Call for Agroecological Transition for Displacement-Affected Communities (Burundi)

This Call for Proposals supports projects that strengthen the climate resilience of vulnerable farming households in Burundi through sustainable, inclusive, and gender-sensitive agroecological practices. Eligible organisations can apply for grants ranging from EUR 550,000 to EUR 600,000 to restore natural resources, improve land fertility, and reduce climate-related risks affecting rural communities.

Overview of the Agroecological Climate Resilience Grant Opportunity

The Call for Proposals aims to support vulnerable farming communities in Burundi by promoting agroecological practices that improve environmental sustainability, strengthen livelihoods, and increase resilience to climate change.

The opportunity focuses on helping rural households adapt to climate impacts through approaches that:

• Restore degraded natural resources.
• Improve soil fertility.
• Promote sustainable agricultural practices.
• Strengthen food security and livelihoods.
• Support gender-inclusive community development.
• Reduce displacement risks linked to environmental degradation.

The programme targets project intervention communes in Burundi where farming communities face increasing challenges from climate change and ecosystem degradation.

Main Objective of the Call for Proposals

The overall objective is:

To strengthen the environmental and socioeconomic resilience of vulnerable farming households to climate change through sustainable, inclusive, and gender-sensitive agroecological practices.

The initiative supports solutions that combine environmental protection with improved economic opportunities for farming communities.

Specific Objective

The specific objective is:

To sustainably preserve and restore natural resources and land fertility within targeted communities by promoting inclusive agroecological practices that strengthen climate resilience and reduce risks of displacement caused by environmental degradation.

Projects should contribute to long-term ecosystem recovery and sustainable agricultural development.

Key Focus Areas

Funded projects should address one or more of the following areas:

1. Agroecological Farming Practices

Projects should promote farming approaches that:

• Improve soil health.
• Restore degraded land.
• Reduce dependence on harmful agricultural inputs.
• Support sustainable crop production.
• Increase agricultural resilience.

Examples may include:

• Soil conservation techniques.
• Organic farming approaches.
• Sustainable land management.
• Climate-smart agriculture.

2. Climate Change Adaptation

Projects should help farming households respond to climate challenges by:

• Reducing climate-related risks.
• Improving resilience to environmental shocks.
• Supporting adaptation strategies.
• Protecting natural resources.

3. Natural Resource Restoration

Activities may focus on:

• Restoring ecosystems.
• Improving land fertility.
• Protecting biodiversity.
• Reducing environmental degradation.

4. Inclusive and Gender-Sensitive Approaches

Projects should ensure participation of:

• Women farmers.
• Vulnerable households.
• Marginalised communities.
• Local stakeholders.

Gender-sensitive approaches should strengthen equal access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making.

Funding Available

Eligible projects can receive grants ranging from:

• Minimum funding: EUR 550,000
• Maximum funding: EUR 600,000

The grant supports large-scale projects that create measurable environmental and socioeconomic benefits.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet specific organisational requirements.

Eligible applicants include:

• Private non-profit organisations.
• Foundations.
• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
• International intergovernmental organisations.

Organisational Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be legally established entities.
• Operate in Burundi or have official representation in Burundi.
• Be directly responsible for preparing and managing the proposed project.
• Manage the action together with co-applicants where applicable.
• Not act only as intermediaries.

Experience Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate previous experience managing large-scale grant-funded projects.

Grant Management Experience

Applicants must show experience managing a grant equivalent to at least:

80% of the requested funding amount

For example, organisations applying for the maximum grant amount must demonstrate previous successful management of a comparable project budget.

Required Evidence of Previous Grant Management

Applicants must provide supporting documentation, such as:

• Completion certificate signed by the funding organisation.
• Approved final report.
• Certificate of receipt.
• Project closure report.
• Donor satisfaction letter.
• Equivalent documentation confirming successful project completion.

Sector Experience Requirement

Applicants must also demonstrate:

• At least two previous experiences with funding agencies.
• Experience related to the thematic focus of the call.
• Capacity to implement projects in sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, or related sectors.

Why It Matters

Climate change is increasing pressure on farming communities through:

• Land degradation.
• Reduced agricultural productivity.
• Loss of natural resources.
• Increased livelihood insecurity.

This funding opportunity supports solutions that help communities:

• Build climate resilience.
• Protect ecosystems.
• Improve agricultural sustainability.
• Strengthen household livelihoods.
• Reduce migration and displacement pressures caused by environmental challenges.

By supporting agroecology, the programme contributes to long-term food security and sustainable rural development.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Organisations should verify that they:

• Meet legal entity requirements.
• Operate in Burundi or have representation there.
• Have relevant project experience.
• Can manage the required grant size.

Step 2: Develop a Project Concept

The proposal should explain:

• Climate challenges affecting target communities.
• Agroecological solutions proposed.
• Expected environmental outcomes.
• Benefits for vulnerable farming households.
• Gender inclusion strategies.

Step 3: Prepare Evidence of Experience

Applicants should collect:

• Previous grant management documents.
• Proof of successful project completion.
• Evidence of relevant sector experience.

Step 4: Submit the Proposal

Submit the complete proposal according to the call guidelines, including all required organisational and technical documents.

Common Application Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying without required legal status.
• Failing to prove previous grant management experience.
• Submitting projects unrelated to agroecology or climate resilience.
• Providing weak evidence of community impact.
• Ignoring gender inclusion requirements.

Application Tips

To strengthen a proposal:

• Clearly link activities with climate adaptation outcomes.
• Demonstrate experience working with farming communities.
• Include measurable environmental and socioeconomic results.
• Highlight women’s participation and inclusion.
• Provide strong evidence of previous successful projects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the purpose of this Call for Proposals?

The call supports projects that improve climate resilience among vulnerable farming households in Burundi through sustainable agroecological practices.

2. How much funding is available?

Eligible projects can receive between EUR 550,000 and EUR 600,000.

3. Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include private non-profit organisations, foundations, NGOs, and international intergovernmental organisations legally established or represented in Burundi.

4. What types of projects are supported?

Projects should focus on agroecology, climate adaptation, natural resource restoration, land fertility improvement, and inclusive agricultural practices.

5. Do applicants need previous grant management experience?

Yes. Applicants must demonstrate experience managing a grant equivalent to at least 80% of the requested funding amount.

6. How many previous relevant projects must applicants demonstrate?

Applicants must show at least two previous experiences with funding agencies related to the theme of the call.

7. Are gender considerations required?

Yes. Projects must include gender-sensitive approaches that promote inclusion and participation of vulnerable groups, including women farmers.

Conclusion

The Agroecological Climate Resilience Call for Proposals provides significant funding to support sustainable agricultural transformation in Burundi. By investing in inclusive agroecological practices, natural resource restoration, and climate adaptation, the programme aims to strengthen vulnerable farming households, protect ecosystems, and create more resilient rural communities.