Deadline: 23-Jun-2026
AGRA is inviting eligible organizations in Burkina Faso to submit concept notes for a USD 2.44 million initiative focused on lowland rice production and the adoption of System of Rice Intensification (SRI) practices. The program aims to create sustainable jobs for young people, especially young women, by improving rice productivity, developing lowland infrastructure, strengthening access to agricultural inputs, and promoting climate-resilient value chains.
The project will support the development of 15 lowland rice production areas over a period of up to 36 months and is expected to catalyze approximately 70,000 decent and sustainable jobs through inclusive agricultural development.
Overview
The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) is seeking concept notes from qualified organizations to implement projects that strengthen lowland rice production systems and promote the adoption of System of Rice Intensification (SRI) methods in Burkina Faso.
The initiative combines sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, youth employment, women’s economic empowerment, and rice value chain development to improve livelihoods and food security.
Funding Snapshot
- Funding Organization: AGRA
- Country: Burkina Faso
- Total Budget: USD 2.44 Million
- Implementation Period: Up to 36 Months
- Focus Crop: Rice
- Production Areas: 15 Lowland Rice Sites
- Primary Beneficiaries: Young men and women, especially young women
- Expected Impact: 70,000 sustainable jobs
Program Objectives
The program seeks to transform lowland rice farming into a productive, climate-smart, and inclusive economic sector.
Key objectives include:
- Increase sustainable rice production
- Promote adoption of SRI farming practices
- Improve management of lowland rice ecosystems
- Strengthen food security
- Increase youth participation in agriculture
- Empower women economically
- Improve farmer incomes
- Develop climate-resilient rice value chains
- Create sustainable employment opportunities
What is the System of Rice Intensification (SRI)?
System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is a rice cultivation method designed to increase productivity while reducing water consumption and improving resource efficiency.
Key Features of SRI
- Transplanting younger seedlings
- Wider plant spacing
- Better water management
- Reduced continuous flooding
- Improved soil health
- Increased use of organic matter
- Stronger root development
- Enhanced climate resilience
Benefits of SRI
- Higher crop yields
- Reduced production costs
- Improved water efficiency
- Better resilience to drought and climate stress
- Increased farmer profitability
- More sustainable farming systems
Key Intervention Areas
Lowland Development and Hydraulic Infrastructure
The project will support the development and rehabilitation of lowland rice production areas through targeted hydro-agricultural investments.
Planned activities include:
- Construction of dikes
- Development of irrigation canals
- Construction of drainage systems
- Installation of water management structures
- Flood protection measures
- Soil erosion control systems
- Watershed protection initiatives
These investments will improve water control and agricultural productivity while reducing climate-related risks.
Sustainable Rice Production Intensification
The initiative promotes ecological intensification approaches that improve productivity while protecting natural resources.
Activities include:
- SRI training and implementation
- Climate-smart agriculture practices
- Sustainable land management
- Improved crop management techniques
- Farmer capacity building programs
Access to Quality Agricultural Inputs
The project will improve farmers’ access to essential production inputs.
Supported inputs include:
Certified Seeds
- Improved rice varieties
- Locally adapted seed varieties
- Certified high-quality seed materials
Fertilizers
- Organic fertilizers
- Mineral fertilizers
- Integrated soil fertility management products
Cooperative Procurement Systems
- Group purchasing arrangements
- Cooperative-led input distribution
- Reduced input costs through collective procurement
Youth Employment and Inclusion
Youth participation is a central component of the initiative.
The project seeks to remove barriers that limit access to:
- Agricultural land
- Productive resources
- Agricultural financing
- Market opportunities
- Training and technical support
Priority groups include:
- Young farmers
- Young women
- Women’s cooperatives
- Youth cooperatives
- Rural entrepreneurs
Lowland Infrastructure Development Explained
The program will develop 15 lowland rice production areas through light or semi-improved hydro-agricultural infrastructure.
Expected infrastructure includes:
- Dikes for water control
- Irrigation canals for water distribution
- Drainage canals for excess water removal
- Water regulation systems
- Flood protection structures
- Erosion prevention measures
These investments are designed to increase agricultural productivity while ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.
Land Security and Women’s Participation
Access to secure agricultural land remains a challenge for many farmers, particularly women and young people.
The project aims to strengthen:
- Land access
- Land tenure security
- Women’s participation in agriculture
- Youth access to productive assets
Improved land security encourages long-term investment in agricultural production and sustainable land management.
