23 July - 7 August 2024. CGIAR is currently developing the next phase of its Research Portfolio, aligned to its Research and Innovation Strategy and organised a number of consultations.
CGIAR measures its effective contributions from research to impact along three main pathways within innovation systems:
Science-based innovation: This is a co-development of sets of knowledge products, technologies, services, and other solutions along a scaling pathway.
Targeted capacity development: This includes working with individuals, firms, and organizations — designed to improve the utility and use of technological and institutional solutions.
Advice on policy: This pathway includes business strategies, institutional arrangements, and investment programs, together with more formal public policy sector instruments.
The theme for the second Triennial Conference is “Operationalising Higher Agricultural Education and Research Ecosystems for Innovation, Industrialisation and Economic Development in Africa: A Call for Action”.
The conference will enable education, research and agricultural ecosystem actors to showcase and present their key findings, lesson-share and inform each other on key actions required to harness science, technology and innovation for Africa’s development. Accordingly, the second Triennial Conference will involve scientific sessions that bring together a wide range of stakeholders and partners. The scientific sessions will include oral and poster presentations as well as exhibitions.
This symposium was held in three sub-themes listed below.
Supplying Africa’s 2nd decade (2024-2034) work force:
i. Transforming Graduate Training and Research: The gaps, experiences, and lessons
learnt.
ii. Entrepreneurial education: The practice, and scalable lessons.
iii. Rebalancing the human resource pyramid: The gaps, and linkage between Technical
and Vocational Education and Training (TVETs) and university education.
iv. Closing the gender and diversity gap in agricultural education: The gaps, lessons
learnt and opportunities.
v. Leaving no one behind: Out of school skilling and education programmes: Practice
and lessons learnt.
Emergent Issues-Digitizing education:
i. Leveraging digital tool to increase access to education while maintaining quality and
relevance.
ii. Machine learning and Artificial Intelligence and its impact on education.
Emergent issues: Building human capital for Africa’s climate change and
resilience programmes.
i. Climate risks and mitigation: The gaps, experiences, and lessons learnt in training
programmes.
ii. Low carbon services and renewables: The gaps, experiences, and lessons learnt in
training and research programmes.
iii. Climate and carbon finance, and resilience investments: The gaps, experiences and
lessons learnt.
Prof. Patrick Okori, RUFORUM
Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, Principal Secretary, State Department of Higher Education, Kenya
Dr. Molapo Qhobela, Deputy Vice-Chancellor - Institutional Change, Strategic Partnerships and Societal Impact (TBC)
Prof. Olusola Bandele Oyewole, Secretary General, AAU
Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President, AGRA
Dr. Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director, FARA
Dr. Silim Nahdy, Executive Director, AFAAS
Dr. Simeon Ehui, Regional Director, Continental Africa CGIAR and DG IITA
Plenary Session, Thematic Area 2: Sustainably Growing the Economy and Feeding Africa
The event will start with a policy address on “Africa’s strategic and policy aspirations for sustainably feeding and growing its agrifood system to be delivered by Special Advisor to the Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE), African Union Commission. This will be followed by a keynote address on “Sustainably growing the economy and feeding Africa” to be made by the CGIAR.” Discussants from academia, national and continental agricultural research organizations, and the extension service providers, private sector, and farmers will respond to the key issues raised in the keynote address.
Prof. Jerome Theo Afeikhena, Special Advisor to the Commissioner, Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, African Union Commission (Representing Commissioner ARBE) - Policy address on “Africa’s strategic and policy aspirations for sustainably feeding and growing its agrifood system”
Dr. Ephraim Nkonya, Nonresident Research Fellow, IFPRI - Economics of land degradation in sub-Saharan Africa
Efforts to increase adoption of integrated soil fertility management will require improvement of access to markets, advisory services and retraining of agricultural extension services. There is also need to find practical and amenable strategies for incentivizing farmers to use ISFM. For example, conditional fertilizer subsidy could provide incentives for farmers to adopt nitrogen fixing agroforestry trees and improve significantly the current subsidy programs in several SSA countries.
