The agricultural sector is ripe with innovation and transformative potential despite rapidly becoming more susceptible to the harsh impacts of climate change. There is an urgent need to transform agricultural systems, especially for communities that heavily rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. Supporting agricultural entrepreneurs’ and organisations’ resilient solutions is essential to adapt to climate change, build resilient food systems and enhance biodiversity.
In response, we have partnered with the Shockwave Foundation and the Munich Re Foundation on the 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 of interest to private investors and funders. The aim is to identify new innovative agricultural initiatives and provide customised support to maximise each initiative’s potential for impact. The challenge will align potential funders to these initiatives and drive attention to the urgent need for agricultural systems transformation.
We are looking for innovative and scalable nature positive solutions that drive investment in ecosystems and increase resilience while resulting in a stronger and better context for nature positive agriculture to flourish. The initiatives must build resilience for those most vulnerable to shocks and stresses, and include a focus on gender, equity and human rights, and protect biodiversity. Specific awards will be considered for initiatives with women and young people as end users, and within these women-led and youth-led initiatives are preferred.
Who can apply?
RAIN is open to not-for-profit organisations across public, local civil society, international NGOs and academia, as well as for-profit organisations, farmers, and entrepreneurs in East Africa (Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda). We encourage and welcome proposals from youth-led and women-led organisations.
What will winners receive?
Winners will be connected with potential funders, donors and investors. As well as receive a tailored mentoring program, and communications support. The 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 shortlisted entrants. Winners will also receive a cash prize after the initial mentoring period and after the leadership academy.
Application details
For profit organisations
For profit guidelines available here.
For profit application form: https://forms.gle/bWftTmQHtnZeAJTZ9
Non-profit organisations
Non-profit guidelines available here.
Non profit application form: https://forms.gle/aNMs1ToGFYUxy5em6
Women-led and youth-led organisations should apply via the non-profit organisation form.
Timeline
- Application window from 10 December 2023 – 30 January 2024.
- Webinar for potential applicants on 22 January 2024 from 15:00 – 16:00 EAT. Register for the webinar here: https://stockholmuniversity.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gcb4xe_cQwaE1WynIFJTvQ#/registration
- Application due on 30 January 2024.
- Shortlisted applicants will be notified by mid-march 2024.
Please email any questions to challenge@globalresiliencepartnership.org.