FANRPAN Annual High Level Regional Food Security Dialogue 2012

03 – 07 September 2012 . Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. FANRPAN in collaboration with the Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF), the FANRPAN Tanzania Node Hosting Institution convened the FANRPAN Annual High Level Regional Food Security Policy Dialogue in   2012 at the White Sands Resort and Conference Centre. The theme for the policy dialogue is "From Policy to Practice: Advocating for the Active Engagement of Youth in Agriculture Value Chains."

The policy dialogue, with an attendance of over 200 participants provided an opportunity for FANR stakeholders such as, governments; policy research institutions; universities; farmers organisations; private sector and civil society to review the current status of youth engagement in agriculture value chains; share lessons and experiences; identify challenges and opportunities and come up with tangible resolutions. The policy dialogue also showcase dbest practices from Africa and beyond in line with FANRPAN’s five thematic thrusts:

• Food Systems
• Agriculture Productivity and Markets
• Natural Resources and Environment
• Social Protection and Livelihoods
• Institutional Strengthening

On Day 2 and there were 4 learning events which were held in parallel:

• SADC Seed Policy Harmonization
• Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP)
• Research for Impact for Climate Smart Agriculture
• PAEPARD one-on-one meetings

Day 2 Slide-Show:

Posted by Nawsheen Hosenally (PAEPARD-Mauritius/Breadfruit consortium)

African cooperation 'dropped from EU research calls'

European researchers may
now have less incentive to
seek collaborators in Africa
Shutterstock

31 August 2012. Paula Park for SciDev.Net. From 2013, African scientists may be more likely to be left out of lucrative collaborations with European Union (EU) researchers, according to some policy experts.

A mandate for EU research groups to include African partners in projects was dropped from the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) 2013 calls for proposals for EU competitive research grant issued last month (9 July).

The calls cover 11 themes, including agriculture, water and energy, and are worth 8.1 billion Euros (US$10.2 billion).

In the FP7 grants for the period 2010–2012, researchers engaged in investigating a number of themes, including fisheries and biotechnology, were required to collaborate with at least one international group from Africa.

Some fear that in the absence of a specific mandate, EU researchers will be unwilling to collaborate with African peers. There are also concerns that the decision may affect calls for grants for Horizon 2020, the EU's 2014–2020 framework programme for research and innovation to replace the FP7, worth around US$100 billion.

François Stepman, European co-manager of the Platform for African-European Partnerships for Agricultural Research for Development (PAEPARD), told SciDev.Net that without requirements for African collaborations, many EU researchers will be reluctant to work with African scientists, believing it will not help their careers to do so.

"There's a decline [among EU researchers] in trying to include African researchers," Stepman said.

Young scientists keen on building careers are more likely to collaborate with US researchers, because this is more likely to lead to publications in international journals, he explained.

Stepman told SciDev.Net that EU scientists also worry African researchers can lack the administrative support available in developed countries, leading to challenges in "getting the reports in on time and in getting the finance".

"You have to do too much work to get them on board," he said.

The decline in partnerships will affect the ability of scientists to research subjects of mutual interest, including food security and price hikes, climate change, biofuels and genetically modified organisms, he added.

For African scientists, the fallout could be severe.

"Many African experts don't have access to research funding from their [own] countries," Kevin Chika Urama, executive director of the Africa Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) in Nairobi, Kenya, told SciDev.Net. "The EU research funding has been a pivotal avenue to partnership with EU researchers."

"A lot of African issues, such as the needs of the poor in rural areas, are under-researched," Urama added. "Some of these issues are not of interest [to European researchers]," he said, adding that a solution may be for the EU to set up a specific grant programme aimed at African researchers.

The move to drop the mandatory collaboration with Africa from 2013 calls for proposals reflects European political leaders' disquiet about the use of funds outside the EU generally, said Andrew Cherry, coordinator for the Network for the Coordination and Advancement of Sub-Saharan Africa-EU Science & Technology Cooperation (CAAST-Net).

However, Daan du Toit, minister counsellor for science and technology at the South African Mission to the EU said the move does not mean fruitful cooperation is not possible.

"All topics of this year's FP7 calls for proposals are open for African participation. African researchers have to identify, which ones are relevant for them, and ones where they can add value to the work of the European or international consortia — then participation will follow. In many of the topics in this year's calls African researchers are well placed to play an important part."

Michael Jennings, a European Commission spokesperson for research, innovation and science, told SciDev.Net there was a need "to better articulate science and technology capacity-building initiatives" to be supported with "collaborative research activities that can be selected and funded through FP7 and the upcoming Horizon 2020 programme".

Cherry told SciDev.Net that it remains to be seen how African researchers can participate in Horizon 2020.

PAEPARD: ARD funding opportunities

A G R I C U L T U R E


Ref: HRST/ST/AURG/CALL2/2012/EuropeAid/132-331/M/ACT/ACP
The African Union Commission is seeking proposals for research focusing on the following thematic priorities articulated in Africa’s Science and Technology Consolidated Plan of Action (CPA) and its Lighthouse Projects: (a) Post-harvest and Agriculture, (b) Renewable and Sustainable Energy, and (c) Water and Sanitation in Africa. The programme is financed through the Financing Agreement between the European Commission and the ACP Group of States under the ACP Research for Sustainable Development Program of the 10th EDF Intra-ACP Envelop. The full Guidelines for Applicants, Application form and other supporting documents are available for downloading from the following Internet Sites:
1. http://www.africahrst.org/stict/rgp
2. http://www.au.int/researchgrant
3. http://webgate.ec.europa.eu/europeaid/online-services/index.cfm?do=publi.welcome
The deadline for submission of proposals is April 20, 2012.

