OBJECTIVES
- to support collaborative Research and Innovation (R&I) activities that address critical issues facing African countries and contribute to the sustainable development of African countries and the fight against poverty, while respecting ethical and gender issues;
- to develop the capacity of the African Union Commission (AUC) to design, implement and monitor R&I funding programmes and establish the basis for a credible and reputable African framework programme for R&I that could attract additional funds from other sources, e.g. African Union (AU) Member States and other partners and donors;
- to enhance intra–regional and North-South scientific collaboration and research that contributes to Africa’s sustainable development
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
grants to finance research projects that aim to Eradicate Hunger and Ensure Food and nutrition security. It is highly envisaged that the deployment and the improvement of science and technology research in this challenging area will effectively contribute to Africa’s poverty reduction strategies, economic growth and social development efforts.
PRIORITY AREAS
The African Union Research Grants II – 1stCall for proposal for 2016 distinctly focuses on one of the socio economic development priorities sectors expressed within the Africa’s Science Technology and Innovation Strategy -2024 (STISA-2024) and also related to the focus area defined within the EU-Africa High Level Policy Dialogue Initiatives on STI
– Sustainable Agricultural Intensification, within the broader theme of Food, Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA)
Projects should seek to contribute to transformation of Africa into an innovation led and knowledge based economy with a clear demonstration of involving youths and women as game changers in the implementation. Project proposals around this general theme should seek to connect research, innovation to the society at large. In particular Research projects that proffer solutions and promote innovation are encouraged. Project proposals should focus on one or more of the actions listed below and should demonstrate a clear relationship with the objectives of this call.
– Ecological intensification approaches such as conservation agriculture, intercropping, organic agriculture, eco-intensification and crop-livestock integration, which optimise the use of ecosystem services to produce food at lowest costs and environmental impact.
– Research on animal and crop health, including fish, will be given due attention at all relevant scales (from farm to international levels) with the objectives to develop sustainable approaches optimising resource efficiency, minimising production losses and avoiding geographical spreading of diseases/pathogens.
– Research on appropriate use of soil, water, land and inputs management practices, including improved mechanization, integrated pest management, precision agriculture and good irrigation practices, with the aim to deliver greatest benefits at lowest costs and environmental impact.
Please note that the next call for proposals will focus on Food and Nutrition Security
BUDGET
Available for this call for proposal: 9M USD. Min-Max grant per project 500.000 USD – 1 MUSD. Min and Max percentages of total eligible costs of the action: 50-80%.
PARTNERSHIP COMPOSITION
At least three organisations out of which 2 should be national of Africa, from at least two different African countries
DURATION
24-36 months