50x2030 launches data use grant competition for researchers in Cambodia, Ethiopia, Uganda, Georgia, Senegal

UPDATE: THE APPLICATION WINDOW FOR THE 50x2030 RESEARCH GRANT COMPETITION HAS CLOSED AS OF 31 MAY 2021. DETAILS ON THE OUTCOME OF THE SELECTION PROCESS WILL BE SHARED SHORTLY.

The 50x2030 Initiative is sponsoring a competition for novel research projects that use 50x2030 data. Small grants – from US$1,000-$10,000 – will be issued for projects that employ 50x2030 survey data to generate practical research that can be applied to national policymaking, program (re)design or investment decisions. The Initiative will then feature outputs of the supported research at a virtual conference in November 2021 and through other outlets. Local researchers in five partner countries-- Cambodia, Ethiopia, Uganda, Georgia and Senegal– will be eligible to apply.

The data use competition aims to facilitate the building of evidence-informed policies for rural development and food security. Research proposals must demonstrate relevance to national policy or investment priorities for the public or private sector by citing documentation. Proposals should provide a rationale of how the research outputs could translate to improved decision-making and how dissemination plans will promote the application of the research outputs to the broadest extent possible.

The International Fund for Agricultural Development, which manages the Data Use component of 50x0230, will lead the selection process. Applications must:

  • provide clear research questions which address a gap in knowledge linked to the stated objectives of the 50x2030 Initiative and the study country’s policies and priorities,
  • explain and provide expected relationships and documentation on how the research would inform practical policy decisions linked to rural development and food security within the study country,
  • identify what national data it will use, both 50x2030 data sets and other,
  • describe the analysis methods to be used,
  • identify the target audience for the research in a manner consistent with the stated objectives of the 50x2030 Initiative,
  • provide a budget between $1000 - $10,000,
  • provide a timeline to complete the research by September 2021, and
  • lay out a dissemination and communication strategy to promote the research output.

Interested applicants can find full details in the Call for Proposals (en français) including the Application Form (en français) and Data Guidebook (en français).

The window for applications will remain open until funds are exhausted. Winners will be announced on a rolling basis as awards are made.