Deadline: 13-May-2026
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has launched a competitive call for proposals to select an implementing partner for a research and scaling initiative. The project, titled “Evidence for Scale-Up of AgTech and FinTech Solutions through IFAD’s PoLG,” aims to improve access to digital agricultural and financial services for rural farmers. It focuses on generating structured evidence to support the expansion of technology-driven solutions in agriculture and rural finance.
Key Objectives of the Grant
The grant aims to generate strong evidence and practical insights on AgTech and FinTech interventions for rural smallholders. It supports the expansion of both financial and non-financial digital services in agriculture. It also evaluates the outcomes and effectiveness of digital solutions provided by AgTech and FinTech companies. Another key goal is to develop a standardized impact reporting methodology to guide investors and policymakers in scaling successful innovations.
Programme Context
This initiative is part of IFAD’s Innovatech programme, which focuses on scaling innovative digital solutions for small-scale farmers. It responds to the need for systematic evidence on what works in digital agriculture and rural finance. The programme supports IFAD’s broader goal of improving rural livelihoods through technology adoption and inclusive financial systems.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, non-governmental organizations, and commercial entities with relevant technical expertise. Organizations must demonstrate experience in evaluating development interventions, particularly in AgTech, FinTech, or rural development sectors. Applicants may come from different regions, provided they have relevant geographic and thematic experience.
Partnership and Implementation Structure
Applicants may form partnerships with other organizations to strengthen their proposal. However, one lead applicant must take full responsibility for project delivery, management, and reporting. Partner organizations may be engaged through subcontracting arrangements, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities.
Application Requirements
Proposals must be submitted in English and include a completed Grant Concept Note template. Applicants must also provide a self-certification of eligibility form and a brief institutional profile. The profile should highlight relevant experience in AgTech, FinTech, evaluation studies, and geographic regions of implementation. All documents must demonstrate the applicant’s technical and operational capacity.
Evaluation and Selection Process
Submission of a proposal does not guarantee funding. All applications will undergo technical, financial, and legal review in line with IFAD procedures. IFAD reserves the right to cancel or modify the selection process at any stage without liability. Final selection will be based on expertise, methodology, and alignment with programme objectives.
Important Conditions
Proposal preparation costs are not reimbursed under this call. Only selected proposals will proceed to further stages of evaluation. IFAD maintains full discretion over funding decisions and implementation arrangements.
Why This Grant Matters
This initiative strengthens evidence-based decision-making in rural development. It helps identify scalable digital solutions that improve access to finance and agricultural services for smallholder farmers. It also supports better investment decisions by providing structured impact reporting frameworks for public and private stakeholders.
Conclusion
The IFAD 2026 Call for Proposals plays a key role in advancing digital transformation in agriculture and rural finance. By supporting evidence generation and scalable solutions, it aims to improve livelihoods for small-scale farmers. The programme ensures that AgTech and FinTech innovations are effectively evaluated and expanded based on real-world impact.
For more information, visit IFAD.
