50x2030 opens first call for expressions of interest from countries

On 1 February 2021, the 50x2030 Initiative to Close the Agricultural Data Gap began accepting the first round of applications from low- and lower-middle-income countries wishing to participate in the program.

Countries can apply either through an online form or via email using a downloadable PDF, both of which are available on the 50x2030 website. Countries will be assessed based on agricultural statistics capacity, potential impact of 50x2030, and financial and technical capacity to sustain and take over the program.

Applications will be reviewed by a committee of representatives from the Initiative’s three implementing agencies – World Bank, FAO, IFAD – and the 50x2030 Program Management Team. The committee will then make a recommendation for endorsement by the 50x2030 Partnership Council and countries will be alerted to the final outcome by mid-April 2021.

This round, two countries will be chosen for inclusion in the program, bringing to 17 the total number of 50x2030 partner countries. The program will engage 50 countries over the life of the Initiative – 5 in Latin America, 15 in Asia and 30 in Africa.

The window for applications will remain open until 28 February 2021. The next call for applications will be launched in July 2021.