Africa-Brazil Agricultural Innovation Marketplace
Third Call for Proposals. The objective of this initiative is to enhance agricultural innovation for development in Africa through partnerships between African and Brazilian organizations. Themes include productivity enhancement; natural resources management; advances in policies, institutions, and markets; and approaches targeted for poverty alleviation. Applications are invited from public and private organizations in Africa in partnership with one or more of Embrapa's centers in Brazil. Projects should be planned and implemented in Africa; proposals should be prepared in English. The priority is for projects in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda. Grants are up to US$80 thousand for projects of up to two years. The closing date for pre-proposals is 29 February 2012.

Agropolis Foundation (France) and CAPES (Brazil)
Research in Agricultural Sciences 2012. The Brazilian Federal Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education (CAPES) and the Agropolis Foundation invite proposals for Franco-Brazilian research in agricultural and related sciences. Priority is for integrated and interdisciplinary approaches that bring together biological, engineering, and social and human sciences. Requests for funding should not exceed €100 thousand, with a maximum contribution of €50 thousand from the Agropolis Foundation, for projects of up to two years. Research themes and eligibility criteria are included in the call for proposals. The application deadline is 10 February 2012.

European Commission (EC) - Diversifying Farm Income in Malawi. 
The Farm Income Diversification Project (Phase II) for Malawi seeks to improve the livelihoods of rural households through conserving natural resources and strengthening smallholder agriculture. The current call for proposals focuses on post-harvest storage and processing; increasing and diversifying agricultural productivity; and promoting agri-business. Eligibility for grants is open to nonprofit organizations in the EU, the European Economic Area, and EU candidate countries; ACP and least-developed countries (including Malawi); and inter-governmental organizations. Grants will range from €900 thousand to €1.0 million, subject to co-financing requirements. Reference EuropeAid/132284/M/ACT/MW. The closing date for concept notes is 06 February 2012.

Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa 2012-2013.
The Scottish International Development Team announces calls for proposals through the Malawi Development Program and the Sub-Saharan Africa Program (focusing on Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia). Priority areas of support include food security, renewable energy, climate change, and water. Grants are up to £400 thousand for three years in the Malawi program; and an average of about £1.3 million for three years in the Sub-Saharan Africa program. Applicants must have a Scottish presence. The closing dates for applications are 06 February 2012 in the Malawi program, and 02 March 2012 in the Sub-Saharan Africa program. Link Malawi Program   Link Sub-Saharan Africa Program


Innovations Against Poverty. 
"Innovations Against Poverty" makes grants to private companies that supply services, products, or processes that benefit people living in poverty. Eligibility for grants extends to enterprises that are based in or operate in developing countries in any sectors, e.g., agriculture, energy, natural resources, and all others. Small matching grants are up to €20 thousand (50% of project costs) to explore innovations or new markets. Larger matching grants up to €200 thousand (50% of project costs) support companies to put development projects to market tests, or to adapt existing products to be affordable and accessible by the poor. Applications for large grants require prior submission of concept notes. The third round of applications closes 30 April 2012


Australia-Africa Community Grants 2011-2012. 
The AACGS supports community-based activities across Africa. Funding is open to NGOs for projects that promote sustainable economic and social development. Thematic areas include agriculture and food security; environmental awareness; and conservation of natural resources (among others). Grants range from AUD30 thousand to AUD75 thousand (in rare cases, the AACGS will consider requests for larger amounts). The program is managed at Australia's diplomatic missions in Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, and South Africa. Applicants should check the websites of Australia's diplomatic missions in those countries to locate the correct contact and application materials for the AACGS. Applications are accepted throughout the year (i.e., through 31 December 2012).

B I O D I V E R S I T Y 


Fondation Ensemble - Programs Fund 2012. 
The Programs Fund supports projects in renewable energies, sustainable agriculture, alternative waste management, biodiversity, and others. The Fund makes grants for a minimum of €50 thousand per year for at least two years, up to a maximum of €250 thousand -- limited to 50% of total project costs. Eligible countries are in Africa are: Benin & Mozambique.. The deadline for applications (French or English) is 12 February 2012.

AXA Research Fund - Calls for Proposals 2012. 
The AXA Research Fund supports research to help understand risk management and prevention, including risks related to natural disasters and climate change. The Fund calls for Projects applications. Applications can be submitted by pre-registered research institutions in EU member states and collaborating countries in the FP7 research program (including a number of developing countries). Closing date: 08 March 2012.


New England Biolabs Foundation -- Grassroots Conservation.
The 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 selected countries of the Gulf of Honduras; the Andean region; and West Africa (in addition to Papua New Guinea, Tanzania, Nicaragua, and El Salvador). Maximum grant size is US$10 thousand, but most grants are smaller. The next deadline for letters of inquiry is 15 February 2012.

C L I M A T E   C H A N G E

Global Development Alliance, Annual Program Statement 2011. 
The Global Development Alliance is a program to leverage resources for development in a ratio of at least 1:1 with USAID. The current Annual Program Statement (APS) includes priority themes in agriculture and livestock, water resources, and climate change (among others). USAID invites partnership proposals from private businesses, social entrepreneurs and investors, foundations, private philanthropists, diaspora communities, and other non-governmental organizations in the USA and worldwide. Matching resources can be cash and/or the value of in-kind contributions. The deadline for concept papers has been extended to 29 February 2012.


French National Agency for Agricultural Research (L'ANR) 
Agrobiosphère 2012. The ANR's research in "Agrobiosphère" focuses on the relationship between agriculture and ecosystems in the context of global warming, threats to biodiversity, and related issues. France's AIRD (Agence inter-établissements de recherche pour le développement) makes grants to co-finance research teams from developing countries to participate in Agrobiosphère. The closing date to apply is 22 March 2012.

PAEPARD Agricultural Innovation Facilitators' Workshop

28 November - 2 December 2011. Entebbe. PAEPARD Agricultural Innovation Facilitators' Workshop.

The Platform for African-European partnership for Agricultural Research for Development (PAEPARD) in collaboration with The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) has organised a five-day facilitators' Inception Workshop of the PAEPARD Project. The main objective of this workshop is to familiarise participants with their potential role as facilitators of "agricultural innovation partnerships" established with the support of the PAEPARD project.

