The Global Collaboration for Resilient Food Systems (CRFS) program: Two calls to promote Agroecology and One Health

The Global Collaboration for Resilient Food Systems (CRFS) of the McKnight Foundation has opened two thematic calls to finance projects on Agroecology and One Health. The first call is dedicated to agroecology as a climate solution and the second to the synergies between agroecology and One Health. Both calls expire on May 15, 2024.

1. Agroecology as a Bold Climate Solution
Although many proposed climate solutions fail to address interconnected global crises such as biodiversity loss, agroecology can be a means to equitably address multiple global crises simultaneously through various approaches that diversify production systems and strengthen regional food systems. Compared to other approaches, agroecology is a bold climate solution.
The call aims to support innovative proposals for original transdisciplinary research, synthesis and/or communications on agroecology as a bold climate solution. Proposals will be considered for projects that evaluate the potential of agroecological approaches to make a difference in climate change adaptation, risk reduction or mitigation for smallholder farmers and regional food systems in CRFS regions of interest (Andes, Africa Western and/or Eastern and Southern Africa). Proposals need not be limited to biophysical considerations and may include political, social or economic dimensions of food systems.

The estimated level of funding for this open call will be $400,000. A maximum of 4 prizes ranging from $100,000 to $400,000 each will be awarded , with a project duration of 1-3 years. Preference will be given to research groups and organizations from the Global South or those who have co-leadership with organizations from the Global South.

Proposed projects should have relevance for smallholder farmers and regional food systems in one or more of the CRFS intervention regions: Andes ( Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador ), West Africa ( Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger ) and/or East Africa and southern ( Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi ).

2. Agroecology and One Health
This thematic call attempts to identify synergies between agroecology and One Health to address multiple challenges in the Sahel in a context of climate variability and change. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), “Agroecology and One Health are complementary approaches to achieving a world where everyone has access to safe and nutritious food, while protecting the environment” (FAO, 2023).

In the context of Sahel West Africa, which faces a range of challenges, from climate change to food and nutrition insecurity, systems linking agroecology and One Health have a good chance of finding innovative solutions. Research is needed on landscape-level changes required for agroecological transition and food systems transformation that simultaneously addresses the technical and social innovations needed to achieve territorial developments linked to policy influence and risk reduction strategies. 

The estimated level of funding for this announcement will be $360,000 over three years. It is expected to award 3 grants with an average annual budget of $40,000 per year and a project duration of 3 years. The call is specifically aimed at applications from junior researchers (PhD no more than 5 years ago) and/or female researchers or development agents (without age limits) from Mali, Burkina Faso or Niger. Partners could include mentors and research institutions from within or outside West Africa. Projects must be based in at least one of the three West African CRFS countries: Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger .

Proposals must be received by May 15, 2024 and the grant assignment will be completed by September 15, 2024.