Resilient Agriculture Innovations for Nature (RAIN) Challenge

RAIN aims to convert seed-level innovative agricultural ideas that are meeting resilience needs in East Africa and scale them to sustainable business ideas.

Kelvin Trautman | Kands Collective

The Global Resilience Partnership (GRP) has partnered with the Shockwave Foundation and the MunichRe Foundation on the Resilient Agriculture Innovations for Nature (RAIN) challenge to convert seed-level innovative agricultural ideas that are meeting resilience needs in East Africa and scale them to sustainable business ideas. The aim is to identify new innovative agricultural initiatives and provide customised support to maximise each initiative’s potential for impact. The challenge aligns potential funders to these initiatives and drive attention to the urgent need for agricultural systems transformation.

RAIN is open to rural farmers, entrepreneurs, organizations or consortiums of organizations across public, private, civil society and grassroots organizations as well as academia in East Africa (Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda).

Winners will be connected to investors, receive a tailored mentoring program, and communications support. In addition, winners will be invited to an investor forum and pitching session in-person or virtually.  Subject matter experts will facilitate a leadership academy for the winning entrants. Winners will also receive a cash prize after the initial mentoring period and after the leadership academy.

Learn more about the RAIN winners below.

RAIN News

The power of Community-Based Organisations: Investing in local solutions for lasting change

RAIN 1 winner Itanya Africa Group champions locally-led climate solutions through community-driven mindset shifts, regenerative farming practices, and trusted local influencers.

Introducing 19 innovations driving resilient agriculture in East Africa

Learn more about the RAIN 3 shortlisted candidates; innovative agricultural solutions across East Africa advancing resilience, sustainability, and community impact.

RAIN phase III is now open

GRP, together with Shockwave Foundation and Munich Re Foundation, invite agricultural innovators in East Africa to apply for the Resilient Agriculture Innovations for Nature (RAIN) challenge. Applications close 31 January 2025.

11 Initiatives leading the way in sustainable and nature-positive agriculture

Together with Munich Re Foundation and Shockwave Foundation, we are excited to introduce the eleven winning projects from the second round of the Resilient Agriculture Innovations for Nature (RAIN) Challenge.

Investor Forum 2024: Locally driven projects with real-world impact

At Climate Week NYC, a group of innovators pitched their projects to prospective funders and partners. These locally-driven solutions, addressing everything from sustainable agriculture to resilient infrastructure, showcased the power of small-scale initiatives to drive global impact.