The workshop is daily documented by one of the participants (Nawsheen Hosenally from Mauritius)

Day 1 – Monday 28th November 2011: Introduction to PAEPARDThe theme for the first day of the workshop was “Introduction to PAEPARD”.

The question of the open space was "You have been selected as a 'facilitator of multi-stakeholder innovation processes: Which theme do you think is essential to discuss - from your experience with ARD multi-stakeholder innovation processes in - in a sub-workshop?"

The 8 sub-workshops were on the following topics:
1. How to identify relevant partners within a multi-stakeholder partnership?
2. How to balance/manage power imbalances within a consortium?

3. How can we reinforce capacities to work in partnership?
4. How can we manage stakeholders in a team? Divide roles and overcome mistrust
5. How can we keep ourselves relevant and in demand by the partnership?
6. How do we harmonise our work methods when we are driven by different ideologies?
7. How can we maintain neutrality in our facilitation?

8. How can we share financial and information resources in a sustainable partnership?

Day 2: Tuesday 29th November 2011: Facilitation of ARD Partnerships
The theme for Day 2 was "Facilitation of ARD Partnerships" and the aim was that all participants know about the role of a facilitator in a multi-stakeholder partnership.

Day 3 - Wednesday 30th November 2011: Facilitation Tools
Role Play
The first session of Day 3 was a role-play by Janet Achora and Monica Kapiriri Namumbya (both from Uganda), whereby Monica had to approach Janet (consortium) as the Agricultural Innovation Facilitator by PAEPARD.

Moderation, Coordination, Facilitation and Leadership
This session discussed the differences between Moderation, Coordination, Facilitation and Leadership.There were 3 boards in front, on each one there was a question, written on a card of different colours:
Green Card: Achieve the task (Common objectives)
Blue Card: Manage the team and avoid conflict
Pink Card: Promote learning by partners
Research Questions
The last exercise for the day was about Research Questions. Each country pair had to work together on their respective concept notes and had to generate 5 research questions and 3 sub-questions for each of the selected concept notes of the Second round of the PAEPARD call ARD proposals

Day 4 - Thursday 1st December 2011: Designing a partnership facilitation process

Presentation on PAEPARD Inception Workshop - June 2011
The objective was for participants to have an idea about how an inception workshop was organised by PAEPARD in the past and the points to keep in mind while planning and implementing the workshop. There are 4 steps which are involved for a concept note to become a formal proposal and the example given was from the PAEPARD First Call:

1. Original proposal to PAEPARD
2. Concept Note (Draft) drafted as a result of the PAEPARD Inception Workshop
3. Complete Concept Note
4. Draft Proposal Write-shop to generate formal proposal (submission)

Individual plans
Each country pair was asked to design a timeline of 3 months on the type of activities they will organise with respect to their respective consortium and also the specific output/milestone achieved for each proposed activity.

Video Projection
Mrs. Habiba Hassan Wassef of Egypt, talks about how Africans should be aware of their Intellectual Property Rights before sharing their views with Europeans.

Financing ARD
To understand about how ARD can be financed, a document from ICRA, which contained key concepts on how to finance ARD were given to the participants, who were asked to read the document. Then there was a brainstorming session to find the possible finance sources at National Level, Sub-Regional Level (Africa) and International Level.

Presentation by ASARECA
To get a better idea of how ARD are financed in Africa, there was a presentation by Mr. Joseph Methu from ASARECA. He explained about how ASARECA does the coordination work regarding financing of ARD in the East Africa Region.

Statements from World Bank

This session was a presentation on a report from the World Bank: IMPLEMENTING AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION FUNDS: Lessons from Competitive Research and Matching Grant Projects.. From that Report, different statements were taken and presented to the participants.

1. Statement 1: The more a call is competitive – and selective, the less facilitators will be asked to play an intermediation role, as the investment will have less chances to lead to a return.
2. Statement 2: Competitive grants strengthen the strongest actors and do not reduce the disparities between the strong and the weak.
3. Statement 3: Mainly the growing rhetoric’s among the agricultural research and development partners to become more accountable to the beneficiary and other stakeholders has necessitated the need for partnerships and new funding schemes
4. Statement 4: Only organizations which have a minimum budget , a critical mass of staff and a research and innovation management capacity can compete in competitive grants

Proposal formulation
The last session for Day 4 was about the proposal formulation. Participants were given a document on points to be taken into consideration while doing a proposal formulation.

PAEPARD: ARD funding opportunities

A G R I C U L T U R E

FP7 KBBE 2012.

The European Commission invites research proposals in the theme of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Biotechnology. All topics are open to third-country (non-EU) participation, including with International Cooperation Partner Countries. Cooperation with developing countries is foreseen for research on zoonotic diseases, biowaste, insect protein, global food safety, etc. (Identifier: FP7-KBBE-2012-6-singlestage.) The closing date for applications is 15 November 2011.

Africa specific slides, aim to provide researchers working in Africa with a brief overview of the content of the FP7 2012 work programme and the current calls, and highlight some specific topics which may be of particular interest.

