNF)
• Liliane Bigayimpunzi, Survey Coordinator for Africa, Global Child Nutrition Foundation (GCNF)
• Ayala Wineman, Research and Survey Specialist, Global Child Nutrition Foundation (GCNF)

Panel: Putting the Survey Results into Use- Policy, Research, Advocacy, Implementation and the Business Perspective 

• Marie Tamagnan, Senior Operations Advisor, Inter-American Development Bank (IADB)
• Mduduzi Mbuya, Director, Knowledge Leadership, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)
• Beatrice Wamey, President, Nascent Solutions
• Mia Blakstad, Social Protection Specialist, The World Bank
• Carmen Burbano, Director of School Meals and Social Protection, UN World Food Program (WFP) and Director of the School Meals Coalition Secretariat

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 

• Recording of the Official Launch Event
• Infographics
• Survey Highlights
• Country Reports
• Interactive Dashboard
• Access the Data
• Joint Press Release with The Rockefeller Foundation

Related:

28 January 2025. School meals in the 21st century – emerging evidence and future directions

Co-organized by IFPRI and The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) research consortium

AR4D Funding Opportunities for Africa - February 2025

Agriculture Fisheries Forestry

African Women in Agricultural Research and Development

Women in Agricultural Sciences

2025-02-12

African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) announces the AWARD Leadership Program for Emerging African Women in Science. The call targets young women in science under 35 years of age from Ethiopia, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, and Malawi. Selected candidates will participate in a nine-month capacity building program. The call for applications closes on 12 February 2025.

Universities Federation for Animal Welfare

Animal Welfare Student Scholarship

2025-02-28

Animal Welfare Student Scholarships enable students to develop their interests in animal welfare science. Students are encouraged to carry out their own projects (whether research or educational) with the aim of contributing to our growing knowledge of how best to assess, or improve, the welfare of animals (for example, farm animals, animals in zoos, pets, or wild animals). Projects may be carried out anywhere in the world. Applications are welcome from undergraduate or MSc students. Support is provided for up to 8 weeks up to a maximum of £2,800. The closing date for applications is 28 February 2025.

Biodiversity Conservation Wildlife

Global Biodiversity Information Facility

Capacity Enhancement Support Program 2025

2025-02-04

The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) welcomes proposals for funding under the 2025 Capacity Enhancement Support Program, which seeks to enhance the long-term capacity of GBIF participants through collaborative projects. The program provides co-funding to current GBIF participants. The maximum funding request is €20 thousand per project. Concept notes must be submitted by 04 February 2025.

Earth Journalism Network

Media Grants Marine Conservation

2025-02-07

The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) offers media grants to support in-depth and enterprise reporting projects, initiatives to train journalists and other activities designed to increase media coverage and the capacity of journalists to report on 30x30 marine conservation targets. Newsrooms and media organizations in coastal countries are eligible to apply. EJN anticipates supporting two organizations with grants of US$10 thousand each. The application deadline is 07 February 2025.

Morris Animal Foundation

Veterinary Student Scholar Program

2025-02-12

The Morris Animal Foundation supports research on animal health and welfare, including wildlife/exotics. The Foundation provides veterinary students with the opportunity to become involved in mentored research that advances the health and/or welfare of companion animals and wildlife exotics. The Veterinary Student Scholars program awards stipends up to US$5 thousand to veterinary students. The program is open to currently enrolled veterinary students from all around the world. Applications are due 12 February 2025.

United Nations University

MSc in Sustainability Science 2025

2025-02-12

The UNU's Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) offers an MSc degree program to produce scholars who will become key researchers in the field of sustainability science. UNU-IAS seeks to incorporate perspectives on global change, specifically those related to climate change and biodiversity. The Japan Foundation offers the UNU Scholarship to outstanding applicants from developing countries who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance. The deadline to apply for the MSc program is 12 February 2025.

IUCN

Nature-and-Climate-positive Projects

2025-02-13

The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) announces the Innovative Climate with-Biodiversity Positive Program. IUCN seeks Nature-and-Climate-positive projects with on-the-ground restoration activities, including community development and activities. The Facility provides grants ranging from € 750 thousand to € 1.5 million. Applications are accepted from a wide range of organizations involved in the design, development, and implementation of high-quality, scalable nature-based projects for carbon markets, such as NGOs; Indigenous Peoples, and Local Community organisations; forestry and agricultural companies; cooperatives; and others with the relevant expertise. The deadline for Concept Note submission is 13 February 2025.

