Deadline: 29-May-2026
The International Fund for Agricultural Development is inviting proposals to implement a regional project integrating artificial intelligence into agricultural advisory services. The initiative aims to improve productivity, resilience, and access to information for smallholder farmers across multiple countries.
Program Overview
This funding opportunity supports the development and deployment of AI-powered solutions within Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services (AEAS). The project focuses on improving access to timely, relevant, and localized agricultural advice for smallholder farmers.
The programme will be implemented across Brazil, Mexico, Sierra Leone, and Côte d’Ivoire over a 36-month period, with a total budget ranging from USD 1.6 million to USD 2.0 million.
Key Objectives
- Integrate AI into agricultural advisory tools (AEAS)
- Improve access to advisory services for smallholder farmers
- Promote scalable and context-specific digital solutions
- Strengthen resilience to climate and market challenges
- Enable cross-country knowledge exchange
Focus Areas
- Artificial intelligence in agriculture
- Digital advisory services (AEAS tools)
- Climate-smart agriculture and resilience
- Inclusion of women, youth, and Indigenous communities
- South-South and Triangular Cooperation
Project Components
AI Solution Development
- Design or adapt AI-powered advisory modules
- Ensure compatibility with existing systems
- Localize solutions for language and farming contexts
Deployment and Field Testing
- Pilot solutions within IFAD-supported projects
- Reach approximately 10,000 farmers
- Validate usability and real-world impact
Capacity Building
- Train local stakeholders and partners
- Develop user-friendly tools and materials
- Strengthen adoption and digital literacy
Knowledge Exchange
- Facilitate cross-country collaboration
- Share best practices and lessons learned
- Promote scalable innovation models
Funding Details
- Total budget: USD 1.6M – USD 2.0M
- Duration: 36 months
- Co-financing requirement: Minimum 20% from applicants
Roles and Responsibilities
The selected implementing partner will:
- Manage overall project coordination and reporting
- Ensure compliance with IFAD requirements
- Lead AI solution design, integration, and deployment
- Coordinate with local partners across all countries
- Monitor performance and impact
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include organizations with:
- Expertise in artificial intelligence and digital agriculture
- Experience in agricultural advisory systems (AEAS)
- Proven capacity in multi-country project implementation
- Ability to manage large-scale, donor-funded programs
How to Apply
- Review detailed call requirements and objectives
- Develop a comprehensive proposal including:
- Technical approach for AI integration
- Deployment and testing strategy
- Inclusion and outreach plan
- Prepare a budget including at least 20% co-financing
- Demonstrate organizational experience and capacity
- Submit the proposal within the specified deadline
Why This Matters
- Addresses gaps in agricultural advisory services
- Leverages AI to improve farming decisions
- Enhances productivity and climate resilience
- Promotes inclusive access to technology
- Strengthens global collaboration in digital agriculture
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak technical design for AI solutions
- Lck of clarity on field deployment strategy
- Ignoring local context and language adaptation
- Insufficient co-financing commitment
- Lack of stakeholder engagement plan
FAQ
1. What is the duration of the project?
36 months.
2. How much funding is available?
Between USD 1.6 million and USD 2.0 million.
3. Is co-financing required?
Yes, a minimum of 20%.
4. Which countries are involved?
Brazil, Mexico, Sierra Leone, and Côte d’Ivoire.
5. Who can apply?
Organizations with expertise in AI, digital agriculture, and advisory systems.
6. What is the main goal?
To integrate AI into agricultural advisory services and improve farmer outcomes.
7. How many beneficiaries are targeted?
Approximately 10,000 smallholder farmers.
Conclusion
This initiative represents a significant opportunity to apply artificial intelligence in agriculture at scale. By improving advisory services and enabling data-driven decision-making, the program aims to transform how smallholder farmers access information, ultimately enhancing productivity, resilience, and sustainability across diverse regions.
For more information, visit IFAD.