The aim of this competition is to increase the pace and scale of uptake of agricultural innovation by farmers in developing countries.
Agricultural innovation in developing countries, particularly Africa, is low. For example, the share of cultivatable land planted with modern crop varieties in Africa is only 28%. This compares with 65% globally. Most of the poorest people in Africa (75%) live in rural areas. They rely on agriculture and livestock for their livelihoods.
The Agri-Tech Catalyst will take innovative ideas from any sector or discipline. Ideas must show the potential to improve the sustainable intensification of agriculture. The scope of the Catalyst includes:
- primary crop and livestock production including aquaculture
- non-food uses of crops including ornamentals
- food security and nutrition challenges in international development
- addressing challenges in downstream food processing, provided the solution lies in primary production
The following areas are priorities for DFID funding in Round 6:
- integrating smallholders into supply chains
- meeting quality standards and improving productivity
- creating new supply chains
- increasing the value of production to smallholders
- improving access to appropriate innovation in developing countries
- innovation that increases rural income through improved processing / storage
- control of crop pests, weeds and diseases
Projects should include at least one consortium member from an eligible developing country. The amount of project co-funding available through DFID varies by category and business size.
Deadlines for registration are 26 October 2016 for industrial research, and 25 January 2017 for the other two categories. Link