Prof. Agnes Mwangombe, Former Principal of the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, University of Nairobi
Dr. Job Kihara, Initiative Co-Lead, Excellence in Agronomy, CGIAR
Prof. Umezuruike Linus Opara, Distinguished Professor and Research Chair, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Prof. Cliff Dlamini, Executive Director and Head of Mission, CCARDESA
Dr. Moumini Savadogo, Executive Director, CORAF
Dr. Robert Zougmoré, AICCRA Cluster Lead for West Africa, Alliance of Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT
13/08 @ 10:30 Unlocking Inclusive and Broad-Based Economic Opportunity
To unlock inclusive and broad-based economic opportunity for Africa, new knowledge on models,
pathways, and drivers of Africa’s economic growth, successes, and lessons for scaling these across the
continent be identified and widely disseminated. A symposium will discuss how to unlock inclusive economic growth in Africa in two sub-themes:
Inclusive resourcing for equitable economic growth:
i. Inclusive access to financial resources: Microfinance, Fintechs and supporting excluded
communities and populations.
ii. Access to agricultural input subsidies: Lessons learnt and options for the future
iii. Access to technologies: Lessons learnt and options for the future in formal and informal
seed and technology supply systems, post stress seed systems (emergency seed)
iv. Closing the gender gap in agriculture practice and enterprise.
v. Inclusive access to land, water, and other physical resources for production (land tenure
systems -access, usage, control) for all.
Wealth and Youth Employment:
i. Agri-entrepreneurship and agriculture de-revived jobs: Initiatives, opportunities,
prospects, and lessons learnt from past and ongoing actions.
ii. Feeding Africa’s urbanising population: The changing peri-urban and urban food systems
and their opportunities for young people through service provision, value addedprocessing and new foods.
iii. Unlocking entrepreneurship in innovation: Digitization, and emerging technologies to
facilitate best environment for entrepreneurship.
Dr. David Nielson, RUFORUM IAP, and former WB - "Is an inclusive and diverse growth possible for Africa? Lessons learnt over the past decades of the continental renaissance."
Dr. Pascal Sanginga, Regional Sector Manager for Agriculture and Agro-Industries, African Development Bank
Dr. Enock Warinda, Executive Director, ASARECA.
Dr Tshilidzi Madzivhandila, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), FARNPAN
13/08 @ 8:30 CET Economic Trends, Best -Practices, Policy-Practice and Futures
Innovations for growing Africa’s agriculture and related sectors: a) Improving Africa’s low agricultural total factor productivity: The status, trends and opportunities; b) Technological Leapfrogging: Digitization, renewables and manufacture transition ; c) Production at scale for a growing population and markets: Can smallholder agriculture grow and feed Africa: Evidence, roles and opportunity?
Foresight and trend studies: a) Reaping Africa’s demographic dividend: Implications for education planning and investments; b) Making agriculture work for African economies: lessons learnt from CAADP and other frameworks; c) Policy and economic implications of climate risks and natural disasters.
Policies, planning and its implementation (underpinnings for the second decade of Africa’s agenda 2063- (2024-2034): a) People centred development; b) Economic resilience:
The meeting is designed to have three sessions that will include an official opening, and two technical sessions that will focus on; (a) Policy frameworks for strengthening Africa-Europe Research and Science capacity; (b) Dialogues on experiences and lessons learnt from implementing intra-Africa, Africa-European partnerships as well as global collaboration for building human and science capacity for Africa.
Session 1: Dialogue Opening : Call for Action to Strengthen Africa’s Human & Science Capacity
Prof. Kenneth K.
Matengu, Vice
Chancellor
Dr. Stephen Onakuse,
President, AGRINATURA
Mr. Mukulia Kennedy
Ayason, Department of
Agriculture, Rural
Development, Blue
Economy, and
Sustainable
Environment, African
Union Commission
H.E. Ana Beatriz Martins,
EU Ambassador to
Namibia
Hon. Carl Schlettwein,
MP, Minister, Ministry of
Agriculture, Water and
Land Reform
Session 2: Policy frameworks and agendas for strengthening Africa’s Research and Science capacity
Lead Paper 1: Imperatives for strengthening Africa- European Union higher education and research agendas: Lessons learnt and new opportunities. Prof. Ylva Hillbur, Pro Vice-Chancellor, international relations, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden.
