Platform for African – European Partnership in Agricultural Research for Development

Monday, November 13, 2017

ARD funding opportunities

A G R I C U L T U R E

Feasibility and capacity building grants
The Scottish Government’s International Development Small Grants Programme provides project funding in support of the government’s International Development Policy. Applications for grants are invited from incorporated not-for-profit organisations which have a presence in Scotland and an annual turnover of less than £200 thousand. Project grants should focus on any of Malawi, Rwanda, or Zambia in themes of food security; renewable energy; climate change; water; and others. Grants for capacity building and feasibility studies will be accepted in relation to any country designated as medium/low on the UN’s Human Development Index — but with priority for Malawi, Rwanda, and Zambia. Awards are a maximum of £60 thousand for project grants over three years, or a maximum of £10 thousand for feasibility and capacity building grants over one year. The application deadline is TODAY 13 November 2017
The European Commission (EC) announced funding to strengthen Zimbabwe’s agricultural research, education, and extension services. The lead applicant must be a nonprofit organization established in Zimbabwe; in countries eligible under the European Development Fund; in a member state of the European Union; or a contracting party to the agreement on the European Economic Areas. Grants will range from €5 million to €6 million, varying with cost shares, for projects of 36 to 54 months. Reference EuropeAid/157721/DD/ACT/ZW. The deadline for submitting concept notes is 14 November 2017

The Horizon 2020' Sustainable Food Security call
This is EC's main contribution to research and innovation in relation to Food and Nutrition Security in Europe and beyond. Its commitment to sustainability implies that particular attention is given to the interfaces between the economic, environmental and social dimensions of food production. The call advocates for food system approaches to tackle the inherent links between ecosystems, food production, the food chain and consumer health and wellbeing. 


Topics SFS-32-2018 to SFS-40-2020 inclusive are relevant for the entire 'Targeted international cooperation' section of the Work Programme. Themes directly related to Africa: deadline 13 February  2018 (first stage)
  • SFS-12-2019: A vaccine against African swine fever
  • SFS-33-2018: Support to the implementation of the EU-Africa Research and Innovation Partnership on Food and Nutrition Security & Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA). Coordination and support action 
  • LC-SFS-34-2019: Food Systems Africa. Coordination and support action
  • SFS-35-2019-2020: Sustainable Intensification in Africa. Research and Innovation action: A. [2019]: African Farming Systems, sustainable intensification pathways ; B.[2019]: Soil system for Africa 
14-17 November. Brussels. Info Week on Horizon 2020 Societal Challenge 2 (SC2) ‘Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine and maritime and inland water research and the bioeconomy’. Co-organised by the Research Executive Agency (REA), the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD) and the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI) of the European Commission.

Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research
U.S. National Academy of Sciences — PEER invites scientists in developing countries to work with U.S. collaborators in research and capacity building on priority topics that include environmental contaminants, agricultural productivity and food security, biodiversity conservation, water security, low-carbon development, fisheries assessments, and others. The priorities are different for each PEER focus area (i.e., varying by regions and countries). Applicants must be based at academic institutions, non-profit organizations, or government-managed research laboratories, centers, or institutes in the eligible countries. Applicants need to have at least one research partner in the U.S. that has grant funding from the U.S. government. The deadline for pre-proposals is 12 January 2018.

Competitive Call of the Europe Africa LEAP-Agri project 
This call is mobilizing 24 Funding Agencies from 18 African and European countries, with EC contribution. the next call is expected begin of 2018

Second phase of the Cultivate Africa’s Future Fund
A new AUS $25 million investment will support greater food security and improve nutrition throughout Eastern and Southern Africa, the partners behind the investment – Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). The investment represents the second phase of the Cultivate Africa’s Future Fund, a joint IDRC-ACIAR partnership aimed at transforming African agriculture and improving the lives of millions of smallholder producers and consumers across the continent. To be confirmed

African Union Research Grants II Open Call for Proposals 2017 Edition
The Commission through the support of the European Union secured a sum of 17.5 million euro under the EU Pan-African Programme to launch 2 calls for research proposals in Africa in 2016 and 2017. To be confirmed

