Resilient Agriculture Innovations for Nature (RAIN) Challenge 2024 for East Africa

Deadline: 30th January 2024.

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.

Eligibility

• 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).
• Proposals are welcomed from youth-led and women-led organisations.

Benefits

• 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.

For more information.