Panel Discussion: Making the partnership
work for African and European Universities
Prof. Ioannis Dimitriou moderator
Prof. Peter Mageto, Vice
Chancellor of Africa University
Prof. Georgewill Owunari,
University of Port Harcourt
Jelle Maas, Wageningen
University
Prof. Rachid Serraj Director of
Strategy & Africa Initiative at UM6P
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice
Chancellor, Makerere University
Session 3: Convergence and way-forward planning for strengthening Africa-European strategic partnerships for higher agricultural education, research for development and policy
Lead Paper 2: The AU-EU International Research Consortium on Research and Innovation on Food, Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture as a coordination mechanism for a coherent AU-EU partnership Dr. Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director, FARA
Panel Discussion: Experiences from Africa
and Europe for making the IRC relevant and
effective
Moderator: Dr. Petronella
Chaminuka
AGRINATURA
Dr. Patrice Grimaud
Director for East Africa, CIRAD
National Research Foundation,
South Africa
National Council for Research,
Science and Technology, Namibia.
Panel Discussion: Strengthening regional coordination of the
partnership in Africa
Given the diversity and complexities of SSA farming systems , coupled with increased internet
band width, and telephony penetration across the continent; as well as the presence of financial
technologies (FINTECs) and other digital information innovations, the potential for the
continent to increase access to knowledge to the s majority of farmers, is a realistic optimism.
Leveraging all these opportunities requires new ways of doing business, including among others
shifting to market-driven, business oriented and integrated systems. This is necessary, among
other things, to reengage Africa's women and young population in agriculture.
This meeting brings together different actors to create shared vision for increasing
last mile delivery of science and technology products and services as well as other allied
requisites for transforming Africa’s agrifood systems. A major objective being the intensification
of young people in Africa’s emerging USD 1 trillion agrifood systems market.
Dr. Paul Fatch
Dr Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director,
FARA.
Dr Simeon Ehui, Director General the
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture
and Regional Director for Africa, CGIAR
Dr Silim M Nahdy Executive Director, AFAAS - Last mile delivery: What we have learnt and the
transformations needed to engage unlock
opportunity for agrifood systems transformation
Prof. Anthony
Egeru, Skilling and Engagement Manager,
RUFORUM Secretariat. - Engaging young people into the monetized economy: What we have learnt.
Experiences from the sub-regional organisation CCARDESA, ASARECA and CORAF
Development partner perspectives: What is the
agenda and what have we learnt?
Roundtable discussions: Other opportunities for
agrifood systems transformation
The transition towards agroecological food systems and the development of both productive andresilient farming systems and value chains are complex processes. It requires new knowledge, competencies and policies to co-create solutions based on agroecological principles and the integration of scientific and local knowledge.
Therefore the Regional Multi-Actors Research Network (RMRN) projects is being implemented onregional scale to strengthen the capacity of the Regional Centers of Excellence (RCoE) and other actors which are to be selected by the subregional organizations (SROs), namely CORAF, ASARECA, and CCARDESA, to conduct agroecology research within their respective sub-regions . These RCoEs rely on stakeholder engagement to bridge the gap between the research, policy, and practice and provide a better understanding of Co-: the duties and responsibilities of researchers and policy makers and practitioners in promoting the green transition trough agroecology practices.
Welcome Remarks from the Chair: Aggrey Agumya
Welcome by DG INTPA
Prof. Alex Awiti (CIFOR-ICRAF) - Title: Focus on research and capacity on agroecology in Africa
Welcome Remarks from the Chair: Aggrey Agumya
Welcome by DG INTPA
Prof. Alex Awiti (CIFOR-ICRAF) - Title: Focus on research and capacity on agroecology in Africa
Presentation of Discussion Paper: How can agroecology contribute to improving food security in Africa?Prof. Majaliwa JG / Dr. Kwaku A./Dr. Felix Rembold
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Caroline Callenius (JRC-ISPRA)
David Amudavi (Biovision) . David shared the resource:
Approximately 40 participants are expected at the CEA-FIRST side event in Windhoek, Namibia. They include representatives of FNSAA stakeholders from AU/EU member countries; CEA FIRST project beneficiaries; HLPD FNSSA working group; Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (RTD); the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (INTPA); the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG-Agri); the Standing Committee on Agricultural Research (SCAR); regional economic communities (ECOWAS, CEMAC, SADC, EAEC); sub regional organizations (CORAF/WECARD, ASARECA, CCARDESA); and the specialized Technical Committees (i) on Education, Science and Technology, (ii) on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment, on (iii) Social Development, Labour and Employment or on (iv) Gender and Women’s Empowerment of the African Union, etc.