West African Agricultural Productivity Research and Development (WAAPRD)
Dissemination and adoption of agricultural technologies across countries in West Africa (DATWA). The World Bank, within the framework of its Action Plan for “Scaling-up Support for African Agriculture” is supporting the ECOWAS conceived West Africa Agriculture Productivity Program (WAAPP). This competitive grant call therefore calls for project concept notes that innovatively link research and development in order to accelerate the dissemination and adoption of agricultural technologies and innovations across countries in West Africa. Submission of Project Concept Notes (PCN): Deadline is 13th November, 2011 See call in FRENCH and ENGLISH

Nutrition Third World
The present call aims at supporting research to optimize local food sources. This could be applying conservation techniques and developing new food items that can be used to improve the diet. The objective is to find ways to improve overall dietary quality. Deadline: 25 January 2012


EC - Food Security, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The European Commission invites proposals for its food security program in the DRC, organized into three components. The program aims to: (i) build capacity of local production and marketing of agriculture, livestock, and fisheries to supply urban markets; (ii) improve the nutritional status of children; and (iii) develop and expand agroforestry for charcoal production, carbon sequestration, and other environmental benefits. Eligibility extends to non-governmental organizations in the EU, its candidate countries, the European Economic Area, and DRC and other developing countries -- and to inter-governmental organizations. Projects will range from €1.5 million to €10 million (variable by component). Reference EuropeAid/131530/L/ACT/CD. The application deadline is 17 November 2011.

EC - Food Security, Madagascar.
The European Commission is open to proposals for its food security program in Madagascar. The main objective is to improve agricultural productivity and diversification, with an emphasis on vulnerable populations. Eligibility extends to non-governmental organizations in the EU; its candidate countries; the European Economic Area; and Madagascar and other developing countries -- and to inter-governmental organizations. Projects will range from €800 thousand to €1.5 million. Reference EuropeAid/131530/L/ACT/CD. The application deadline is 15 November 2011.

Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research (PEER)
PEER is a joint program of USAID and the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) to support scientists in developing countries in research and capacity-building. Topics of interest include food security (agriculture, fisheries, and plant genomics), and environment (e.g., water sustainability, hydrology, ocean acidification, climate process and modeling, environmental engineering, disaster mitigation, biodiversity, and renewable energy). In addition to these thematic programs, PEER has country programs for Indonesia, Lebanon, and the Philippines. PEER is open to institutions in developing countries that partner with an NSF-funded collaborator at a U.S. institution. The deadline for applications is 30 November 2011.

BREAD 2012.
The National Science Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are partners in BREAD (Basic Research to Enable Agricultural Development). Projects in BREAD must connect the outcomes of the research and its relevance and potential application to agriculture in the developing world. Especially encouraged are proposals that address constraints to the productivity of crops important to smallholder farmers, or on the development of novel and efficient production practices. Full proposals are due 22 November 2011.

African Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF)
Three Active Funding Windows. The AECF offers grants and loans to support businesses in Africa working in agriculture, financial services, renewable energy, and technologies for adapting to climate change. AECF announces three current funding competitions: (i) Agribusiness Africa; (ii) Renewable Energy and Adapting to Climate Technologies (REACT) -- Round 2; and (iii) South Sudan. Eligibility extends to for-profit businesses anywhere in the world if their activities are carried out in Africa (specifically South Sudan in the third case). The application deadline for each of the funding windows is 15 December 2011.

Partnerships in Higher Education & Research for Development 2012.
The Austrian Partnership Program in Higher Education & Research for Development (APPEAR) aims to strengthen institutional capacities in higher education, research, and management. Thematic areas include water supply and sanitation, rural development, energy, environment, and natural resources (among others). Partnerships are prepared collaboratively between institutions in Austria with institutions in Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Kenya, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Palestinian Territories, Senegal, and Uganda. Partnerships are for up to two years. The deadline for submissions is 31 December 2011.

International Foundation for Science -- Re-Opens for Applications.
The IFS has re-opened for applications, following a period of programmatic review. IFS makes grants of up to US$12 thousand for research projects of 1-3 years in the sustainable management of biological resources (e.g., agriculture, soil science, forestry, biodiversity, environmental chemistry, natural products, food science, animal husbandry, veterinary medicine, aquaculture, and marine resources). Applications are invited from citizens of developing countries who are less than age 40 (with some exceptions, by world regions); at the beginning of their research careers; and who have at least a university master's degree. The next deadline is 29 January 2012.
Awards, Courses, and Training 2012-2013.
The French-language universities of Belgium will award 150 scholarships and 70 training grants in 2012-2013 to applicants from developing countries through Belgium's University Commission for Development (CUD -- Commission universitaire pour le Développement). Subjects include aquaculture; tropical animal and plant resources; environmental management; management of natural hazards; and others. Eligibility requirements are defined by age, previous education, and nationality. The application deadline is 13 February 2012.

B I O D I V E R S I T Y 
FP7 ENVIRONMENT 2012.
The European Commission invites research proposals in the theme of Environment (including Climate Change). The emphasis is on research to improve the protection and management of natural resources (land, water, air, and marine resources). All topics are open to third-country (non-EU) participation, including with International Cooperation Partner Countries. The closing date for applications is 15 November 2011


Bioversity International -- Fellowships in Agricultural Genetic Resources 2012.
The Vavilov-Frankel Fellowships support young researchers in themes of conserving and using genetic resources in agriculture. Applicants are researchers in low and middle-income countries who are under age 35. Funding is up to US$20 thousand for research projects lasting up to one year. The closing date for applications (English, French, or Spanish) is 06 November 2011.

Land Deal Politics Initiative (LDPI)
Call for Applications 2011-2012. The LDPI offers small grants to carry out original field research, provide follow-up to ongoing initiatives, and write papers on subjects related to the "global land grab." The research should be original, relevant to policy, and be based on detailed and case-specific field studies. Grants are up to US$3 thousand. The application deadline is 15 December 2011.

2011 Young Environmental Journalist Award for Africa.
UNEP makes awards to young African journalists who provide new insights, challenge established thinking, and enhance public understanding of the environment in Africa. The competition is open to African journalists -- between 21 and 35 years old -- who are based in Africa. The winner receives a trip to the USA to meet other journalists, environmental organizations, scientists, and others. Applications are due 16 December 2011.