Expected Outcomes
Agricultural Outcomes
- Increased rice productivity
- Expansion of cultivated lowland areas
- Greater adoption of SRI methods
- Improved water-use efficiency
- Enhanced climate resilience
Economic Outcomes
- Higher farmer incomes
- Improved market participation
- Stronger rice value chains
- Increased agribusiness opportunities
Social Outcomes
- Greater youth engagement in agriculture
- Increased participation of women
- Improved rural livelihoods
- Enhanced food security
Employment Outcomes
The initiative aims to create approximately 70,000 decent and sustainable jobs through:
- Rice production
- Input supply services
- Processing activities
- Marketing and distribution
- Agricultural service provision
- Agribusiness development
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must be legally registered organizations operating in Burkina Faso.
Eligible entities include:
- Private companies
- Producer organizations
- Agricultural cooperatives
- Youth cooperative structures
- Women’s cooperative structures
- Business Development Service providers
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Civil society organizations (CSOs)
Applicants should have experience in:
- Youth integration programs
- Agricultural development
- Partnership management
- Value chain development
- Community engagement
- Project implementation
Why This Funding Opportunity Matters
Strengthening Food Security
Rice is a strategic staple crop in Burkina Faso. Increasing domestic production can improve food availability and reduce dependence on imports.
Creating Jobs for Youth
Youth unemployment remains a major challenge across rural areas. The project creates opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and income generation.
Empowering Women
Women often face barriers related to land access, financing, inputs, and market participation. This initiative prioritizes women’s inclusion across the rice value chain.
Supporting Climate-Smart Agriculture
The project promotes agricultural practices that improve resilience to climate change while protecting natural resources.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your organization:
- Is legally registered in Burkina Faso
- Meets AGRA eligibility requirements
- Has relevant implementation experience
Step 2: Develop a Concept Note
Your concept note should clearly explain:
- Proposed activities
- Target beneficiaries
- Expected outcomes
- Technical approach
- Partnership strategy
- Sustainability measures
Step 3: Align with Program Priorities
Demonstrate how your project supports:
- Lowland development
- SRI adoption
- Youth employment
- Women’s empowerment
- Climate resilience
- Rice value chain growth
Step 4: Build Strategic Partnerships
Consider collaboration with:
- Farmer organizations
- Cooperatives
- Local governments
- Women’s groups
- Youth associations
- Private sector partners
Step 5: Submit Required Documents
Follow AGRA’s application instructions and ensure all documentation is complete and submitted before the deadline.
Tips for a Strong Concept Note
- Present clear and measurable results
- Include strong youth employment targets
- Demonstrate meaningful women’s participation
- Incorporate climate resilience measures
- Show long-term sustainability
- Provide realistic implementation plans
- Build strong local partnerships
- Include monitoring and evaluation indicators
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incomplete applications
- Weak gender inclusion strategies
- Unclear employment targets
- Poor sustainability planning
- Limited stakeholder engagement
- Lack of measurable outcomes
- Weak climate resilience components
- Insufficient evidence of organizational capacity
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the total budget for the project?
The initiative has a total budget allocation of USD 2.44 million.
How many lowland areas will be developed?
The project plans to develop 15 lowland rice production areas.
What is the implementation period?
Selected projects can run for a maximum period of 36 months.
Who are the primary beneficiaries?
Young men and women are the primary beneficiaries, with special emphasis on young women.
What is SRI?
System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is a rice production methodology that improves yields while using water and agricultural inputs more efficiently.
Which organizations can apply?
Eligible applicants include private companies, cooperatives, producer organizations, NGOs, civil society organizations, youth groups, women’s groups, and Business Development Service providers legally registered in Burkina Faso.
How many jobs is the project expected to create?
The initiative aims to catalyze approximately 70,000 decent and sustainable jobs across the rice value chain.
Conclusion
AGRA’s USD 2.44 million lowland rice development initiative represents a major opportunity to strengthen Burkina Faso’s agricultural sector while creating sustainable employment opportunities for young people and women. Through lowland infrastructure development, adoption of System of Rice Intensification practices, improved access to quality inputs, and stronger value chain participation, the program seeks to increase productivity, improve food security, and build climate-resilient livelihoods.
Organizations with experience in agricultural development, youth empowerment, and value chain strengthening should consider submitting concept notes that align closely with the program’s goals and expected outcomes.
For more information, visit AGRA.