Leakey Foundation

Fellowships for Paleoanthropology and Primatology Students

2025-02-15

The Leakey Foundation makes the Franklin Mosher Baldwin Memorial Fellowships to help students from developing countries get advanced education and training in paleoanthropology and primatology. Applicants should already be enrolled or provisionally accepted in a graduate program related to human origins and evolution. A fellowship provides for two years of support. The maximum award is US$15 thousand per year. The program has an annual deadline for new applications, and a different application process and deadline to apply for second-year renewals. The deadline for new applicants is 15 February 2025. (Note: The deadline for returning applicants is 01 March.)

Wildlife Acoustics

Bio-Acoustics Product Grants

2025-02-15

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 2025.

United Nations University

PhD in Sustainability Science 2025

2025-02-19

The UNU's Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) offers a three-year PhD program to produce scholars who will become key researchers in the field of sustainability science. The program seeks to incorporate perspectives on global change, specifically those related to climate change and biodiversity. The Japan Foundation offers the UNU Scholarship to outstanding applicants from developing countries who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance. The deadline for applications is 19 February 2025.

Seabird Group

Small Grants

2025-02-28

The Seabird Group supports research, survey, and conservation of seabirds. It awards small grants each year, with priority to Seabird Group members working on Atlantic seabirds. The maximum grant is usually £250 per project. Applications should be submitted by 31 October and 28 February each year.

Action for Nature

International Young Eco-Hero Awards 2025

2025-02-28

This program honors the work of young people between the ages of 8 and 16 who have completed successful projects in environmental advocacy, environmental health, research, and protection of the natural world. The selected individuals are awarded a cash prize (US$500) and certificate, as well as public recognition. The annual competition is open internationally. The application deadline is 28 February 2025.

Crosscutting

Wageningen University

Africa Scholarship Program

2025-02-01

The Africa Scholarship Program (ASP) offers students from Africa the opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree at Wageningen University and to support capacity building in Africa. Students receive travel, living allowance, tuition fee coverage, visa costs, and costs for health insurance. Applicants have to be citizens of an African country and have applied for one of the master’s programs of Wageningen University & Research before the given deadline. The application deadline is 01 February 2025.

Harvard University

Award for Student Research on Asian Tropical Forest Biology

2025-02-01

The Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University sponsors the Ashton Award for Student Research to support graduate and advanced undergraduate students working on Asian tropical forest biology. Applications are accepted from advanced undergraduates and graduate students worldwide. Awards are up to US$4 thousand to support research expenses. The application deadline is 01 February 2025.

Swiss National Science Foundation

Postdoc Mobility

2025-02-01

Postdoc researchers who wish to pursue an academic career in Switzerland are invited to apply to the Postdoc.Mobility fellowships. The research stay enables researchers to acquire more in-depth knowledge, increases their scientific independence, and enhances their research profile. The fellowships include a grant for subsistence costs, a flat rate for travel expenses, and a possible contribution to research and conference costs. The funding period is 24 months. Foreign nationals are eligible if they have at least 2 years of research activity at a Swiss research institution. The application deadlines are 01 February and 02 August 2025.

University of Antwerp

Masters Program in Development Studies

2025-02-01

The University of Antwerp's Institute of Development Policy and Management (IOB) offers three specializations for one-year master's programs in development studies. Topics include poverty, climate change, conflict, good governance, sustainable development, and others. The Institute of Development Policy awards scholarships to students from many countries of Africa, Asia, and Latin America for studies at Belgian universities that include Antwerp's IOB. Candidates applying for an ICP Connect scholarship have to submit their application by 01 February 2025.

Aga Khan Foundation

International Scholarships

2025-02-01

The Aga Khan Foundation supports programs in rural development, broadly defined, in several developing countries. It provides scholarships and loans for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from the developing world, with priority for master’s studies. The Foundation also considers applications for PhD programs in certain circumstances. Applications are invited from the following nationalities: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda. The Foundation assists students with tuition fees and living expenses only. Please note that half of the scholarship amount is considered as a loan, which must be reimbursed. The application deadline is 01 February 2025, but earlier in some countries (please check the dates carefully).

European Commission Erasmus Mundus

International Masters Degree in Environment 2025-2027

2025-02-04

MESPOM is a two-year Erasmus Mundus master's course in environmental sciences, policy, and management operated by four European and two North American universities. MESPOM invites applications from all countries. MESPOM aims to prepare students for identifying and implementing solutions to complex environmental sustainability challenges, especially in an international context. Graduates receive MSc degrees from the Central European University, Lund University, and the University of Manchester. The program offers several forms of financial assistance, including tuition fee waivers and living stipends. Candidates applying for financial aid should submit their applications before 04 February 2025.

iF International Forum Design GmbH

Student Design Award

2025-02-05

The iF Student Design Award recognizes students and their future-oriented concepts that aim to solve a global development challenge. The best concepts earn a share of €50 thousand. All winners will be honored with a two-day event in Istanbul. Students and recent graduates of all design-related courses and programs are welcome to register their concepts. The registration deadline for participation is 05 February 2025.

