The Structural Transformation of African Agriculture and Rural Spaces (STAARS) fellowship program announces its annual call for research proposals. STAARS Fellows will be paired with researcher mentors from Cornell University or the World Bank with whom they will jointly author a paper on a topic of mutual interest relating to structural transformation in Africa south of the Sahara. The call is open to early career researchers, either Ph.D. students in their final year prior to degree completion. The selected applicants will receive funds to cover travel and participation in a three-week mentorship program. The deadline to submit a research proposal is 16 January 2026. Link to STAARS Fellowship
agriculture
STEG — Research Grants
STEG invites researchers worldwide to apply for funding to support policy-relevant research on structural transformation, productivity, and economic growth in low-income and related countries. Grants can be worth up to £100 thousand to cover research assistance, data collection, travel, and related expenses. Eligible applicants are individual researchers or research teams whose proposals align with STAG’s themes such as data, firms and industrial policy, labour and structural transformation, agricultural productivity, trade and spatial frictions, or public sector roles in growth. Proposals that also address cross-cutting issues like gender, climate change, inequality, and inclusion are encouraged. The deadline for submission is 02 February 2026. STEG Larger Research Grants
Food and Agriculture Organization — Recognizing Excellence in Agriculture and Food Security
The FAO Achievement Award recognizes individuals or organizations for outstanding contributions to sustainable agriculture, rural development, and food security. Winners receive a scroll of recognition and a cash prize of US$10 thousand. Nominations can be submitted by national or regional institutions through FAO Representatives. The award is presented annually during World Food Day. The nomination period closes on 15 February 2026. FAO Achievement Award
Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen — Networking Civil Societies
The Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa) promotes tandem cooperation between civil society organizations from Germany and partner countries (listed in the announcement). CCP Synergy is aimed at employees from two organizations who are planning a joint initiative. The purpose of such a collaboration could be, for example, the planning and implementation of joint events, fact-finding missions, research, or artistic undertakings in the fields of sustainable development or climate justice. CCP Synergy supports both cooperating organizations with a total of €4,500. The call for applications is open until 16 February 2026. CCP Synergy
Fiat Panis Foundation — Prize for Master Thesis in Food Security
The Fiat Panis Foundation makes awards for university thesis and dissertation research in themes of agriculture, ecology, and natural resources, with a focus on food security in developing countries. The Hans Hartwig Ruthenberg Graduate Award is €7.5 thousand in support of qualified young scientists by honoring their excellent master thesis in the field of food security. The deadline for submissions (German, English) is 30 April 2026. Ruthenberg Graduate Award
Fiat Panis Foundation — Hermann Eiselen Science Award 2026
The Fiat Panis Foundation makes awards for university thesis and dissertation research in themes of agriculture and natural resources, with a focus on food security in developing countries. The Hermann Eiselen Science Award is made to a young scientist who focuses on helping to reduce hunger and malnutrition through agricultural research. The value of the award is €30 thousand. The deadline for applications is 30 April 2026. Hermann Eiselen Science Award
World Food Prize Foundation — World Food Prize 2026
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. Fields of achievement include soil and land; plant and animal science; food science and technology; rural development; water and the environment; natural resource conservation; poverty elimination; and many others. The deadline for nominations is 01 May 2026. About the World Food Prize
World Food Prize Foundation — Borlaug Award for Field Research 2026
The World Food Prize Foundation invites nominations for the Norman Borlaug Award for Field Research. The Award (US$10 thousand) recognizes science-based achievement in international agriculture and food production by an individual under the age of 40. The award will honor an individual who is working closely “in the field” with farmers, animal herders, fishers, or others in rural communities. The deadline for nominations is 01 June 2026. Norman Borlaug Field Awards
African Union Development Agency — Agribusiness Accelerator
The Home-Grown Solutions Agribusiness Accelerator (HGSA-A) offers support to established agribusiness enterprises across Africa. Eligible enterprises must operate in high-potential agribusiness value chains beyond primary production (such as agro-processing, input supply, logistics, distribution, digital agriculture, sustainable agriculture inputs). The application deadline is 14 December 2025. Details
United Nations — Local Pathways Fellowship
The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network – Youth Initiative (SDSN Youth) recruits participants for its 2026 cohort of the Local Pathways Fellows. The 10-months fellowship program provides young leaders with a platform, capacity building, training opportunities and contacts of leading development experts and practitioners. The Local Pathways Fellowship is unpaid. Fellows will benefit from global visibility and exposure. Young candidates (18-30 years) working towards achieving any of the Sustainable Development Goals and representing any city or country in the world are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted until 21 December 2025. Link to Local Pathways