A G R I C U L T U R AL
Research
The CFC calls for proposals that advance commodity development in its member countries. Funding is targeted mainly to for-profit organizations and social enterprises for production, value chains, and marketing across a wide group of commodities (agricultural crops, tree crops, timber, bamboo and rattan, minerals, and others). This 14th call for proposals has a deadline on 15 April 2019.
GAFSP announces its next call for proposals in the Public Sector Window for programs and projects that strengthen agriculture and lessen food insecurity in low-income countries. GAFSP intends to fund 4-6 proposals for a total of at least US$100 million. Applications (English and French) are limited to 24 countries in fragile and conflict-affected situations: Africa, Middle East and North Africa, East Asia and the Pacific, Eastern Europe, Latin America & the Caribbean, and South Asia. For the first time, GAFSP is providing technical assistance for proposal preparation. Application for proposal preparation assistance have to be submitted by 15 April 2019. The closing date for full applications is 10 September 2019.
VLIR-UOS is the secretariat of Flemish universities for development cooperation, with funding by Belgian Development Cooperation. VLIR-UOS announces cooperation activities for 2020 between its member universities and partner universities and networks in the developing world. The partner countries are Bolivia, Cambodia, DR Congo, Ecuador, Indonesia, Kenya, Morocco, Peru, Philippines, South Africa, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Vietnam. Current calls include the JOINT (€ 90 thousand) and South Initiatives (€ 70 thousand), each with a deadline on 14 May 2019.
- Call: Section 1 – Management of Water 2019 Topic 1.1.1 Sustainable groundwater management in water-stressed Mediterranean areas- Deadline Stage 2 Full proposals – 16th July, 2019
- Call: Section 1 – Farming Systems 2019 – Topic 1.2.1 Conserving water and soil in Mediterranean dry-farming, smallholder agriculture Deadline Stage 2 Full proposals – 16th July, 2019
- Call: Section 1 – Farming Systems 2019 – Topic 1.2.2 Sustainability and competitiveness of Mediterranean greenhouse and intensive Horticulture Deadline Stage 2 Full proposals – 16th July, 2019
- Call: Section 1 – Agro-food Value Chain 2019 Topic 1.3.1 Implementation of analytical tools and digital technology to achieve traceability, authenticity control of traditional Mediterranean foods. Deadline Stage 2 Full proposals – 16th July, 2019
- Call: Section 1 – Nexus 2019 RIA Topic 1.4.1 Assessing social, technical and economic benefits of a cross-sectoral governance of the Water-Ecosystems-Food Nexus Stage 2 Full proposals – 16th July, 2019
- Call: Section 2 – Multi-topic 2019 – Transnational call funded by Participating States
- Deadline Stage 2 Full proposals – 4th September, 2019
Agribusiness
The international course on “Agribusiness: A Tool for the Empowerment of Rural Women” will focus on marketing and branding for agribusiness, agro-entrepreneurship, and finding solutions to economic, social, and environmental problems. The course is geared towards African professionals, practitioners and policymakers involved in agriculture and rural development.
The Halcyon Incubator program equips early-stage social entrepreneurs from all around the world with support to transform their ideas into scalable and sustainable ventures. Ventures may be for-profit, hybrid, or undecided, as long as the core mission is to create measurable social change. (Note: This may include business ideas in agriculture, sustainable energy, or sustainable development.) Ventures structured as ‘non-profit’ will only be considered if they have a product or service they are selling. Partnerships (ventures co-founded and led by two individuals) are eligible. Selected entrepreneurs will receive a $10 thousand stipend per venture for food and living expenses during the residency phase, mentorship, one-on-one coaching, and 13 months of free workspace at Halcyon House (post-residency). Applications are accepted until 04 April 2019.
The Erbacher Foundation supports rural development in subject areas that include livestock husbandry, crop production, drinking water, and environmental protection. The priority countries are India, Tanzania, and Uganda. Applications are invited from Germany charitable organizations involved in development cooperation. Applying organizations need to have partnerships with local NGOs. The German institution is responsible for project administration and coordination. Application deadlines 01 August of each year.
The Pollination Project (TPP) offers start-up grants of up to US$1 thousand to compassion-driven visionaries in who need seed capital to get started. Currently, TPP makes grants for community projects in Kenya and Uganda. Topics for projects include education, clean water, afforestation, and many others. The deadlines for applications are 15 April and 01 August 2019.
