New agribusiness models and innovative products are the foundations of a promising startup. However, you’ll also need a steady flow of funds, especially in the early stages, to turn those ideas into reality.
Funding is crucial for, hiring the right people, improving technology and launching a comprehensive scale-up and marketing strategy to grow your agribusiness idea. However, sourcing enough money to start your new venture can be difficult.
In this article, we highlight a brief feature of AGRA; one of the organizations where you can apply for funding and grants for your agribusiness.
Who is AGRA? According to their website profile, “AGRA is an alliance led by Africans with roots in farming communities across the continent. We understand that African farmers need uniquely African solutions designed to meet their specific environmental and agricultural needs so they can sustainably boost production and gain access to rapidly growing agriculture markets.” Through its AGRA Corporate Strategy 2017-2021, AGRA works to catalyze and sustain inclusive agriculture transformation in Africa and to support countries on a pathway to attain and sustain agriculture transformation.
Areas AGRA funds: AGRA grantees should fall into one or more of the following categories;
Governments/Ministries, Not for Profit Organizations, Seed Companies, Universities & other Educational Institutions, Agro-dealers, Financial , institutions, Farmer organizations, Market / Farmer produce board, Private sector organizations, National Research Institutions
How to Apply
AGRA undertakes demand driven Interventions that leverage donor, private sector, and government investments in agriculture. AGRA areas of intervention include Seed Supply, fertiliser value chains, farmer awareness, Markets, finance and Capacity building.
Potential grantees are identified through open and competitive processes. This entails sensitizing current and potential applicants on the dates of the next call for proposals through various communication and sensitization channels such as advertisements in media, quarterly review meetings and project launches, especially in the geographical regions or grantee categories where the response to calls is found to be low.
A Request for Proposals (RFP), Request for Applications (RFA) and Request for Concept Notes (RFCN) are the official announcement to the public of the solicitation for grants applications. RFAs and RFCNs are usually posted on the AGRA website as well as on other suitable media.
For more information visit the AGRA website through this link