WASCAL supports research to address the severe challenges posed by climate change in West Africa. WASCAL currently calls for proposals in “Building Local Capacity for Policy-Oriented Research in Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in West Africa (BLOC).” BLOC will make small research grants of between €5 thousand to €10 thousand. To be eligible for consideration, research proposals must focus on climate change adaptation and mitigation in West Africa in any of the thematic areas of biodiversity, agriculture, adapted land use, climate systems, education, health, human security, economics, and energy. Priority is given to research teams led by young researchers pursuing a career in government ministries, research, and/or teaching at a public institution in West Africa. Team work and cross-country research proposals are encouraged. The application deadline is 31 October 2016. Link
Day: October 10, 2016
UK Department for International Development — Agri-Tech Catalyst for Developing Countries
The Agri-Tech Catalyst aims to increase the pace and scale of uptake of agricultural innovation by farmers in developing countries. 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). Projects should include at least one consortium member from an eligible developing country. The amount of project co-funding available through DFID varies by category and business size. The deadlines for registration are 26 October 2016 for industrial research, and 25 January 2017 for the other two categories. Link
World Bank — Big Data Innovation Challenge
The World Bank is interested in how “big data” can be used to address development questions, including how climate change affects food security and forestry and watersheds. Solutions may include but are not limited to analytical methodologies, APIs, algorithms, software applications, tools, and new data set generation. Technologies may include artificial intelligence, crowd-sourcing applications, data science, dynamic visualizations, machine learning, and predictive analytics. The Challenge will award US$10 thousand to the winner in each of the following two categories: (i) food security or nutrition, and (ii) forestry or watersheds. Submissions are invited from individuals, students, entrepreneurs, start-ups, university labs, private companies, nonprofits, and public sector agencies legally established in member countries of the World Bank Group. The closing date for submissions is 09 November 2016. Link
Newton Fund — Agri-Food Innovation in Turkey
The Newton Fund promotes partnerships in science and innovation to promote the economic development and social welfare of 16 partner countries, including Turkey. The current call for proposals invites UK companies in partnership with Turkish companies to address three challenges: (i) using waste products and residues from Turkey’s agri-food industry to reduce environmental impact and add value; (ii) improving the productivity of small and medium-scale farmers in Turkey; and (iii) improving animal and plant breeding in Turkey. The amount of available co-funding varies with business size. The deadline for registration is 16 November 2016. Link
Blue Earth Alliance — Photography Projects
Blue Earth sponsors photography projects that educate the public about threatened cultures, endangered environments, and other social concerns. Blue Earth provides assistance with fund raising, publishing, and publicity. However, it does not make direct grants to sponsored projects. The deadlines for proposals are 20 January and 20 July of each year. Link
Mitsubishi Corporation Fund for Europe and Africa — Grants for Conservation and Sustainable Development 2017
The Mitsubishi Corporation Fund for Europe and Africa (MCFEA) makes grants for environmental conservation, environmental education and research, and the relief of poverty. A special priority is projects that combine conservation with the economic and social development of local communities. Grants are to organizations for one year. The application deadline is 31 March 2017. Link