Overview of the International Research Consortium
Presentation of the Results of the desk review and
online surveys
Setting up Breakout sessions (two
– four groups)
TORs: (i) What are the levels of implementation, key
achievements, challenges, and areas of improvements
of the four thematic areas of the 2016 -2026 AU-EU
FNSSA roadmap?
(ii) What are the emerging trends and future priorities
of the new AU-EU FNSSA R&I roadmap?
This virtual event provided an immersive experience into best agroecological practices at the RUCID, the Ugandan HSHF/agroecology Centre.
The Rural Community in Development (RUCID), is a HSHF (Healthy Soils Healthy Food) centre in Mityana district and the RUCID ORGANIC AGICULTURE TRAINING COLLEGE is found 4 km from Mityana town along Namutamba road, in Kigogozi cell/ village, Kireku ward/ parish, Busimbi division/ subcounty, Mityana municipality, Mityana District.
The college is an autonomous subsidiary of RURAL COMMUNITY IN DEVELOPMENT (RUCID), a limited company by guarantee.
Common agroecology practices alongside Ugandan farmers include; crop diversification, intercropping, contouring, and the preservation of indigenous seeds and making biofertilizers and bio-stimulants. These practices not only enhance food variety and nutritional value but also build resilience against climate change impacts. For example, the indigenous seeds are adapted to local conditions and offer higher resilience to pests and diseases, and require less inputs than commercial varieties. This not only reduces costs for farmers but also safeguards agro-ecosystem biodiversity.
9 August 2024. AFAAS WEBINAR “Theme: Sustainable and Inclusive Extension Approaches for Agroecology Transition”
This Webinar was organised to enhance knowledge, skills and innovation by leveraging diverse perspectives and experiences from countries participating in the ATREA project.
The Agroecological Transition Responsive Extension Approaches (ATREA) project is a response by the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS) to contribute global effort in food systems through Agroecology responsive Extension and Advisory Services (EAS) in selected countries.
This involved identifying and documenting sustainable,
inclusive, and responsive extension approaches for Agroecological Transition among target countries of Kenya,
Benin, Madagascar, and Ethiopia to:
Keep farmers engaged in extension approaches such as Farmer Field Schools (FFS), Farmer Business Schools (FBS),
and Farmer to Farmer (F2F).
1.
Integrate farmers further into exchanges with researchers and extensionists so that farmers stay motivated in
sharing their experiences, hence contributing to an agroecological transition of agri-food systems from the bottom
up.
The ATREA project aims at: i) identification and documentation of sustainable, inclusive and responsive extension approaches for an agroecological transition among target countries. Its specific objectives are to: ii) keep farmers engaged in extension approaches such as Farmer Field Schools, Farmer Business Schools, Farmer to Farmer; iii) integrate farmers further into exchanges with researchers and extensionists so that farmers stay motivated in sharing their experiences. Theses therefore are expected to contribute to an agroecological transition of agri-food systems from bottom-up.
ED AFAAS, Dr Silim Nahdy - Introductory remarks
Abdulrazak Ibrahim - Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA)
Mr Baliraine - Chairperson on the Board, East and Southern Africa Small-scale farmers Forum (ESAFF)
Agroecology is increasingly recognized as the most suitable approach to achieving sustainable food, land, and eco-systems. A system that can support efforts to eliminate hunger, alleviate poverty, and soil degradation. With agroecology, we are likely to achieve food sovereignty, build territorial markets, and productively empower the youth and women. We still have limitations however, some of which are due to the land rights and governance that affect all, but especially the women who make up over 50-70% of the small-scale farmers.