National Geographic Society

Slingshot Challenge

2025-02-07

The National Geographic Society seeks applications for its Slingshot Challenge. The challenge invites 13–18-year-olds to submit a 1-minute video describing their idea for solving environmental issues. Video submissions must be in English or Spanish. Subtitles are not required but are allowed. National Geographic will select a small number of submissions to receive up to US$10 thousand in funding. Submissions are due by 07 February 2025.

Acumen

East Africa Fellowship

2025-02-07

The Acumen East Africa Fellows Program is a 6-month program comprising 5 seminars that gives individuals from East Africa the training they need to accelerate their social impact and leadership potential. Eligible countries are Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan & Ethiopia. Past fellows have included several in smallholder agriculture, renewable energy, waste management, fair trade, and other areas. Acumen covers all program expenses related to travel and accommodations, but it does not offer scholarships, stipends, or other funding. The application deadline is 07 February 2025.

Planet Forward

Story Award

2025-02-10

The Planet Forward Storyfest Awards invites students to submit stories that inspire, motivate, and drive change. Planet Forward seeks stories surrounding the people, ideas, and innovations moving the world toward a greener future. The grand prize is a travel to the Galápagos Islands. Entries will be accepted until 10 February 2025.

University of Pennsylvania

Workshop for Social Entrepreneurs

2025-02-10

The Global Social Impact House (GSIH) is a seven-day residential program in Costa Rica (June 2025) that provides social entrepreneurs with the training they need to advance their ventures. Workshops are customized to the needs of fellows. The Center for Social Impact Strategy at the University of Pennsylvania will provide scholarships, which include accommodation and food. However, fellows are responsible for covering travel and visa-related expenses. The application deadline is 10 February 2025.

World Academy of Sciences

TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship

2025-02-15

In collaboration with UNESCO, the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) sponsors a PhD Scholarship for up to 40 students/scholars from developing countries to study in China for up to 4 years. TWAS will provide travel support and a monthly allowance to cover accommodation and living expenses. Applicants must be residents and nationals of a developing country (except China). The call for applications is open until 15 February 2025.

Embassy of Japan

Grants for Grassroots Projects in Uganda

2025-02-15

The Embassy of Japan in Uganda provides financial assistance to non-profit, development-oriented organizations in support of community development projects in Uganda. Any projects geared towards grassroots assistance are eligible for financing, including water and sanitation, disaster relief, and agricultural development. The grant amount per project is generally under 10 million yen (approx. US$100 thousand). Potential recipients are international or local NGOs, community-based organizations, educational institutions, and local governments. The Embassy receives concept papers anytime throughout the year, but the selection process is conducted twice a year with deadlines on 15 February and 31 July.

Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study

Fellowships for Early-Career African Researchers

2025-02-15

The Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) offers the Iso Lomso Fellowships to early-career African researchers in any discipline. The program provides a three-year attachment to STIAS in addition to the possibility of a residency at a sister institute for advanced study in North America, Europe, or elsewhere. Other benefits include support for attending international conferences or workshops and support to the fellow's home institution for lecturer replacement. The program is aimed at African scholars who have obtained a doctoral degree within the preceding eight years, and who hold an academic position at a university or research institution anywhere in Africa. The application deadline is 15 February 2025.

Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen

Networking Civil Societies

2025-02-16

The Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa) promotes tandem cooperation between civil society organizations from Germany and partner countries (listed in the announcement). CCP Synergy is aimed at employees from two organizations who are planning a joint initiative. The purpose of such a collaboration could be, for example, the planning and implementation of joint events, fact-finding missions, research, or artistic undertakings in the fields of sustainable development or climate justice. CCP Synergy supports both cooperating organizations with a total of €4,500. The call for applications is open until 16 February 2025.

German Government

International Climate Initiative: Thematic Selection

2025-02-18

The International Climate Initiative (IKI) funds climate projects that address pressing challenges in the areas of climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. The funding amount provided by the German Government ranges from €5 million to €20 million per project. Applicants for funding must apply as a consortium. Nonprofit organizations, enterprises, universities, and research institutions as well as international intergovernmental organizations are eligible. The selection procedure is done in two stages. In the first stage, interested implementing organizations submit a project outline. Project outlines must be submitted by 18 February 2025.

Bayer Foundations

Women Empowerment Award

2025-02-18

The Bayer Foundation Women Empowerment Award (WEA) recognizes women pioneering in health, nutrition, and related climate-smart solutions. Fifteen female entrepreneurs will get the chance to join the 6-month Accelerator Program and receive €25 thousand in support of their business. To qualify, applicants must center their solutions around health or food security related challenges. The award seeks to support women entrepreneurs driving impactful solutions in the Asia Pacific region, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. The application deadline is 18 February 2025.

