The theme of the Grants is “Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation for Agricultural and Rural Development,” with the following research areas: (1) assessing climate change impacts and risks for policy, plans, and investments; (2) advancing low-carbon agriculture and rural development; (3) enhancing pro-active adaptation to climate change, vulnerability, and extremes; and (4) enabling policies and governance for climate-resilient agriculture and rural communities. These identified areas of study are also in line with SEARCA’s Umbrella Program on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation for Southeast Asia (CCHAM).
This collaborative research approach has been twice piloted by IFS in sub-Saharan Africa and is considered to be the first in Southeast Asia. Young researchers who have expressed interest will be invited to join in an online collaborative environment where they will be given the opportunity to form teams and formulate proposals for funding. IFS provides the digital platform called PODIO and will administer the online application and review processes. SEARCA, will take the lead in the capacity building workshop for those participants who pass the pre-screening stage. Moreover, IFS and SEARCA will provide assistance through team grants and mentoring.
The project officially started in August 2015 and will be carried out until 31 December 2019. SEARCA and IFS will issue the joint collaborative research call for expression of interest to eligible universities and institutions in Southeast Asia by January 2016. (Suzette Simondac)
