Grant Opportunity: Climate-Resilient Nutrition-Sensitive Agri-Food Investments in Ethiopia

Deadline: 28-Apr-2026

This €4 million funding initiative supports investment in climate-resilient, nutrition-sensitive agri-food value chains in Ethiopia to improve access to healthy diets, particularly for women and vulnerable populations. The program promotes sustainable investments that empower smallholder farmers, strengthen minimally processed food supply chains, and integrate gender-transformative objectives. Grants cover up to 90% of eligible costs and require investment-driven approaches that directly contribute to measurable nutrition outcomes.

Program Overview

The initiative aims to enhance dietary quality and nutrition outcomes in Ethiopia by mobilizing sustainable investment into climate-resilient agri-food systems.

The core objective is to improve access to affordable, healthy diets, particularly for:

• Women

• Nutritionally vulnerable groups

• The poorest income quintiles

• Smallholder farmers and agri-food workers

Total Indicative Funding: EUR 4,000,000
Grant Coverage: Up to 90% of total eligible project costs

Projects must demonstrate how investments will lead to measurable nutrition improvements.

Strategic Objectives

Funded actions must contribute to:

1. Improved access to healthy diets for women and vulnerable populations

2. Mobilization of private and blended finance into nutrition-sensitive value chains

3. Climate resilience in agricultural production and value chains

4. Domestic value addition within Ethiopia

5. Women’s economic empowerment and decision-making power

6. Integration of behavior change communication with food availability and affordability

Standalone nutrition education activities are not eligible unless embedded within investment-led interventions.

What Is a Nutrition-Sensitive Agri-Food Value Chain?

A nutrition-sensitive agri-food value chain is one that:

• Produces and distributes nutrient-rich foods

• Increases availability of minimally processed foods

• Improves affordability and accessibility

• Supports climate-resilient agricultural practices

• Integrates gender equity and inclusive economic participation

This initiative prioritizes value chains that increase access to:

• Fruits and vegetables

• Horticulture products

• Relevant animal-sourced foods

• Minimally processed foods

These food groups are essential for dietary diversity and improved nutrition outcomes.

Why This Program Matters

Ethiopia faces ongoing challenges in food security, malnutrition, and climate vulnerability.

This program addresses systemic barriers by:

• Linking agricultural investment to nutrition outcomes

• Strengthening domestic value chains

• Empowering women economically

• Supporting smallholder livelihoods

• Integrating climate adaptation measures

It combines investment-driven income effects with complementary policy, regulatory, social protection, and behavior change strategies to improve dietary outcomes sustainably.

Gender-Transformative Approach

A strong gender component is mandatory.

Projects must include:

• Measurable gender-transformative objectives

• Actions that address structural barriers

• Increased income and decision-making power for women

• Equal participation across agri-food value chains

• Reduction of gender-based constraints in access to finance, markets, and assets

Gender-sensitive approaches alone are insufficient; proposals must aim for transformative change.

Expected Impact Pathways

Proposals must clearly demonstrate:

• How investments increase supply of nutritious foods

• How affordability improves for low-income consumers

• How women’s empowerment contributes to better nutrition outcomes

• How smallholders benefit economically

• How private capital is mobilized where it would not otherwise invest

Projects must show clear, measurable nutrition pathways.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Legal, non-profit entities

• Organizations established in:

  • EU Member States

  • Ethiopia

  • Other eligible countries

• International organizations (not required to be established in eligible countries)

Lead applicants may:

• Apply individually

• Apply with co-applicants

• Take responsibility for project preparation and management

Funding Structure

Total available funding: EUR 4,000,000

Grant coverage:

• Up to 90% of eligible costs

• Remaining co-financing required from applicant or partners

Projects must demonstrate financial sustainability and leverage additional investment where possible.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Identify a Target Value Chain

Focus on:

• Horticulture

• Fruits and vegetables

• Relevant animal-sourced foods

• Minimally processed products

Ensure climate resilience and nutrition impact are central.

Step 2: Design an Investment-Led Intervention

Your proposal must:

• Mobilize private or blended finance

• Strengthen domestic value addition

• Improve affordability and access

• Demonstrate measurable nutrition outcomes

Standalone nutrition education is not sufficient.

Step 3: Integrate Gender-Transformative Components

Include:

• Measurable gender indicators

• Strategies to remove structural barriers

• Economic empowerment mechanisms

• Leadership and decision-making inclusion

Step 4: Develop a Clear Nutrition Pathway

Explain:

• How increased supply improves dietary quality

• How income gains translate to nutrition improvements

• How awareness connects to availability and affordability

Step 5: Prepare Budget and Co-Financing Plan

• Ensure grant request does not exceed 90% of total eligible costs

• Include credible financial projections

• Demonstrate sustainability beyond grant funding

Step 6: Submit Proposal

• Ensure compliance with eligibility requirements

• Include all required documentation

• Follow submission instructions in the call guidelines

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing standalone nutrition education activities

• Weak gender integration without measurable targets

• Failing to demonstrate private capital mobilization

• No clear nutrition outcome pathway

• Lack of climate resilience strategy

• Insufficient smallholder inclusion

• Overlooking affordability and access for poorest groups

Strong proposals integrate investment, nutrition, gender equality, and climate resilience.

Key Definitions

Nutrition-Sensitive Investment: Investment that improves food systems while directly contributing to improved dietary outcomes.

Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Agricultural systems designed to withstand climate variability and shocks.

Minimally Processed Foods: Foods that retain most of their natural nutritional value with limited industrial processing.

Gender-Transformative Approach: Interventions that actively challenge and change structural gender inequalities.

Value Addition: Processing or upgrading products domestically to increase economic returns.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the total funding available?

EUR 4,000,000 under this call for proposals.

2. What percentage of costs does the grant cover?

Up to 90% of total eligible project costs.

3. Are for-profit companies eligible?

The call specifies legal, non-profit entities as eligible applicants. International organizations are also eligible.

4. Can a project focus only on nutrition education?

No. Standalone nutrition education is not eligible unless embedded within an investment-led intervention.

5. Which value chains are prioritized?

Value chains increasing availability of fruits, vegetables, horticulture products, and relevant animal-sourced foods.

6. Is a gender component required?

Yes. A strong gender-transformative component with measurable objectives is mandatory.

7. Must private capital be involved?

Yes. Proposals must demonstrate mobilization of private capital that would not otherwise invest in these value chains.

Conclusion

The Enhancing Nutrition Through Climate-Resilient Nutrition-Sensitive Agri-Food Value Chains initiative represents a strategic effort to connect agricultural investment with improved nutrition outcomes in Ethiopia. By prioritizing climate resilience, minimally processed foods, women’s empowerment, and smallholder inclusion, the program seeks to build sustainable, equitable, and nutrition-driven food systems.

Organizations capable of integrating investment mobilization, gender transformation, and measurable nutrition impact should develop comprehensive, finance-ready proposals aligned with these objectives.

For more information, visit EC.