New England Biolabs Foundation -- Grassroots Conservation.
The 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 selected countries of the Gulf of Honduras; the Andean region; and West Africa (in addition to Papua New Guinea, Tanzania, Nicaragua, and El Salvador). Maximum grant size is US$10 thousand, but most grants are smaller. The next deadline for letters of inquiry is 15 February 2012.

C L I M A T E   C H A N G E

New Zealand Fund for Global Partnerships in Livestock Emissions Research
The Fund is aimed at accelerating global research into mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from pastoral livestock farming. The Fund is open to international scientists, and it is hoped that multi-stakeholder/country consortia bids will be put forward. Deadline for Expressions of Interest: 7 November 2011.

Research on Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Livestock.
The New Zealand Fund for Global Partnerships in Livestock Emissions Research is an international research fund set up by New Zealand to support the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Gases. Project leaders can be from New Zealand or another country of the Global Research Alliance; projects should include at least one researcher from New Zealand. The international participants need to contribute co-funding. Specific themes of the research are outlined in the grants announcement. In Round 1, projects are expected to be in the range of NZ$1-4 million over four years. Expressions of interest should be submitted by 07 November 2011.

Climate Change Research 2012.
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation offers International Climate Protection Fellowships for one-year research projects in Germany on climate protection and resource conservation. The program is open to prospective future leaders in academia, business, and administration in non-European threshold and developing countries (listed in the announcement). The Foundation aims to make 20 grants per year. In the current cycle, the closing date for applications is 15 December 2011.

Development Research 2012.
Denmark's Ministry of Foreign Affairs funds research on climate change adaptation and mitigation in developing countries (among other themes). Research projects are managed by collaborations of Danish and South-based research institutions, with a priority on institutions in Africa. Applications must be submitted by organizations based in Denmark. Grants will range from 5-10 million DKK per project. The deadline for Phase I applications is 12 December 2011.

International Climate Initiative.
Germany's BMU (Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety) funds the International Climate Initiative (ICI) to support international projects on climate change mitigation, adaptation, and biodiversity projects with climate relevance. Projects target carbon sinks with high levels of biodiversity (e.g., Amazon region, Congo Basin, and South-East Asia). Outlines for projects beginning in 2012 may be submitted to the Programme Office until 9 January 2012.

Echoing Green
Echoing Green helps emerging social entrepreneurs with grants of seed capital and technical assistance to support their start-up organizations. Past grants include several that address renewable energy, waste management, smallholder farming, and other societal challenges of developing countries. Applicants can be citizens of any nationality, and their organizations can be based in any country. The fellowships are US$60 thousand for individuals (and US$90 thousand for 2-person partnerships) over two years. Applications are submitted between 05 December 2011 and 09 January 2012.

Outcome of the Call for Concept notes of PAEPARD

PAEPARD launched on 31^st May, 2011 a second call for applications for support to the development of multi-stakeholder partnerships that promote demand-driven agricultural innovation and research. PAEPARD partners were asked to disseminate as much as possible the call through their respective channels.

• Per 15/07/2011, 69 Concept Notes (CNs) were submitted, 
• 18 Applications did not fulfill the set criteria
• There were 55 New Applicants and 14 CNs are re-submission
• There were 55 Anglophone Applications against 14 Francophone Applications
• 2 Applications were led by European stakeholders: one by Italy and another one by Switzerland
• In the second call 65 % are led by non researchers while in the first call 49%
• 51 Concept Notes (CNs) were evaluated.

During its Management Team Meeting of 7th October 2011 in Accra, PAEPARD ranked the priority list.

Selected concept notes:

African Applicant Country	Title of the proposal
Ghana	Control of Angular leaf spot disease of Citrus in Ghana
Burundi	Développement participatif des technologies  de la culture pomme de terre et promotion  des innovations sensibles au genre et à la conservation de l’environnement au Burundi
Uganda	Extensive Collection and Characterization of African Solanaceae Plants
Mauritius	Micro propagation and cultivation of in vitro breadfruit plants and development of novel products from Breadfruit as an alternative source of carbohydrates  in Mauritius
Uganda	Enhancing soybean and cowpea value chains for increased productivity, incomes and nutritional security of smallholder farmers in East and Central Africa
Burkina Faso	BIOPROTECT-B, un groupement d’intérêt économique pour la  protection biologique des cultures et la fertilisation organique des sols pour une agriculture saine et durable au sahel
Benin	Appui a la sécurité économique des ménages ruraux par la production, la commercialisation et la transformation du Soja au Benin
Nigeria	Low cost and high quality livestock feed production knowledge delivery to Nigerian poultry industry (NIPOFERD)
Cote d'Ivoire	Agriculture pour l’éducation (A.P.E) des enfants en âge scolaire (5 – 15 ans) en milieux rural et périurbain
Cameroon	Innover pour l’intensification, la diversification et la transformation de l’agriculture familiale en Afrique Centrale à travers la recherche – action en partenariat : cas de CNOP-CAM dans la région du Centre Cameroun

The support of PAEPARD to new partnerships consists of:

1. [A] sponsored participation of key partners in Partnership Inception (PI ) workshops
2. [B] subsidized participation of some of the key partners together with administrative staff of their organizations in Write-shops.
3. [C] Follow up with the funding opportunities

A) Partnership Inception workshop: 
A workshop of about 5 days of the key partners:
Expected results of the Partnership Inception workshop:

• Result 1: Demand-driven, balanced ARD consortia are consolidated with clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the non-research and research partners and African and European partners and with a clear agreement on the principles of African-led joint governance. Where relevant, missing actors and their required contributions have been identified.
• Result 2: Each ARD consortium has developed an action plan defining the complementary development activities to address the common challenge/ theme around which each consortium is mobilized and the main elements of a research proposal to be further elaborated at a write-shop.
• Result 3: Memoranda of Agreement have been signed between the partners in each partnership, between each partnership and its AI-facilitator and between each AI-facilitator and the PAEPARD Work Package 4 [Capacity Building] leaders.
• Result 4: The collective and individual capacities of all consortium members to function as a team, taking stock of specific needs of non-research partners and mobilising their specific complementary contributions to the innovation process, have been strengthened.

