The Global Challenges Research Fund is a new 5-year program of UK research to address problems faced by developing countries, with emphasis on health and agriculture. A consortium of BBSRC and other UK research organizations will support multidisciplinary awards for research on Global Agriculture and Food Systems in low and middle-income countries. The awards will focus on early-stage work, with grants up to £600 thousand for projects of 18-36 months. Applications are welcomed from UK research organisations eligible to receive funding from BBSRC. Partners from the developing countries can be included in proposals. The deadline for expressions of interest is 22 June 2016. Link
agriculture
European Commission (EC) — Production of Quality Coffee in Nepal
The EC will fund technical assistance to help coffee growers and cooperatives in Nepal improve the value chain for Nepalese coffee. Activities should aim to raise the productivity of coffee plantations; introduce organic methods in coffee growing; strengthen farmers’ cooperatives and associations; and develop improved branding and marketing systems for coffee. Grants will be approximately €500 thousand. Eligibility for funding extends to nonprofit organizations in the EU, the European Economic Area, developing countries (including Nepal), and certain international organizations. Reference EuropeAid/152076/DD/ACT/NP. The deadline for proposals is 02 August 2016. Link
African Union — Research Grants in Food and Agriculture
In collaboration with the European Union, Phase 2 of the African Union’s research grants will focus on research for food, nutritional security, and sustainable agriculture in Africa. Applications are invited from national and regional organizations, research institutions, universities, government ministries, and public institutions in Africa and EU member states. Eligibility for funding also extends to science and technology networks if all network members are registered in the eligible countries. Grants will range from US$500 thousand to US$1 million, varying with cost shares. The deadline for proposals is 17 August 2016. Link
International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) — ILRI-DAAD Scholarships 2016
In partnership with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), ILRI announces several research scholarships at PhD and MSc levels in subject areas of livestock systems and animal biosciences. Each posting includes a description of the research focus, qualifications, and how to apply. The scholarships are for citizens of Sub-Saharan Africa. The closing date for applications is 18 March 2016. Link
European Commission (EC) — Improved Nutrition in Zambia
The EC will make grants to address the problem of under-nutrition in Zambia. Actions should aim to reduce maternal and child under-nutrition through a multi-sectoral approach across agriculture, health, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in Zambia’s copperbelt, Lusaka, and Southern Provinces. Eligibility for funding extends to nonprofit civil society organizations in Zambia, the EU and European Economic Area, and member states of the OECD. Grants will range from €600 thousand to €1 million, varying with cost shares. Reference EuropeAid/151117/DD/ACT/ZM. The deadline for concept notes is 22 March 2016. Link
European Commission (EC) — Improved Banana Production in Cameroon
The EC will make grants to increase banana productivity in Cameroon in order to aid the country’s export competitiveness. The actions include improvement of environmental and social conditions in banana plantations, as well as measures to raise productivity and decrease costs. The program is open to established banana exporters that sold at least 2,000 tons of dessert bananas to the EU in 2015. Grants will range from €500 thousand to €1 million, varying with cost shares. Reference EuropeAid/151036/DD/ACT/CM. The deadline for submissions is 25 April 2016. Link