Belmont Forum Food Security Collaborative Research Action
10 November 2017. Sao Paolo. Scoping workshop for a proposed Food Security and Safety Collaborative Research Action (CRA) of the Belmont Forum. The Food Security and Safety workshop brought together Food Security and Land Use Change awardees from the first joint Belmont Forum and FACCE-JPI CRA on this topic with interested funders and organizational leads in food security and safety to discuss lessons learned and possible themes for a second joint call for proposals. Call expected end 2018

Victus Global Capital and Altree Capital have partnered to launch a US$50mn fund focusing on investment into women-led agribusinesses in Africa. To be confirmed

Fund for Rural Prosperity in Africa 2017
MasterCard Foundation aims to support ideas from institutions looking to deliver a financial service, product, or process to smallholder farmers in eligible African countries. Projects may be proposed by a single institution or by a partnership. However, the lead applicant must be a for-profit entity. Examples of applying institutions may include banks; insurance or leasing companies; agribusinesses; IT enterprises; and firms that facilitate increased access to financial services by persons currently excluded from them. Applications should request support of between US$250 thousand and US$2.5 million. The application deadline is 30 November 2017.

Grants to Strengthen Farming Communities 2018
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.

Bio-diversity, environment, climate change

Climate Technology Initiative — Women’s Energy Projects in West Africa
The Private Financing Advisory Network (PFAN), in partnership with other organizations, invites applications to facilitate the initiation and management of commercially viable energy projects by women entrepreneurs in West Africa. At least 10 projects or businesses will receive coaching support from experienced professionals for the development of a financially, socially, and environmentally sustainable business plan. The application deadline is 20 November 2017

Research on Risk Management, Academic Chairs 2018
The AXA Research Fund supports research to help understand risk management and prevention, including risks related to natural disasters and climate change. Applications can be submitted by pre-registered research institutions in EU member states and collaborating countries — including a selection of developing and emerging countries in the Asia-Pacific region; Africa and the Middle East; and Latin America. The next application deadline for Academic Chairs is 24 November 2017.

Accelerating Investments in Climate Resilience 2018
The Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance invites ideas that will attract increased investment for a low-carbon and climate resilient economy. The call for ideas covers four programs, each with distinct priorities. (i) The Global Lab seeks ideas to scale up finance in mitigation and adaptation in developing countries. (ii) The India Lab seeks ideas to accelerate investment in infrastructure for renewable energy, energy efficiency, and green growth. (iii) The Brazil Lab seeks ideas that can address the priority sectors identified in Brazil’s nationally determined contribution to the Paris Agreement. (iv) The Fire Awards seek to accelerate early-stage pilots and businesses that can unlock finance for clean energy and green growth. Selected ideas will receive guidance and support from experts and investors, as well as analytical and communications support. The application deadline is 28 November 2017.

Call for Research and Development Projects 2017
The BRICS STI Framework Programme calls for proposals to promote research cooperation among partner institutions in Brazil, China, India, Russia, and South Africa. Project proposals should consist of partners in at least three BRICS countries for research on preventing and monitoring natural disasters; water resources and pollution management; new and renewable energy; and other themes. The deadline for submissions is 28 November 2017.

International Networking on Scenarios of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
The Belmont Forum and BiodivERsA have announced a call to stimulate the formation of international networks of scientists to enhance the usefulness ecosystem services and biodiversity scenarios in decision-making. Participation includes Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil (State of Sao Paulo only), Bulgaria, Canada, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Ivory Coast, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United States of America. Deadline for pre-registration is 01 December 2017.