This webinar, organised by PELUM. discussed how to secure women's land rights for agroecology. PELUM Association is a strong network of 12 countries in East and Southern Africa working to improve the livelihoods of small holder farmers and sustainability of rural communities through promoting Ecological Land Use Management practices.
As part of the 2nd RUFORUM Network Triennial Conference, the #RMRN Project is holding a Side Event to discuss "Exploring the Potential of Agroecology Research & Capacity to Contribute to a Green Transition in Sub Saharan Africa"
Join the 'High Level Partnership Roundtable for Last Mile Delivery' at the 2nd RUFORUM Network Triennial Conference #RUFTriennial24 in Windhoek Namibia.
The CAADP-XP4 Consortium, in collaboration with CGIAR, YPARD, and some National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIs) from West, South, and Central Africa, successfully hosted the fourth annual Knowledge Management for Agricultural Development (KM4AgD) Conference at the Lemigo Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda. This pivotal event, held from July 29 to 31, 2024, provided a platform to advance agricultural research and innovation across the continent, emphasizing Indigenous knowledge, climate-relevant agricultural transformation, and sustainable development.
CAAD-XP4 Coordinator, Dr. Baitsi Podisi (CCARDESA)
In his opening remarks, the CAADP-XP4 Coordinator at CCARDESA, Dr. Baitsi Podisi, speaking on behalf of the Consortium, praised the organizations for their exceptional work. “We need to adopt standards that will make KM a profession. We are happy to be part of this initiative. We have also tapped into the expertise of the best organizations that have helped us with the training,” he stated. He urged participants to integrate their newly acquired knowledge into their respective organizations and emphasized the importance of accurate information packaging for agricultural decision-making. He also acknowledged the EU, IFAD, and other partners for their continued support, expressing optimism for positive outcomes from the KM4AgD Challenge and Conference.
FARA Knowledge Management Cluster Lead, Mr. Benjamin Abugri
Mr. Benjamin Abugri, speaking on behalf of the CAADP-XP4 Knowledge Management Working Group and Prof. Andreas Brandner, the lead facilitator and Executive Director for the Knowledge for Development Partnership (K4DP), highlighted that the conference aimed to validate KM concepts and briefs developed by participants, recognize their achievements, induct 21 new members into the Community of Practice, and discuss the draft outline of the inaugural 2025 Knowledge Management Report for Africa. The event also fostered discussions on advancing knowledge management in Africa’s agri-food systems and generated stakeholder commitments.
KM4AgD24 Candidate Melika Vodounhessi presenting outputs from the KM4AgD24 Challenge
During the conference, graduates presented various briefs on capturing Indigenous Knowledge, knowledge hubs, knowledge linkages and partnerships, and knowledge inclusion, as well as presented draft organizational and national KM strategies from the National Agricultural Council (ARC) of South Africa, National Agricultural Research and Development Institute (NARDI) of Botswana, Ministry of Agriculture of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Centre National de Recherche Agronomique (CNRA) of Cote d’Ivoire, Institut de Recherche Agricole Pour le Developpement (IRAD) of Cameroun, Institut Tchadien de Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (ITRAD) of Chad and the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN).
Certified 2024 CAAD-XP4 Knowledge Management for Agricultural Development Managers
Representing the Sustainable Land Management for Sub-Saharan Africa (INTERFACES) intervention, Wilfrid Adjimoti discussed exploring women’s land access challenges and the importance of secure land tenure for economic and social empowerment. Dorcas Sanginga Alame highlighted pathways to organic fertilization through the documentation of successful models for crop residue management. Melika Voudounhessi and Kisito Gandji focused on advancing the right selection of crops considering climate and soil data. At the same time, Narcisse Yehouenou presented micro-dosing as a promising sustainable soil fertility management practice for food security in sub-Saharan Africa. Other key highlights of the presentation of outputs from the 2024 KM4AgD Challenge at this conference were the Knowledge Management Strategies for Civil Society Organizations by Mabel Shu and for the IITA and ILRI of the CGIAR presented by Bosede Ayinla, Sharon Abiodun, Pamela Wairagala and Marius Assogba.
