IFAD is participating in the World Bank-led 2008 Global Development Marketplace (DM2008) - Sustainable Agriculture for Development initiative which will award at least US$4 million in grant funding prices to winning projects at the Marketplace, scheduled for September 24-25, 2008.

It is a competitive grant program administered by the World Bank and supported by various partners that scouts and funds innovative projects with high potential for development impact. The winners will receive a prestigious award and up to US$ 200.000 (Two hundred thousand dollars) in grant funding to support the most innovative ideas that advance sustainable agriculture in developing countries.

All projects applying for DM2008 should address the competition theme, Sustainable Agriculture for Development and, in particular, should fall within one of the following three sub-themes (more fully described in the attached brochure)

• Linking small-scale farmers to input-output markets
• Improving land access and tenure for the poor
• Promoting environmental services of agriculture in addressing climate change and biodiversity conservation

Proposals can be submitted from all development innovators: NGOs, civil society organizations, social entrepreneurs, private foundations, academia, government or development agencies that are based in the country of implementation. (See the eligibility criteria for more details).

They will be screened by agriculture, rural development and environmental specialists and approximately 100 finalists will be selected and invited to attend the Marketplace event in Washington, DC to present their proposals to a high-profile jury comprised of international development experts.

Decide which sub-theme your idea best fits into, shape your proposal accordingly and send it in English (even a very basic English) through the online application form by 23:00 GMT time on March 21, 2008. 

Your innovative idea for sustainable agriculture in developing countries could become reality, so, do not hesitate, send your proposal!