Ghent University

Special Research Fund

2025-02-19

Ghent University grants PhD “sandwich” scholarships to promising PhD students from Global South countries who wish to carry out half of their PhD research at Ghent University. The candidate must have full-time funding for the other 24 months of research to be carried out in the South. Research proposals must be jointly submitted by a candidate, a supervisor at Ghent University, and a supervisor at the partner university. The deadline for scholarship applications is 19 February 2025.

Turkish Government

Tükiye Scholarships 2025

2025-02-20

The Turkish Government offers scholarships to international students. The government-funded scholarship program is awarded to students who pursue full-time or short-term programs at universities in Turkey. Fields of study include Agriculture, Natural and Applied Sciences, amongst many others. Applications are open from students from all around the world. Türkiye Scholarships Burslari provides financial support and university placements to its awardees. The application deadline is 20 February 2025.

Kellogg School of Management

Sustainable Investing Challenge

2025-02-23

The Kellogg-Morgan Stanley Sustainable Investing Challenge invites teams of graduate students from around the world to develop and pitch creative financial approaches and solutions to tackle pressing social and environmental challenges. Graduate students from around the world are invited to participate. The overall winning team receives US$10 thousand and the runner-up receives US$5 thousand. Teams must register in advance to request a mentor that gives them feedback on their proposal prior to submission. The deadline for submission of project ideas is 23 February 2025.

Ashoka

Supporting Small Business Ecosystems

2025-02-26

The Power of Local Challenge by Ashoka and Prudential supports initiatives that strengthen small business ecosystems in Latin America and East Africa. Eleven winners will receive up to US$60 thousand in prizes for projects enhancing collaboration, mentorship, and access to capital. Eligibility extends to small businesses and entrepreneurs from Botswana, Brazil, Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Liberia, Mexico, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Applications close on 26 February 2025.

Swedish Institute

Scholarships for Global Professionals

2025-02-26

The Swedish Institute (SI) provides fully-funded international scholarships for master’s studies in Sweden. The scholarship for global professionals aims to develop future global leaders who will contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and contribute to positive and sustainable development in their home countries. The scholarship is intended for full-time one-year or two-year master’s programs. SI fully covers tuition fees and makes regular payments of SEK12 thousand to cover living expenses throughout the scholarship. The application portal will close on 26 February 2025.

Scientific Exploration Society

Explorer Awards 2025

2025-02-26

The Scientific Exploration Society (SES) awards "pioneers with purpose" who combine innovative field expeditions with important research contributions, including in subject areas related to the environment and conservation. The awards are intended to provide a financial contribution to the overall cost of the fieldwork phase of scientific exploration. Grants range from US$4 thousand to US$7 thousand. For 2025, SES announces six award categories. The application deadline for a simple online application (stage 1) is 26 February 2025.

O’Shaughnessy Ventures

Research, Innovation, and Creativity Grants

2025-02-28

The O’Shaughnessy Fellowships offer US$100 thousand equity-free grants to individuals worldwide pursuing research, creative projects, or innovation. Fellows receive mentorship and support from OSV’s network of experts, founders, and investors. Applicants must demonstrate initiative, resourcefulness, and strong proof of work. Additional US$10 thousand grants are available to select applicants based on the Fellowship application. Awards are open to individuals aged 18+ globally. The early application deadline is 28 February, and the extended deadline is 30 April.

World Bank

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

2025-02-28

The JJ/WBGSP Scholarship Program provides scholarships to professionals from developing countries who are applying to a master's degree program in a development-related topic. Applicants must first apply for admission to one or more of the Partner Master’s Degree Programs to be eligible for a scholarship. Scholarship recipients receive travel allowance; tuition for the graduate program; basic medical insurance; and a monthly subsistence allowance to cover all living expenses (accommodations, food, etc., including books). The call has to applications windows, with deadlines on 28 February 2025 (Window #1) and 23 May 2025 (Window #2).

Tony Elumelu Foundation

Entrepreneurship Program for Africans 2025

2025-02-28

The Tony Elumelu Foundation fosters and supports start-up enterprises in Africa. The TEF Entrepreneurship Program provides mentoring, training, forums, seed capital, and alumni support to individuals in Africa proposing new business ideas or early-stage companies in sectors that include agriculture, among others. Participants receive up to US$5 thousand in seed capital. The program is open to citizens and legal residents ages 18 and older in any African country. The next application deadline (English, French, Portuguese) is 28 February 2025.