Between the Partnership Inception workshop and write-shops, the AI-facilitators, with help from PAEPARD, assist their partnerships to formulate a first rough draft of a research proposal based on the main elements defined during the PI-workshop.

B) Write shops. 
Expected results of the Write shop

• Result 1: Consortium members are aware of the procedures and formats required by the identified funding source to which their research proposal will be submitted and are able to use these formats and apply these procedures.
• Result 2: Each consortium has fully developed its proposal following the specified format by the identified funding source

C) Follow up with the funding opportunities
Expected results of the follow up on the funding opportunities

• Research proposals from different consortia that participated in the process of inception workshop and write-shop are submitted to the targeted funding sources

PAEPARD MTM in Accra

5-7 October 2011. Accra. FARA. The PAEPARD project activities have reached cruise speed with the first and second calls for applications and suggestions concerning the organisation and scheduling of consortia, inception workshops, write-shops, multi-stakeholder consultations in Florence (Italy) and Nairobi (Kenya), and the Leeds meeting that adopted the capacity strengthening strategy. To put flesh on the bones of these suggestions, a MTM was needed.

The agenda consisted of:

1. Bottlenecks identified by the respective partners
2. Discussion on Vision/outcomes/outputs/assumptions (linked to the M&E strategy)
3. Challenges encountered by the respective work packages
4. Communication
5. Financial update
6. Selection of the Call 2 Concept notes (WP5 expert group) + Selection of the Agricultural Innovation Facilitators (WP4+WP5)

ARD funding opportunities

A G R I C U L T U R E

Be Fair award
Belgian Technical Cooperation -- Fair Trade in Developing Countries. Belgium's BTC invites small-scale producers and micro-enterprises in developing countries to compete for the "Be Fair" award of €5 thousand. The award is to help promote fair trade in the domestic market, or in markets of other developing countries (South-South trade). BTC will consider projects to establish new fair trade activities, and to support existing programs. The application deadline is 13 August 2011.

Sustainable Energy Project Support (SEPS) 2011
WISIONS is an initiative of the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment, and Energy to promote practical and sustainable energy projects, with an emphasis on the developing world. The 2011 call for applications invites projects that aim to implement energy solutions for food processing -- including the reduction of post-harvest losses, the improvement of food storage, and other energy-related models for food processing. The total grant fund is €400 thousand to be divided among 8 to 10 projects. The submission deadline is 15 August 2011

Food Security in Zimbabwe
The European Commission invites proposals to address food insecurity in Zimbabwe in three thematic areas: (i) small-scale high value crops for international fair trade; (ii) wildlife and natural resources management; and (iii) intensive vegetable cash crops in peri-urban areas. The program is open to non-profit organizations that include NGOs, local authorities, and inter-governmental organizations. Reference EuropeAid/131700/L/ACT/ZW. The closing date for proposals is 23 August 2011.

Efico Fund -- Applications 2011. 

The Efico Fund (Fonds Efico) makes grants for the sustainable improvement of poor populations which produce coffee and/or cocoa in developing countries. Projects are funded for one or more years up to a maximum of €20 thousand per year. Grants by the Efico Fund are administered through the King Baudouin Foundation, Belgium. The deadline for applications is 01 September 2011.

Global Poverty Action Fund
UK Department for International Development (DFID) invites proposals for the Impact Window of the Global Poverty Action Fund (GPAF). The GPAF aims for poverty reduction consistent with the Millennium Development Goals, which include themes in agriculture and environment (among others). The current call of the Impact Window is open to nonprofit NGOs in the UK, and to locally registered civil society organizations in 27 developing countries (DFID's focus countries). Grants range from £250 thousand to a maximum of £4 million for projects up to three years. Matching funds of at least 25% are required. The closing date for applications is 19 September 2011

UK ESRC-DFID Joint Program for Research on International Development
The UK's Department for International Development (DFID) and the UK's Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) announce a third joint call for applications under Phase 2 of their partnership to fund development research. Thematic areas include "Resource Scarcity, Growth, and Poverty Reduction" (among others). Applications are invited for projects between £100 thousand to £500 thousand from UK and non-UK researchers. The closing date is 27 September 2011.

GlobE - Global Food Security
The Federal Ministry of Education and Research of Germany has started a new funding initiative within the “National Research Strategy BioEconomy 2030” framework programme, which identifies and works on research topics concerning worldwide food security. To ensure global food security it will be necessary to support the regions most concerned in the establishment of an efficient and sustainable agriculture. In particular regions of Africa are to be integrated as partners in research. To take into account regional demands, a joint analysis assessing the local situation together with all concerned partners is desired, calling for cooperative projects between German and African scientists and stakeholders. Deadline 4 October 2011. French + English

EC Erasmus Mundus/PhD Research in Agricultural Development at European Universities, Call 2011.
Six European universities collaborate to offer the program Agricultural Transformation by Innovation (AgTraIn). AgTraIn funds 3-year doctoral programs for study and research in themes of agricultural development, emphasizing the developing countries. Participants are from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The closing date for applications is 01 November 2011

FP7 KBBE 2012.
The European Commission invites research proposals in the theme of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Biotechnology. All topics are open to third-country (non-EU) participation, including with International Cooperation Partner Countries. Cooperation with developing countries is foreseen for research on zoonotic diseases, biowaste, insect protein, global food safety, etc. (Identifier: FP7-KBBE-2012-6-singlestage.) The closing date for applications is 15 November 2011.

Africa specific slides, aim to provide researchers working in Africa with a brief overview of the content of the FP7 2012 work programme and the current calls, and highlight some specific topics which may be of particular interest.

