The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recognizes individuals, institutions, or organizations that have developed innovative approaches, technologies, or practices with a clear and positive impact on food security, sustainable agrifood systems, natural resource management, or rural livelihoods. The award includes a cash prize of US$10 thousand and an official certificate of recognition. Eligible nominees may come from the public or private sector, civil society, academia, or international organizations, and nominations must be endorsed by an FAO Representative or FAO senior official. The deadline to submit nominations is 15 February 2026. FAO Award for Innovation
individuals
Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study — Fellowships for Early-Career African Researchers
The Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) offers the Iso Lomso Fellowships to early-career African researchers in any discipline. The program provides a three-year attachment to STIAS in addition to the possibility of a residency at a sister institute for advanced study in North America, Europe, or elsewhere. Other benefits include support for attending international conferences or workshops and support to the fellow’s home institution for lecturer replacement. The program is aimed at African scholars who have obtained a doctoral degree within the preceding eight years, and who hold an academic position at a university or research institution anywhere in Africa. The application deadline is 15 February 2026. About
European Marine Board — Ocean Artwork
The EMBracing the Ocean program provides grants of €10 thousand to individuals or groups to create artwork in collaboration with Ocean scientists. The program aims to raise societal awareness of the Ocean’s value and contribute new insight to scientific research. Applications can be submitted until 16 February 2026. Link to EMBracing the Ocean
Venture For ClimateTech — Early-Stage Climate Technology
Venture For ClimateTech is a global venture studio and accelerator program that supports early-stage climate technology innovators. The program offers up to US$50 thousand in non-dilutive funding, mentorship, and resources to help entrepreneurs bring their climate solutions to market. Eligible applicants include individuals and teams worldwide with innovations capable of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in sectors such as buildings, transportation, grid, and industry. The program is conducted virtually over six months, encompassing customer discovery, business model development, and investor engagement. Applications for Cohort 5 are open until 20 February 2026. Venture For ClimateTech
Seabird Group — Small Grants
The Seabird Group supports research, survey, and conservation of seabirds. It awards small grants each year, with priority to Seabird Group members working on Atlantic seabirds. The maximum grant is usually £250 per project. Applications should be submitted by 28 February and 31 October each year. Funding Seabird Research
Tony Elumelu Foundation — Entrepreneurship Program for Africans 2026
The Tony Elumelu Foundation fosters and supports start-up enterprises in Africa. The TEF Entrepreneurship Program provides mentoring, training, forums, seed capital, and alumni support to individuals in Africa proposing new business ideas or early-stage companies in sectors that include agriculture, among others. Participants receive up to US$5 thousand in seed capital. The program is open to citizens and legal residents ages 18 and older in any African country. The next application deadline (English, French, Portuguese) is 01 March 2026. TEF Entrepreneurship Program
Yale School of the Environment — Online Certificate Program: Tropical Forest Landscapes
The course “Tropical Forest Landscapes: Conservation, Restoration and Sustainable Use” is an online certificate program for environmental professionals from around the world. The program combines online coursework with an in-person field component in the tropics and is open to applicants from any country with relevant professional experience; a university degree is recommended but not always required. The course covers themes in tropical forest landscape conservation and restoration, climate change mitigation, and food security. Partial scholarships are available on a competitive basis. Scholarship awards cover between 25-75% of the tuition fee. The application deadline is 16 May 2026. Link to the course
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit — Africa Fellowship Program
AFRIKA KOMMT! is a fellowship program that provides young African professionals with a one-year career transformational experience at leading German companies. Participants receive management training followed by an 8-month fellowship in a partner company. The monthly allowance is € 750. The initiative is open to citizens from all countries in Africa. The application deadline is 22 March 2026. AFRIKA KOMMT!
Fondation Egis — Climate Challenge
Fondation Egis invites students and young graduates from around the world to submit innovative solutions on the topic: adapting and living together in the face of climate risks. Participants gain access to a range of support to help shape their projects, e.g., workshops and mentors. The top three teams will be awarded €4,000 per team member, along with additional funding to help bring their projects to life during the first 6 months. Projects must be submitted by 28 March 2026. Link to Climate Challenge
Tokyo University of Agriculture — Scholarship for Dissertation Doctorate Program
The Dissertation Doctorate Program for Agriculture and Natural Resources aims to contribute to the enhancement of agricultural research and development in Southeast Asia. The scholarship provides one slot annually for a three-year graduate program leading to a Dissertation Doctorate at Tokyo NODAI. The scholarship is open only to nationals of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste and Vietnam. Applicants must submit an application form by 30 March 2026. More about the dissertation scholarship