InterAction encourages photographers from all around the world to submit powerful photos that illustrate innovative, effective, and inspiring efforts in international relief and development. Examples of empowering women, innovative technology, food security and environmental development are within the contest’s theme, though entries are not limited to those areas. The Grand Prize Winner will receive US$ 1 thousand and the winning photo will be showcased at InterAction’s 2019 Forum in June 2019. The deadline for submissions is 22 April 2019.
Dining for Women makes grants to non-profit organizations that support women and girls living in extreme poverty in developing countries. Thematic areas include access to clean water and sanitation, food security, and education, among other themes. Applicants may request between US$35 thousand to US$50 thousand. Eligibility extends to US 5.01(c)3 corporations or international organisations with a fiscal sponsor which is a US 5.01(c)3 corporation. Dining for Women has two annual grant cycles. The submission deadlines for 2019 are 24 April and 24 October 2019.
The Agri-Tech Catalyst aims to increase the pace and scale of uptake of agricultural innovation by farmers in Africa. Projects should focus in any of three categories: early-stage technical feasibility; industrial research; or late-stage experimental development. Project leaders must be UK businesses (or UK research organizations in the case of early-stage technical feasibility), but have to include at least one consortium member from an eligible African country. The amount of project co-funding available varies from £100 thousand to £1 million depending on category and business size. The deadline for registration is 29 May 2019.
The Rescued Tools Foundation (Stichting Gered Gereedschap) collects and refurbishes discarded tools and small items of equipment in the Netherlands for the benefit of recipients in Sub-Saharan Africa. The priority countries are Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania and Ghana. The Foundation favors projects that offer opportunities for women, marginalized groups, co-operatives, and ecological awareness and environmental protection. Organizations that meet the Foundation’s criteria for assistance can fill out an application form.
Misereor is the international development agency of the Catholic Church in Germany. Its mission is to fight hunger, disease, poverty, and other forms of human suffering in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Issues and themes include climate change and justice; food security and agriculture; access to land; energy for the poor; and extractive industries. Misereor posts guidelines in multiple languages regarding how to request funding support. Applications can be sent at any time.
Bio-diversity, environment, climate change
This short course, curated by Michigan State University’s Forest Carbon and Climate Program, will develop foundational knowledge in the relationship between climate regulation, Forests, and Forest Carbon. In five modules, the course covers the 1) Carbon Cycle and Storage, 2) Humans, the Global Carbon Cycle, and Terrestrial Sinks, 3) Forest Ecosystems and Carbon Storage, 4) Forest Ecosystem Carbon Pools and Fluxes, and 5) Disturbances and their Carbon Impact. Each module will outline its respective learning objectives. Course content will include recorded presentations, links to online resources, and recommended reading. Course content will be accessible starting April 19.
Climate Justice Resilience Fund — Grants for Climate Change Adaptation
The Climate Justice Resilience Fund seeks grants applications for community-led, social justice approaches to climate change adaptation and resilience-building. Grants are made to women, youth, and indigenous peoples to create and share their own solutions for resilience. CJRF grants focus on four interrelated issues connected which climate change: (1) Water Access; (2) Food Security; (3) Sustainable Livelihoods; and (4) Migration and Relocation. The CJRF grantmaking strategic framework prioritizes multi-year grants and grants larger than US$100 thousand. Non-profit organizations from Alaska, Kenya, Tanzania, Bangladesh, and the India are invited to apply. Letters of Inquiry for the Spring Round 2019 are due 21 December 2018 and LOIs for the Fall Round 2019 have to be submitted by 19 April 2019.
The First Solar Corporate Charitable Fund seeks to improve the quality of life in communities around the world. Priority areas are “green” education; access to clean energy and water in underserved areas; and the development of innovative and sustainable technologies. In support of these objectives, the Fund donates solar modules and systems. Applications may also include a request for a grant (US$10 thousand to US$15 thousand) to help with project support. The next deadlines for proposals are 01 May, 01 August and 01 November.
SNV invites expressions of interest from private sector-led agribusinesses to co-invest in the implementation of business models under the Climate Smart Agriculture East Africa Project (CSA-EA). The goal is to increase the availability of accessible climate smart food for the population in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Selected SMEs and cooperatives will receive a maximum co-investment of 50% or €200 thousand, whichever is lower, for the proposed solutions. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and Cooperatives based in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania are eligible to apply. The deadline for the submission of expressions of interest (EOIs) is 30 May 2019.