Fellowships/scholarships/grants

The Africa Region of the World Bank Group is relaunching its fellowship program for Ph.D. students who are Sub-Saharan nationals. Fellows will spend a minimum of 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 for eliminating poverty and increasing shared prosperity. The program invites applications from Sub-Saharan nationals who are recent Ph.D. graduates, or current doctoral students within one or two years of completing or graduating from a Ph.D. program, in disciplinary fields that include agriculture, energy, and others. The application deadline is 19 November 2017

The Gbowee Peace Foundation awards scholarships for postgraduate masters at the University of Dundee (Scotland). Subjects areas include environmental science, energy petroleum and mineral law and policy, and others. The Africa Scholarships are open to female students who are currently Liberian, Nigerian or Ghanaian nationals permanently resident in these countries. The scholarship offers up to £ 20 thousand for tuition and living expenses. Closing date for applications is 17 November 2017

Eco-conscious ideas and innovations
Green Campus Initiative offers a 12 month fellowship program which will serve as a platform for executing eco-conscious ideas and innovations. Successful applicants will receive stipends and funded trainings. Applicants must be a recent graduate or postgraduate student currently undertaking a leadership role in an organization, company or association. The fellowship opportunity is open to all countries. There is no deadline announcement but as awards are announced in mid-January applications should be submitted no later than November 2017

Post-Doctoral Fellowships for Ghana, Kenya, South AfricaThe Australia Awards – Africa program has launched the second pilot phase of Post-Doctoral Fellowships. Phase 2 of the pilot is open to eligible applicants affiliated with universities in Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa that are members of the Australia Africa Universities Network (AAUN). Eligible fields of research include agricultural productivity, among others. Fellowships will be up to two years in total, comprised of research components in both Australia and Ghana, Kenya or South Africa — but limited to 12 months in Australia. The application deadline is 30 November 2017.

TROPIMUNDO Masters Program in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems 2018-2019
TROPIMUNDO is a 2-year Erasmus Mundus masters program in tropical biodiversity and ecosystems. Students alternate their semesters between consortium universities in Europe (Belgium, France, Italy) and tropical regions outside Europe (Australia, Cameroon, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Malaysia). Applicants should have an internationally accepted bachelor’s degree in biology, natural sciences, environmental sciences, or equivalent. The EC provides a certain number of scholarships for EU and non-EU students. The deadline for applications (with scholarships) is 30 November 2017

Fellowship Training Programme 2018-2019Irish Aid offers scholarships to qualified candidates from developing countries to undertake Masters degrees at universities and colleges in Ireland. Awards are made in the fields development studies, rural development, biodiversity conservation, and many other subject areas. The scholarship covers course fees, flights, accommodation, monthly allowances, insurance and other incidental expenses. Eligible countries are Cambodia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Myanmar, Palestine, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The deadline for applications is 08 December 2017.

African Diaspora Fellowships
The Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program offers short-term fellowships to African-born academics at universities in the USA and Canada to collaborate with African universities in research, curriculum co-development, and/or graduate student training. Project requests to host scholars are submitted by universities and other higher education institutions in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. Past scholars in the program have included several in agriculture, environment, and related disciplines. The next application periods are 01 October through 08 December 2017

Australian Scholarships and Fellowships for Africans 2018
Australia Awards funds qualified African candidates for masters studies in Australia in priority subjects that include agriculture; extractives; climate change; environmental management; water management; and others. Additionally, the program offers short-term fellowships for professional training in Africa and/or Australia. The announcement identifies the eligible countries and eligible fields of study (varying by country). Most application deadlines are 15 December 2017 (masters) and 15 January 2018 (short courses).

FAO Fellowships 2018
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 in its regional, sub-regional, or country offices. Applicants should have a graduate or post-graduate degree, or be enrolled in a PhD programme. 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 31 December 2017.

Professional Courses in Israel Early 2018
Israel’s Agency for International Development (MASHAV) offers professional short courses in Israel in subject areas that include agriculture, energy, health, education, and social development. MASHAV offers a limited number of scholarships to cover course fees, accommodation, medical insurance, and other expenses in Israel. Courses offered in English during the first few months of 2018 include (i) Intensive Vegetable Production (apply before 08 December 2017); (ii) The Role of Water and Nutrients in Agricultural Productivity and Resource Conservation (apply before 07 January 2018); and others. Additionally, MASHAV offers professional courses in Spanish, French, and Russian languages. Applications are submitted through Israel’s diplomatic missions

