UN: Call for applications for the 2023 agricultural innovation funding program - 150,000 USD

Climate resilience is a major challenge for agriculture in low- and middle-income countries. Climate variability affects agricultural production, food security and the livelihoods of the most vulnerable populations, particularly smallholders, women and marginalized communities. The Agricultural Innovation for Climate Resilience (AICR) program was created to meet this challenge.

What is the Agricultural Innovation for Climate Resilience (AICR) program?

The Agricultural Innovation for Climate Resilience (AICR) is a partnership between the World Food Programme's Innovation Accelerator - PAM (UN and FAO food aid agency) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) and its Fund for the Promotion of Innovation in Agriculture (i4Ag), commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The aim of this program is to find innovative and scalable solutions to help farmers and other agricultural stakeholders develop their capacity to cope with the effects of climate change in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

The AICR program seeks innovative projects that strengthen the resilience of farmers and other agricultural stakeholders to the effects of climate change, while improving agricultural productivity and profitability. These solutions must be scalable, i.e. they must have the potential to develop to have a large-scale impact.

The AICR program seeks to support start-ups, NGOs, academic institutions and government agencies working on agriculture-related projects in low- and middle-income countries that address one or more of the priority topics for building climate resilience in the agriculture and food sector. These solutions must have reached the minimum viable product (MVP) or proof-of-concept stage with a validated prototype, and have verified commercial value and potential impact.

What does the "Agricultural Innovation for Climate Resilience" program have to offer?

The opportunities offered by the "Agricultural Innovation for Climate Resilience" program are numerous. Firstly, selected companies will have access to financing of up to $150,000 to implement their growth plans. In addition, selected companies will have access to mentoring and a global network of relevant partners in the humanitarian, business and international cooperation space.

Selected companies will also benefit from the opportunity to participate in a 4-day WFP Innovation Bootcamp in July 2023, where they can work with other innovators and experts to refine their ideas and solutions. In addition, they will have the opportunity to participate in the WFP Sprint program, a 6-9 month acceleration program that will provide ongoing support from WFP and its partners. Companies involved in this program will also be able to connect with a global network of innovators, entrepreneurs and partners who can help them advance their business and achieve their sustainability goals.

Eligibility criteria

The AICR program is aimed at for-profit companies with a local presence in the initiative's target countries. The applicant must have a legal entity established in at least one of the target countries and have a local presence there. The proposed innovation must be in line with the priorities linked to strengthening climate resilience in the agricultural and food sector in one of the target countries.

Target countries Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, Togo, Southern Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Madagascar.

To be eligible for cFor this program, the company must the following criteria :

• The solution must be part of a legal entity established in at least one of the target countries (for-profit or social enterprise).
• The applicant organization must have a local presence and roots in the country of implementation: in-country office or other permanent presence.
• The innovation must clearly address one or more of the priority topics related to building climate resilience in agriculture and the food sector in one of the target countries.
• The innovation must be at the minimum viable product (MVP) or proof-of-concept stage, with a validated prototype.
• The innovation must have proven commercial value and impact.
• The solution must have a committed founding team with at least five full-time employees.
• Applicants must be able to provide evidence of validation of the value proposition with users/customers.
• Companies need to be developing a clear path to commercial viability (business model fit).
• Solutions must have a potential plan for implementation within the 6-9 month Sprint program.
• Innovations must change existing routines or establish new ones routines and have a positive impact on one or more of the following aspects: food security, job and income creation and/or climate resilience and protection of natural resources.
• The beneficiaries of innovative solutions must be small-scale farmers, food processors, small and medium-sized enterprises, consumers, young people and/or women.
• Companies must be able to demonstrate that they have a balanced, non-discriminatory and gender-balanced business, with proven leadership and entrepreneurial mentality, and what the team's vision is.
• The priority for companies that focus on promoting gender equality and empowering women, either through their beneficiaries, job creation, or by having a strong representation of women in management positions.

Application Process

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can submit your application by filling in the application form before March 1, 2023 at 11:59 pm (CET). If you know of a relevant company or solution to consider for this program, you can also fill out the referral submission form.

Application links :

• Application form
• Recommendation submission form
• Official website for more information

Shortlisted applications will be reviewed and selected to participate in a virtual WFP Innovation Bootcamp in July 2023. Although all applications are welcome, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Even if you don't feel your idea is ready, you can still apply, as the WFP is creating a pool of solutions focused on climate-resilient agriculture. This solution pool may invite you to participate in future programs.

Applications will be evaluated according to the criteria of impact and scalability, team, novelty, traction and business model. WFP reserves the right to modify the eligibility criteria to reflect the changing context as new information becomes available.

Evaluation criteria

Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Impact and scalability: Applicants must have a defined vision, an identified target group and be able to demonstrate the potential to solve the challenges posed.
• Team: Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have a diverse, non-discriminatory and gender-balanced organization with proven leadership and entrepreneurial mentality.
• New: Applicants must show how their solution and business model are innovative, yet technically appropriate and viable.
• Traction: Applicants must be able to present evidence of feasibility and adoption by the target group.
• Business model: Applicants must demonstrate the viability of their business model, how they intend to achieve a sustainable business, pricing and financial model.

Conclusion

If you're an emerging company in the agricultural sector aiming to create innovative solutions to the challenges of climate change, WFP's Climate Resilient Agriculture Innovation Program could be a great opportunity for you. By meeting the eligibility and assessment criteria, you may have the chance to participate in the Innovation Bootcamp and benefit from WFP's support and resources to advance your business and your solution.