Fellowships/scholarships/grants
WIOMSA is calling for submission of proposals for its Marine Research Grant (MARG) Program. The MARG programme provides young and upcoming scientists with a reliable and flexible mechanism to turn their ideas into research projects and also offers opportunity for presentation of research results at various regional and international fora. Deadline: 8th April 2016.
The International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) launches the Arab Women Leaders in Agriculture “Awla Fellowship”. The Awla Fellowship is a capacity building program and agricultural research fellowship. Theme in the first fellowship cycle is about “The role of women in agriculture prosperity”. Participants will receive research and development training, coaching and mentoring to guide their career development. Eligibility extends to Arab women researchers from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. The deadline to apply is 15 April 2019.
The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) invites proposals to its Global Partnerships Seedcorn Fund 2019 call. The Fund allows UK environmental science researchers to forge new partnerships and networks with international researchers from developing countries. Activities under this grant scheme may include, but are not limited to, programmes of exchange visits, scoping studies, proof of concept studies and workshops. Awards are up to a maximum of £100 thousand for two years. The deadline to submit a notification of intent is 15 April 2019.
UK Aid Direct funds community projects addressing urban poverty. Actions under this call within the scope of the Terra Viva Grants Directory may focus on sustainable agriculture, water resources, or energy access, among others. Grants of up to £250 thousand are available for projects lasting 3 years or less. Community Partnership Grants are to small organisations registered in the UK or in a developing country worldwide (full list in the announcement). The deadline for submitting applications is 17 April 2019.
UK Aid Direct funds projects addressing urban poverty. Actions under this call within the scope of the Terra Viva Grants Directory may focus on sustainable agriculture, water resources, or energy access, among others. Grants between £250 thousand and £4 million are available for projects lasting between 3-5 years. Impact grants are to small, non-profit organisations registered in the UK or in a developing country worldwide (full list in the announcement). The deadline for submitting applications is 17 April 2019.
Unleash invites young experts from all around the world to participate in the 2019 Innovation Lab in Shenzhen (Nov 2019) to create real, scalable solutions towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Teams will explore real-life challenges within the SDG themes, before defining specific problems and coming up with solutions. The top teams will present their solutions to investors and experts. Applications are open to academics, entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs and technical experts from for profit and non-profit organizations. High proficiency in English with the ability to engage in complex discussion is necessary. The deadline for applications is 18 April 2019.
Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, offers academy fellowships to international leaders. Applicants are recommended to consider existing research programmes that include climate change and the incorporation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by international organizations. The fellowship is aimed at mid-career professionals from academia, NGOs, business, government departments, civil society or the media. The fellowship is open to candidates worldwide. Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend of £2,295 throughout the 10 month duration of the fellowship. The closing date for applications is 29 April 2019.
CRDF Global announces the Biorisk Management Engagement Grant (BMEG) Competition. The goal of the competition is to provide support for biorisk management activities, such as laboratory design, repairs and maintenance of equipment, workshops and trainings at academic and industrial institutions in the MENA region. Finalists will be awarded US$15 thousand. Only applications from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, and Turkey will be accepted. The application deadline is 29 April 2019.
The international course on ” Agricultural Development in Arid Regions” will focus on soil and water management, intensive crop production and marketing systems, irrigation and fertigation, and the implementation of agro-technologies. The course is geared towards professionals from governmental and non-governmental institutions, universities, research institutes and/or private sector, from African English-speaking countries, involved in agricultural development in arid and semi-arid regions. Deadline for applications is 29 April 2019.
The U.S. Embassy in Yaounde (Cameroon) seeks proposals for small-scale community projects that address one or more of the following areas: Social Services; Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH); Income Generating Activities; Environment and Agriculture. Proposed projects have to benefit a large number of people and increase income or improve living conditions of local communities. Grants range from US$2 thousand to US$10 thousand. The Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund is limited to locally registered non-profits with at least two years of experience working in Cameroon. Applications have to be submitted by 30 April 2019.
The ICGEB Research Grants support projects in agricultural biotechnology, environmental bio-remediation, and many other fields. The grants are intended to facilitate the creation of research facilities in promising institutes; to promote training of young scientists; and to develop new research programs in participating countries. The program is open to applicants who have positions at universities and research institutes in ICGEB’s member states. Grants are a maximum of €25 thousand per year for projects of up to three years. The deadline for submitting applications is 30 April of each year.