International Masters Degree in Environment
MESPOM is a two-year Erasmus Mundus masters course in environmental sciences, policy, and management operated by four European and two North American universities, and supported by the EC. 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. MESPOM graduates receive MSc degrees from the Central European University, Lund University, and the University of Manchester. Candidates applying for financial aid should submit their applications before 15 January 2018

Scholarships for Africans at Michigan State University 2018
The MasterCard Foundation funds citizens and residents of Sub-Saharan Africa for graduate studies at Michigan State University, USA. The fields of study at MSU include agriculture and natural resources; veterinary medicine; natural sciences; and many others. Applications for graduate scholarships close 01 February 2018

AWARDS and O T H E R

Journalism Grants to Support Fisheries in West Africa
The Earth Journalism Network offers reporting grants to support fisheries and environment journalism in West Africa. Working Journalists (online, print, television), expert media practitioners, and freelancers based in West African countries are welcome to apply. EJN is offering up to $500 per grant. Deadline 13 November 2017

International Society of Tropical Foresters (ISTF 2018) Innovation Prize
The Yale chapter of the International Society of Tropical Foresters will award the ISTF 2018 Innovation Prize to outstanding projects that apply a multidisciplinary approach to address sustainable resource use in the tropics. The Prize will honor projects will have created strategic partnerships to address tropical forest use and conservation. The winner receives a cash prize. The deadline for submissions is 17 November 2017.

International on line Course on Postharvest and Fresh cut Technologies
In this Edition (1 December - 31 July 2018), 7 free registration Grants are available for students coming from developing and in-transition countries. Application closing day is the 28th of November and the starting Date is December 1, 2017.


Scholarship Applications for 2018 at Lilongwe University of Agricultural and Natural Resources
As part of the “In-Country / In-Region Scholarship Programme,” DAAD offers scholarships for PhD studies. The programme is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and aims at university staff in the first line, without neglecting the public sector demand of academically trained personnel. Deadline: 30 November 2017.

World Water Prize 2018
The World Water Council invites applications for the 2018 King Hassan II Great World Water Prize. The prize is intended for projects that focus on the management and development of water resources, including submissions around the specific theme of water security and climate justice. The Prize will be awarded for the sixth time during the 8th World Water Forum in Brasilia, March 2018. Nominations can be for a person, a group of persons, or an organization. The Prize can be awarded for either an enduring work, or the performance of an outstanding one-off achievement. The winner will receive US$100 thousand. Nominations must be submitted by 30 November 2017

Student Micro-Projects 2018
The student micro-project program of Belgium’s University Commission for Development offers students in the Wallonia region of Belgium the opportunity to set up a project in partnership with students from a developing country. Topic areas may include water resources, female empowerment, and several others. The ARES program offers financial support of up to € 15 thousand per micro-project. The deadline for applications is 08 December 2017.

Research Grants for Individuals
The International Foundation for Science (IFS) invites early-career scientists in eligible developing countries to apply for the IFS Individual Research Grants. Themes of the call are: (i) Biological resources in terrestrial systems; (ii) Water and aquatic resources; and (iii) Food security, dietary diversity, and healthy livelihoods. Eligibility for funding extends to researchers in low and lower-middle income countries (IFS provides a list). Applicants must be attached to a national research institute or a university. Grants are up to US$12 thousand for projects of one to three years. The next deadline for applications (English, French) is 31 December 2017

Innovation Prize for Africa 2018
The Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) honors and encourages innovative achievements that contribute toward developing new products, increasing efficiency, or saving cost in Africa. Priority areas for the IPA include agriculture and agribusiness; environment, energy, and water; and others. The competition is open to African entrepreneurs, academics, and inventors — and to Africans in the Diaspora if their innovations are of significance for Africa. Prizes are US$100 thousand for the winner, plus two other prizes of US$25 thousand each. Additionally, finalists will receive a voucher for US$5 thousand in post-prize technical support to assist in moving their innovations to the next step. The deadline for applications is 10 January 2018

Conservation in the Developing World
The Prince Bernhard Nature Fund aims to help save critically endangered flora and fauna in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It gives funding preference to organizations in these regions, sometimes in partnership with parties in Europe or North America. Grants are up to €15 thousand. The next application deadline is 01 February 2018.

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