The 21 graduates presented their knowledge management products (briefs and strategies), showcasing their hard work and dedication. The outputs from the KM4AgD Challenge were validated, highlighting the innovative approaches taken by the participants.
Certified 2024 CAAD-XP4 Knowledge Management for Agricultural Development Managers
Mrs. Bridget Kakuwa-Kasongamulilo and Mr. Benjamin Abugri presented the work CCARDESA and FARA have been doing regarding Malabo in the SADC region and the country-levelpromotions they have conducted in seven SADC countries since 2022. Mr. Peter Ballanytne, ILRI KM Consultant, spoke on the history of knowledge management in Africa, emphasizing the evolution of access to knowledge, from CD-ROMs and microfiche to free access portals and the Wayback Machine.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture for Sierra Leone, Dr. Theresa Teneh Dick
Deputy Minister of Agriculture in Sierra Leone, Dr. Theresa Teneh Dick, emphasized the importance of accurate information dissemination in her speech before presenting certificates to the graduates. “Don’t disseminate the wrong news. Be fair enough to speak the truth,” she urged, highlighting the value of integrity in communication. She congratulated the 21 graduates for attaining certification as knowledge management for agricultural development managers. Graduates received their certificates with jubilation and excitement, recognizing their commitment to advancing knowledge management in agriculture. These graduates were inducted into the Community of Practice for KM and Artificial Intelligence (AI), ensuring ongoing collaboration and knowledge sharing. They officially have become Fellows of the KM4AgD Centers of Excellence at both continental and regional levels and would champion KM initiatives in their countries.
Ms. Tsehay, KM and Communications Specialist at ILRI, led a brainstorming session to inform the next research agenda of the CAADP-XP4 Consortium and CGIAR, providing a clear direction for future efforts. The conference also explored emerging issues and opportunities in KM for Africa’s agri-food systems, generating political and stakeholder support for integrating knowledge management as a development strategy.
Certified 2024 CAAD-XP4 Knowledge Management for Agricultural Development Managers
The 2024 KM4AgD Conference marks a significant step towards building Africa’s knowledge-based agricultural development framework, including a significant contribution to the AUC-led Post-Malabo discussions on Knowledge Management, Advocacy, and Communication under Working Group 12. CAADP-XP4 and its partners are committed to driving sustainable agricultural transformation across the continent by fostering collaboration, enhancing capacities, and integrating knowledge management strategies.
International Sanitary and Phytosanitary Requirements
2024-08-09
The Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) aims to increase the capacity of farmers, processors and traders in developing countries to implement international SPS standards to gain and maintain market access. The STDF seeks applications to improve its food safety, animal and plant health capacity. Grants are expected to help address particular challenges or issues that affect trade to international markets. Projects should have a maximum duration of three years, or less. The STDF offers grants of up to US$1 million for projects that promote compliance with international SPS requirements. Public and private sector entities as well as non-profit non-governmental organizations are eligible to apply. The deadlines to apply for funding in 2024 are 22 March and 09 August 2024.
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) intends to allocate grant funds for the implementation of the grant Smallholder Economic Empowerment through the Digital Solutions program. Interested applicants are invited to submit a proposal for the services required for the implementation of the program. Only applicants who are a legally registered entity in an IFAD Member State are eligible to apply. The deadline for submitting applications is 10 August 2024.
The GBIF Ebbe Nielsen Challenge is an annual competition that seeks to inspire innovative applications of open-access biodiversity data. In 2024, the Challenge will award a total of €20 thousand for advancements in open science that feature tools and techniques that improve the access, usefulness, and quality of open biodiversity data. The Challenge is open worldwide to individuals, teams of individuals, companies and their employees, and governmental agencies and their employees. The closing date for submissions is 14 August 2024.
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.
The IGES, the United Nations University Institute for Advanced Studies on Sustainability, and Japan's Ministry of the Environment announce the latest round of sub-grants under the Satoyama Development Mechanism. The International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (IPSI) promotes the sustainable use of Socio-Ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes. Grants are up to US$20 thousand for field projects; research; collaboration activities; and capacity building and outreach that link ecosystems and community systems on a sustainable basis. Applicants must be approved members of the IPSI at the date of submitting project proposals. The application deadline is 15 August 2024.