The Australian government contributes to the education of talented individuals in the developing countries through its scholarship programs. Subject areas for study correspond to priorities of Australia’s aid programs by regions and countries — and include agriculture, energy, natural resources, and environment. The application period for the 2019-2020 scholarships in most Asian-Pacific countries is 01 February 2019 through 30 April 2019.
ACIAR awards the John Allwright Fellowship for university post-graduate studies in Australia. Applicants are citizens of ACIAR’s priority partner countries who are engaged in an ACIAR collaborative project at the time of application. Each awardee pursues research at an Australian tertiary institution relevant to the project in which the awardee is engaged. The deadline for applications is 30 April 2019.
The Mwalimu Nyerere African Union Scholarship Scheme encourages the participation of young African refugees and internally displaced persons at postgraduate level, for Masters and PhD programmes in the fields of Natural Sciences, Agriculture, Health, Education, Engineering, and Social Sciences. Candidates must be under 35 years and have proof of admission to undertake a full time Masters program at a recognized university of an African Union Member State. The scholarship award covers travel, tuition fees and a stipend of US$500 per month. Closing date for applications is 30 April 2019.
OWSD supports female scientists in Sub-Saharan Africa and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) with doctoral fellowships in the natural sciences. The fellowships are for the pursuit of a doctoral degree at a host institution in a developing country, but not in the applicant’s home country. The Fellowship is for two years and provides up to US$50 thousand. Applicants should be qualified young women science graduates (generally below 40 years of age), who have an M.Sc. degree or outstanding B.Sc. in the natural sciences. The eligible scientific fields include agricultural sciences; biological systems and organisms; and many others. Deadline for submission of applications is 30 April 2019.
The David Phillips Fellowship (DPF) provides support for UK and international early-career researchers wishing to establish their first independent research group. Proposals can be submitted in any area of science, including agriculture, bioenergy and biotechnology. Awards are up to £1 million for five years. The application deadline is 09 May 2019.
VLIR-UOS is the secretariat of Flemish universities for development cooperation, with funding by Belgian Development Cooperation. VLIR-UOS announces courses at Belgian Flemish universities and university colleges that are eligible for scholarships in 2020/21. They include 1-year masters’ programs, along with training courses lasting from two weeks to three months. Subject areas include aquaculture, marine science, plant breeding, nematology, water resources, rural development, and others. Eligibility for scholarships extends to applicants from developing countries in Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America. The scholarship amount varies with a maximum support of €58,320. Candidates apply directly to the Flemish universities that offer the programs, requesting scholarship support. The deadline for submission project proposals to Flemish universities and university colleges is 20 May 2019.
The Ekhaga Foundation makes grants for research in ecological agriculture and biological medicine. Universities, research institutes, etc., from all over the world are invited to apply. Ekhaga requires cooperation with a Swedish institution for applications that do not come from Europe or North America. The deadline for applications is 20 May 2019.
The Conservation, Food and Health Foundation supports special projects and programs in the areas of conservation, food, and health in low- and lower-middle-income countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. The foundation supports projects that demonstrate local leadership; develop the capacity of local organizations; and address a particular problem or question in the field. Eligibility extends to NGOs, community-based organizations and academic institutions. There is no maximum grant size. The average grant is approx. US$20 thousand. Grants exceeding US$30 thousand are rarely awarded. The application deadline for concept notes is 01 July 2019.
The Monsanto Fund makes grants to strengthen agricultural communities in several countries around the world. Grants of US$25 thousand and more are available to tax-exempt charitable organizations for activities and projects that address farmers’ education and training; food security; community water and sanitation; and other local needs. Monsanto’s international grants are administered at the country level. The Fund presents a list of eligible countries. Monsanto accepts international applications during two periods each year. The first period ranges from 01 January through 28 February. The second period ranges from 01 July through 31 August.
The New England Biolabs Foundation makes grants to grassroots and charitable organizations to support conservation of biological diversity; ecosystem services; community food security; and marine environment. The geographical scope focuses on regions (specified on the website) in Central America; South America, and West Africa. Maximum grant size is US$10 thousand. Most grants are US$3 thousand to US$8 thousand. The deadlines for submission of LOIs and proposals are 25 March 2019 and 09 August 2019.