B I O D I V E R S I T Y

Swiss university research cooperation
The Rectors Conference of the Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences (KHF) announces the 7th call for proposals to fund Swiss university research cooperation with developing and transition countries. Proposals are invited from Swiss universities of applied sciences and teacher education in collaboration with partners in developing countries. Past projects include several in areas such as environmental education, agricultural production, pollution control, supply of drinking water, aquaculture, and others. The deadline for proposals is 10 October 2011.

FP7 ENVIRONMENT 2012.
The European Commission invites research proposals in the theme of Environment (including Climate Change). The emphasis is on research to improve the protection and management of natural resources (land, water, air, and marine resources). All topics are open to third-country (non-EU) participation, including with International Cooperation Partner Countries. The closing date for applications is 15 November 2011

C L I M A T E   C H A N G E

FP7 ENERGY 2012

The European Commission invites research proposals in the theme of Energy. Topics of relevance for developing countries include biofuels and biomass, solar energy, and carbon sequestration (among others). All topics are open to third-country (non-EU) participation, including with International Cooperation Partner Countries. The closing dates for applications are 25 October 2011 for Part 1, and 08 March 2012 for Part II.

GLOBMEK programme – a joint call with the India programme
Research Council of Norway -- GLOBMEK invites Norwegian scientists to cooperate with India and additional partners in the developing world to take a global approach in environment, energy, and climate research. Projects are up to NOK 4 million for up to three years. The deadline is 12 October 2011

Livelihoods Fund
The Danone corporation, an international producer and marketer of dairy and food products, has announced a partnership with other business organizations to launch the Livelihoods Fund. The objective of the Fund is to offer carbon offsets for large-scale projects in three thematic areas: (i) restoration and preservation of natural ecosystems; (ii) agroforestry and soil restoration; and (iii) rural energy projects that prevent deforestation. The Fund will have a website.

PAEPARD: ARD funding opportunities

A G R I C U L T U R E

PAEPARD invites innovative partnerships to apply for support
The Platform for African-European Partnership on Agricultural Research for Development (PAEPARD) supports the establishment of innovative partnerships of African and European stakeholders that engage in agricultural innovation and collaborative research to address shared challenges and opportunities of the partners involved. Aspiring partnerships are invited to apply for support to establish their partnership and formulate collaborative ARD proposals. Successful partnerships established through this process will benefit from support from PAEPARD through the training and coaching of their innovation-facilitators. The latter will help facilitate and coordinate the partnership. Applications should be received at the address indicated in the application form no later than 15th July 2011.

Info Day& Brokerage Event on Call FP7-KBBE-6-2012- Brussels 15 July 2011

The European Commission will organize in Brussels on 15 July 2011 an information day on the new call FP7-KBBE-6-2012 under the 'Food, Agriculture and Fisheries and Biotechnology' theme of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). The main topics are: (a) Sustainable production and management of biological resources from land, forest and aquatic environment; (b) Fork to farm: Food (including seafood), health and well being; (c) Life sciences, biotechnology and biochemistry for sustainable nonfood products and processes.

Food Security in Guinea-Bissau

The EC will fund projects to reduce food insecurity in Guinea-Bissau to include support for agricultural cooperatives; improved seed production; and strengthening of horticulture, fisheries, oil palm, livestock, etc.  Eligibility extends to nonprofit organizations in Guinea-Bissau, EU member states, and inter-governmental organizations. Reference EuropeAid/131181/L/ACT/GW.  Closing date is 24 June 2011.

Food Security in Ethiopia
The EC aims to increase micro-finance services, marketing, small enterprise, and alternative employment to strengthen agricultural development in the food-insecure regions of Ethiopia. The program is open to nonprofit organizations in Europe, inter-governmental organizations, developing countries (e.g., Ethiopia), and OECD/DAC member states. Reference: EuropeAid/131211/L/ACT/ET. The deadline for concept notes: 30 June 2011.

Food Security in Dem Rep Congo 2011
The EC Delegation in the DRC calls for proposals to ameliorate food insecurity. Funding will be awarded in separate lots for projects that address three objectives: (i) improved handling and distribution systems for agricultural products in Kinshasa and other urban centers; (ii) raising the level of nutrition for vulnerable children in Lodja and Lomela; and (iii) agroforestry development for charcoal and other products in urban peripheries. Eligibility extends to nonprofit organizations in Europe, developing countries (including DRC), and OECD/DAC member countries -- and to inter-governmental organizations. Reference: EuropeAid/131212/L/ACT/CD. The deadline for submissions: 7 July 2011.

Food Security in Sierra Leone. 
 The EC seeks to support innovative approaches to improve food security in Sierra Leone that include increasing the production of livestock and inland fisheries. The call is open to nonprofit organizations in the EU and developing countries (e.g., Sierra Leone). Reference EuropeAid/131441/L/ACT/SL. The closing date for concept notes is 24 June 2011.

IFAR’S Professional Development Program 2011
Annual IFAR Small Grants Program, including the Ravi Tadvalkar Memorial Scholarship, and the Wilfried Thalwitz Scholarship. Nominations for these awards must be sponsored by one or more CGIAR Center/s, and the work programs proposed by applicants must be closely linked with the program of a CGIAR Center. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with Center scientists when preparing their project proposals for submission to IFAR. Closing date is 30 June 2011.

Nestlé Prize in Creating Shared Value 
Applications 2012. The Nestlé Prize in Creating Shared Value is awarded in alternate years to an individual, NGO, or small business for an outstanding innovation or project in the area of water, nutrition, or rural development. The Nestlé CSV Prize commits up to CHF 500 thousand to the Prize Laureate to assist in the development of the innovation and bring it to scale. The closing date for nominations is 30 June 2011.