Applications are open for the 2025 Women for the Environment (WE) Africa’s Leadership Program. Women for the Environment is a mentorship program for women leaders who focus on conservation and environmental protection in Africa. The program includes monthly online sessions and two in-person retreats for intensive community-building and personal growth. Eligibility extends to African nationals with a minimum of 15 years of experience working in the environmental space in the government, NGO, or private sector. Participants are required to contribute 15% of the course value (approx. US$2 thousand). The deadline for application submissions is 16 August 2024.
The Future for Nature Award aims to stimulate a new generation of nature conservation leaders. The award is made to candidates of any nationality or residence, not older than age 35, who have achieved substantial and long-term benefit to the conservation status of one or more animal and/or plant species, or that of a specific population. Work-related to the conservation and protection of endangered species is a priority. The award is made to individuals, not organizations. Each of the three award winners will be given a cash prize and a sculpture. The winners are expected to invest their prize of €50 thousand in a conservation project of their own choice. The application deadline is 23 August 2024.
The PTES makes grants to scientific researchers and conservationists worldwide for work that helps preserve endangered species, either through research or applied field work. (Note: PTES no longer accepts grant applications for research and conservation of bird species.) The program offers small grants between £3 thousand and £10 thousand per year for up to two years. The deadline for applications is 25 August 2024.
The Weeden Foundation makes grants for biodiversity conservation in forest ecosystems, riparian corridors, and riverine and aquatic environments of ecological importance. Weeden's international priorities are the Patagonia region of Chile and the Altai Republic of Russia. The average grant size is between US$15 and US$20 thousand. The Foundation requests letters of inquiry (LOI) at least one month before proposal deadlines. The next deadline for applications (English, Spanish) is 30 August 2024.
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.
The Hawk Conservancy Trust supports early-career researchers working on projects focused on the conservation and/or research of birds of prey. The maximum award amount is £1,000. Preference will be given to those applying for support for fieldwork, conference fees to present work, or travel costs (for fieldwork or conference attendance). Applications close on 31 August 2024.
Commonwealth Professional Fellowships support mid-career professionals from developing Commonwealth countries to make professional visits (typically of three months) with UK host organizations. Applications are invited in the thematic area of clean energy, air, and oceans. Fellows must be Commonwealth citizens, refugees, or British-protected persons -- and they must be permanent residents in a developing Commonwealth country. Applications are submitted by UK host organizations. The closing date for applications is 05 August 2024.
The Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement grants US$250 thousand to recognize exceptional accomplishments in environmental science, energy, or medicine. The Tyler Prize can be awarded to living individuals or public or private institutions anywhere in the world. Several past prize winners have been distinguished in scientific and technical areas such as the global nitrogen cycle, global biodiversity assessments, wastewater treatment in developing countries, and others relevant to the link between environment and development. The closing date for nominations is 09 August 2024.
PAGES runs an International Mobility Research Fellowship Program for African early-career scientists on past global changes. The program aims to contribute to the development of collaborative research and the promotion of paleoscience networks in Africa. The fellowship supports African early-career scientists pursuing international research experience in paleoscience and is intended to support costs associated with international travel and living expenses while abroad. The next deadline for new applications is 15 August 2024.
The International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) offers postdoctoral fellowships to young scientists from developing countries (other than Pakistan) who wish to pursue postdoctoral research in organic chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular medicine, pharmacology, or physical chemistry. The duration of the fellowships is six to twelve months. Subject areas range across the physical and natural sciences, including agricultural sciences. ICCBS will provide a monthly stipend to cover living costs, food, and health insurance. The deadline for receipt of applications is 15 August 2024.
The MacArthur Foundation accepts applications for the 100&Change Competition to fund a proposal that promises real and measurable progress in solving a critical problem of the time. Applicants must strive toward transformative change in areas of profound concern, including the existential threats of climate change. The MacArthur Foundation will provide US$ 100 million in funding to a single proposal. The challenge is open to organizations and collaborations working in any field, anywhere in the world. Applicants have to register by 15 August 2024.
