Support for the development of sustainable agri-food value chains

Description

1) Objective

The general objective of this call for proposals is as follows:
• Support agri-food production in the Republic of Congo through the development of priority agri-food value chains anchored in sustainable methods and practices (“green” approaches, short and circular circuits, adaptation to climate change, agroecology, zero deforestation) and based on an improvement in their quality and competitiveness, economically integrating in particular young people, women and vulnerable parts of the population, as well as reducing the country’s dependence on imported food products and contributing to the transition towards a diversified and green economy.

The specific objectives of this call for proposals are as follows:
• The capacities of family farms and their professional organizations are strengthened within priority agricultural value chains, so as to enable better productivity, competitiveness as well as an increase in agri-food production in line with market needs, thanks to to more productive, sustainable production methods adapted to climate change (climate-smart, zero-deforestation, agro-ecological approach, such as agroforestry, sustainable use of land, rational use of agricultural inputs, use of renewable energies , recovery of by-products, treatment of waste and wastewater);
• The artisanal and small processing and marketing capacities of small businesses are strengthened within priority agri-food value chains, making it possible to increase the production and supply of quality agri-food products, of national origin, of high value. nutritional in line with market needs, thanks in particular to the use of sustainable and more efficient processing and packaging approaches and techniques;
• The structuring and organization of priority value chains are supported, developed and strengthened, with a “cluster” approach when relevant, based on better technical and economic cooperation between producers, processors and commercial actors, throughout the priority value chains aimed at achieving increased efficiency, synergies within the framework of joint projects and a fairer distribution of income by type of actor.

2) Eligibility

In order to be eligible for a grant, the lead applicant must: (1) be a legal person and (2) be non-profit-making and (3) be a non-governmental organisation and (4) be directly responsible for the preparation and management of the action with the co-applicant(s) and affiliated entity(ies), not acting as an intermediary.

3) Location

Actions must take place in Democratic Republic of the Congo.

4) Budget

The overall indicative amount made available under this call for proposals is €6,000,000. Any grant requested under this call for proposals must fall between the minimum €1,000,000 and maximum €4,000,000. Any grant requested under this call for proposals must fall between the minimum (70%) and maximum (95%) percentage of total eligible costs of the action.

5) Application

The concept note together with the declaration by the lead applicant must be submitted online via PROSPECT. The deadline for the submission is 30 January 2024.