FAO Supporting AFR100 Programme Direct Beneficiary Grants: Funding Forest and Landscape Restoration in Africa

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with support from the German government, is offering grants to local organizations for forest and landscape restoration projects in Africa. These grants, part of the Supporting AFR100 Programme, aim to help communities restore degraded lands, build resilience to climate change, protect biodiversity, and create sustainable ways of living. Organizations can receive between $5,000 and $50,000 to carry out practical restoration work that benefits both people and the environment. This initiative is a key part of the larger AFR100, which aims to restore millions of hectares of land across Africa while also boosting economic growth and environmental health.

About the Supporting AFR100 Programme

The Supporting AFR100 Programme is a joint effort by the FAO and the German government. Its main goal is to boost forest and landscape restoration efforts led by local communities in specific African regions. The program supports community groups and local leaders who are actively working to heal damaged lands and manage natural resources in a sustainable way. Currently, the program is active in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Togo, and the United Republic of Tanzania. By backing these local efforts, the program hopes to create healthier ecosystems, improve how communities handle climate challenges, increase food security, and generate economic chances for people living in these areas.

Funding Details and Objectives

Through the Direct Beneficiary Grants (DBG) mechanism, eligible organizations can apply for funding ranging from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $50,000. The grant amounts will be given in the local currency equivalent. These funds are meant to support practical projects that can be measured and show positive results for both the environment and the local economy. The main goals of the Direct Beneficiary Grants are to help organizations restore degraded lands, make communities more resilient, improve people’s livelihoods, and promote sustainable land management. They also aim to strengthen value chains related to restoration, protect biodiversity, increase how productive ecosystems are, and encourage actions that help adapt to and reduce climate change impacts. The program understands that local communities are essential for restoring landscapes and protecting natural resources, so the funding is designed to give them ownership and leadership in these projects.

Eligible Activities for Restoration Projects

Organizations can request funding for a wide variety of activities related to restoration. These include tree planting projects, such as afforestation and reforestation, to heal damaged lands and improve ecosystem health. Agroforestry projects, which combine trees with farming systems, are also supported to boost productivity, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Initiatives focused on soil and water conservation, like erosion control, watershed management, water harvesting, and sustainable soil practices, are eligible. The program also supports the creation and improvement of community nurseries to grow quality seedlings for restoration efforts.

Projects that focus on biodiversity conservation, such as protecting native species, restoring habitats, conserving ecosystems, and improving ecological connections, can receive funding. Additionally, the grants can support restoration-based livelihood activities that generate income for local communities while protecting natural resources. Finally, projects that strengthen value chains connected to restoration and create economic opportunities for local populations are also encouraged.

Why This Grant is Important for Africa

Across Africa, vast areas of land have been damaged by poor land use, deforestation, climate change, and loss of biodiversity. Restoration efforts are now seen as a critical way to address these problems. The AFR100 Programme supports solutions that are driven by local communities. These solutions can improve food security, make communities better able to handle climate change, restore natural services provided by ecosystems, and create green jobs. They also support sustainable farming, strengthen rural livelihoods, protect biodiversity, improve water resources, and reduce land degradation. By investing directly in local organizations, the program ensures that restoration projects are led by the community and fit the specific needs of each area.

Who Should Apply for These Grants?

This funding opportunity is especially suitable for a range of organizations. This includes community-based groups, environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs), conservation groups, agroforestry associations, farmer cooperatives, rural development organizations, natural resource management groups, and restoration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Supporting AFR100 Programme?

It’s a program by the FAO and the German government to support local forest and landscape restoration efforts in specific African countries.

How much funding is available through the Direct Beneficiary Grants?

Organizations can apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, paid in the local currency equivalent.

What types of projects can receive funding?

Funding is available for tree planting, agroforestry, soil and water conservation, community nurseries, biodiversity conservation, and restoration-based livelihood activities.

Who is eligible to apply for these grants?

Community-based groups, NGOs, conservation groups, farmer cooperatives, and other local organizations involved in restoration are encouraged to apply.