Seeding Labs welcomes applications to participate in Instrumental Access. The program makes high-quality laboratory equipment and supplies more affordable to university departments in low- and middle-income countries. Seeding Labs receives donated equipment from a variety of sources, including research institutions and manufacturers. Applicants submit online requests for items included in the Seeding Labs equipment inventory. Items are mainly for biology and chemistry. The average value of the items included in a shipment, based on the secondary (used) market, is generally in the range of US$100 thousand. The recipient organizations are charged a fee (based on their country's income level) for program administration, equipment warehousing, equipment packing, and ocean freight. The deadline for submissions is 16 August 2024.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) invites governments to submit applications to a special program on waste management in developing countries. The program may provide financial support of up to US$275 thousand (in certain circumstances up to US$500 thousand) to strengthen the capacities of national institutions and help the government develop and monitor the implementation of national policies, strategies, programs, and legislation. The deadline for the submission of applications is 23 August 2024.
The Africa Region of the World Bank Group seeks applications for the 2025 WBG-Africa Fellowship Program for Ph.D. Students and recent Ph.D. graduates who are Sub-Saharan nationals. Fellows will spend at least six months at the World Bank offices in Washington, D.C., or in a Sub-Saharan country, getting hands-on experience in development work. While benefiting from research and innovation in multiple sectors, fellows will also work on economic policy, technical assistance, and lending to eliminate poverty and increase shared prosperity. Fellows will receive consultant fees, economy-class air travel, and worker's compensation insurance. The program invites applications from recent Ph.D. graduates, or current doctoral students, in disciplinary fields that include agriculture, energy, and others. The deadline to submit applications is 25 August 2024.
The FAO Fellowship Programme is designed to attract fellows — typically PhD students, researchers, and professors — who have an advanced level of relevant technical knowledge and experience in any field of agriculture, fisheries, or forestry. Fellows will be assigned to supervisors in FAO’s headquarters or its regional, sub-regional, or country offices. Applicants should have a graduate or post-graduate degree, or be enrolled in a PhD program. FAO encourages qualified female applicants and qualified nationals of non- and under-represented member countries to apply. There are no age limits. The application deadline is 25 August 2024.
The Joke Waller-Hunter (JWH) Initiative offers grants to advance the leadership of young individuals working for or affiliated with environmental civil society organizations in developing and emerging countries. JWH especially encourages the nomination of young women and local community leaders. Grants range from €2,500 to €7,000. The next nomination deadline is 29 August 2024.
EuroMarine funds Foresight Workshops with a maximum funding of €10 thousand. Workshops should focus on emerging and important topics requiring European-wide coordination. All workshops are expected to yield scientific publications in the wider area of understanding, protection, and management of the Ocean. Proposals should involve at least three full Member Organizations of EuroMarine, from at least two different countries. Applicants are welcome to involve any relevant organizations from developing countries. The submission deadline for workshop proposals is 30 August 2024.
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Indigenous Fellowship Training Programme is open for applications. The aim of the program is to give Indigenous persons the opportunity to gain knowledge on the UN system and mechanisms dealing with human rights issues in general and Indigenous issues in particular. (Note: This may include land rights and biodiversity conservation issues). Participants will learn how to more effectively advocate for the rights of their communities and raise their concerns at the international level. Travel, stipend, and basic expenses are covered by OHCHR. The deadline for applications is 31 August 2024.
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships to qualified individuals from eligible developing countries for post-graduate studies at German universities in development-related subjects. The program (EPOS) is open to individuals who have completed their previous academic degrees no longer than six years previously; who have at least two years of professional experience; and who are nationals of countries receiving official development assistance (DAC list of the OECD). The available courses range across water resources; renewable energy; land management and tenure; agricultural sciences; forest sciences; ecology; nature conservation; environmental governance; and many others. The application deadline for the next intake (October 2024) is 31 August 2024.
The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) provides visiting scholarships to mid- to late-career stage scientists and academics involved in Antarctic research. Scholars can undertake short-term visits (up to 4 weeks) to an institute in another SCAR member country, to provide training and mentoring. The Visiting Scholar Scheme provides individual awards of up to US$5 thousand. The closing date for applications is 31 August 2024.