Presbyterian Hunger Program 

Grants 2012. The Hunger Program supports nonprofit organizations in the USA and internationally for projects that provide food relief, development assistance, and improved public policy (among other goals) in the fight against hunger. Activities in international development assistance include agricultural production, livestock development, land rights, soil and water conservation, and others. TVG Note: Grant seekers should monitor PHP's site for the posting of criteria and the application form for International Projects. Applications close 30 June 2011.

Swiss Forum for International Agricultural Research -- SFIAR Award 2011. 

SFIAR annually awards a prize for innovative agricultural research to scientists currently or previously working for a Swiss institution in agricultural research for development, with with appropriate linkages in developing countries. The SFIAR Award is CHF 10 thousand restricted to research teams. Applications close 04 July 2011

Providing Extension and Advice to Farmers. 

The CTA invites journalists and media specialists in the ACP countries (African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group of States) to submit ideas regarding how to strengthen extension and advisory services to small farmers. The cross-cutting themes are policy; capacity development; tools and approaches; and learning networks. Six winners will be selected, one from each of the ACP sub-regions. Winners will receive €1 thousand and travel to Nairobi to attend an international conference on extension services. Entries can be submitted in English, French, or Spanish before 15 August 2011.

Comic Relief -- Cycle 6. 

 Comic Relief makes grants to address the root causes of poverty and injustice. Among its international programs, the Trade Program promotes sustainable and equitable wealth creation for small-scale producers and workers, with an emphasis on agriculture in any country or region of Africa. Applications may be made by UK-registered charities and other organizations if all profits generated from a project will be reinvested. The deadline for summary applications in Cycle 6 is 01 September 2011.

Efico Fund -- Applications 2011. 

 The Efico Fund (Fonds Efico) makes grants for the sustainable improvement of poor populations which produce coffee and/or cocoa in developing countries. Projects are funded for one or more years up to a maximum of €20 thousand per year. Grants by the Efico Fund are administered through the King Baudouin Foundation, Belgium. The deadline for applications is 01 September 2011.

Global Development Alliance 2011. 

 USAID invites applications for public-private partnerships in its programs for agriculture, climate change, water management, disaster preparedness, and others. Partners are businesses and NGOs in countries where USAID has field missions, with exceptions for multi-country initiatives. Partners contribute resources (in the form of personnel, facilities, materials, and money) in a 1:1 match with USAID. Past awards range from US$50 thousand to US$10 million. Reference M/OAA/GRO/EGAS – 11-002011. TVG Note: "Funds for NGOs" provides a convenient summary of how to apply. Concept notes are accepted through 30 September 2011.

B I O D I V E R S I T Y

The Biodiversity Foundation (Spain)

BF announced its 2011 call for proposals in biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable development.  The Foundation supports conservation field projects, research, education and training, and public awareness in Spain and internationally.  The funding for international cooperation (one component of the call) is open to Spanish organizations; nonprofit organizations in EU countries; nonprofit organizations in developing countries that have international support from Spain (e.g., through AECID); and international organizations.  Most international projects to date are in Latin America, and to a lesser extent in Sub-Saharan Africa.  However, there are no geographical restrictions. The closing date for applications is 31 August 2011.

Africa Biosciences Challenge Fund 2011. 

The Biosciences eastern and central Africa (BecA) Hub of ILRI announced research fellowships for African agricultural scientists and students. Funding will cover travel, accommodation, stipend, and research costs for short-term projects. Research should focus on food and nutritional security or animal health, using the advanced capacity available at the BecA Hub. The program will accept 15 individuals from the BecA countries (listed in the announcement). Applications should be received before 10 June 2011

Global Poverty Action Fund, Innovation Window. 

 DFID announced the second round of funding for the Innovation Window. Grants are to UK non-profit organizations with annual incomes of less than£500 thousand. Grants are up to £250 thousand for activities in DFID's "innovation project countries." TVG Note: Past grants have included some that link sustainable livelihoods with natural resources. The application deadline is 23 June 2011.

Biodiversity and Infrastructure Development ("BUILD"). 

 USAID will fund "BUILD" to develop and test approaches in the policy, regulatory, and planning realm to reduce the threat of infrastructure development to high-biodiversity ecosystems. One grant will be made for US$1.2 million. Eligibility is unrestricted. Funding Opportunity RFA-OAA-11-000010. The deadline is 23 June 2011.

Research on International Land Deals in Africa. 

 OSSREA announced a call for proposals to document the scale and consequences of land acquisition in Sub-Saharan Africa by international interests. Grants of up to US$10 thousand are available to researchers based at institutions of research and higher learning in Eastern and Southern Africa -- particularly in Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Sudan, and Tanzania. The deadline for applications is 30 July 2011.

Funding for African Ecologists 2011. 

The British Ecological Society – BES funds an overseas bursary and an overseas fellowship to support ecological science in Africa. The grants are made to citizens of African countries and associated islands. Bursary grants are up to £7 thousand for 18 months. Fellowship grants are up to £15 thousand for up to 36 months. Applications are due 01 September each year.

C L I M A T E   C H A N G E

Lake Victoria Research 2011. 

The Inter-University Council for Africa funds research projects that contribute towards poverty reduction in the Lake Victoria Basin. The theme for Phase 3 is Climate Change and Food Security, with two sub-themes: (i) aquaculture and fisheries, and (ii) natural resources management. Applications are invited from multi-disciplinary teams of researchers from public and private universities and research institutes in the East African Community. Grants are a maximum of US$200 thousand per project per year. The closing date is 30 June 2011.

TrustAfrica -- Investment Climate and Business Environment in Africa. 

 TrustAfrica, in partnership with Canada's International Development and Research Center, offers grants to support research on the Investment Climate and Business Environment (ICBE) in Africa. The focus is how small and medium enterprises in Africa are coping with the changing global landscape in business and governance. One of the suggested themes (among several) is "SMEs and sustainable agriculture and food production in Africa." Grants range from less than US$10 thousand to US$100 thousand. The application deadline is 29 July 2011.