The flagship Master in Food Systems programme is EIT Food’s unique offering to develop top talent for the food sector. The programme is based on a combination of essential skills to become effective innovators and entrepreneurs in the food sector along with key technical skills that are tailored to the individual career pathway for each student. The approach of the programme is unique in how students can select study pathways from a wide range of profiles at different European Universities to suit their career ambitions. The programme will start in September 2019.
The Fulbright Scholar Program invites applications from U.S. scholars for research, teaching, and creative arts in an international context. Eligibility criteria include U.S. citizenship and a PhD or equivalent professional degree. The available openings include several in the developing world in subjects related to agriculture, environmental and biological sciences, geography, and others. The deadline for applications is 16 September 2019.
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program supports non-degree academic study and related professional experiences in the U.S. for experienced professionals from countries that are undergoing development or political transition. Fellows are hosted at universities in the USA. Program fields include agriculture and rural development; natural resources, environmental policy, and climate change; and many others. Applications are made through the U.S. Embassies or Binational Fulbright Commissions in eligible countries, with varying deadlines. The embassies and commissions submit their nominations before 01 October to the Institute of International Education office in Washington, DC.
Mobility grants allow researchers and students to build personal contacts and relationships for collaborations between institutions. Mobility grants can be awarded to young scientists who hold a Bachelor or Master’s degree and with not more than 6 years of professional research experience. Activities may include field work and/or an internship in relation to the applicant’s research project. The call is open for activities in all scientific disciplines and fields of research. Priority countries under this call are: Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Qatar, Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates. Mobility visit should have a minimum duration of 4 weeks and not exceed CHF 5 thousand. Applications will be accepted until 31 December 2019.
AWARDS and O T H E R
The Global Confederation of Higher Education Associations for the Agricultural and Life Sciences (GCHERA) supports innovation and leadership in education, research, and outreach in the agricultural and life sciences. This year, two World Agriculture Prizes will be awarded, each to a faculty member from a higher education institution for lifetime achievements in agriculture and life sciences — including but not limited to agriculture, forestry, natural resources, food, bio-based products, bio-energy, rural development, and the environment. The amount of the prize is US$100 thousand, contributed by Nanjing Agricultural University and the Da Bei Nong Group. The closing date for nominations is 30 April 2019.
The Drucker Institute invites nominations for the Drucker Prize 2019. The prize recognizes innovative non-profit organizations that inspire “change that creates a new dimension of performance”. The winning organization will receive a US$100 thousand prize. Past winners include projects in the field of sustainable energy, small-scale agriculture, rainforest conservation, and many others. Non-profit organizations around the world are eligible to apply. The deadline for applications is 30 April 2019.
The World Food Prize Foundation invites nominations for the annual World Food Prize. The World Food Prize (US$250 thousand) recognizes an individual or individuals who have made outstanding achievements to enhance the world’s food production and its distribution to those most in need. The deadline for nominations is 01 May 2019.
The Africa Food Prize honors outstanding contributions to agriculture and food production in the challenge to combat hunger and reduce poverty in Africa. The Prize can be awarded for a specific contribution or achievement, or for a series of efforts and results within the last few years. Nominations are open to qualified candidates irrespective of their nationalities, professions, or locations. The Prize is US$100 thousand (to be shared if there is more than one winner), a diploma, and a trophy. The deadline for nominations (English, French) is 14 May 2019.
The Yves Rocher Foundation’s Photography Award shall be awarded to a professional photographer who wishes to make a journalistic study of issues relating to the environment, humanity’s relationship with the planet, or the core challenges to sustainability. Eligibility extends to professional photojournalists who are able to write and speak in French or English. The winner will receive an award of €8 thousand. The closing date for applications is 28 May 2019.
The Zayed Sustainability Prize recognizes achievements that are driving impact, innovation and inspiration in environmental stewardship and global sustainability. The Prize is awarded across several categories: (i) Health; (ii) Food; (iii) Energy; (iv) Water; and (v) Global high schools (i.e., high schools in five world regions). The prize winners will divide US$3 million. The closing date for applications and nominations is 30 May 2019.
The World Food Prize Foundation invites nominations for the Borlaug Field Award. The Award (US$10 thousand) recognizes science-based achievement in international agriculture and food production by an individual under age 40 in the challenge to eliminate global hunger and poverty. The deadline for nominations is 15 June 2019.
