In short
An agriculture and food security proposal should describe farmers’ current yields, incomes and food security with data, explain the practices, inputs or market links the project introduces and why they suit local conditions and climate, measure changes in yield, income and nutrition, and show how farmers’ groups will continue after the grant.
Agriculture funders look for practical, locally suited improvements that raise yields and incomes sustainably, strengthen resilience to climate shocks and improve what families eat.
Who funds agriculture and food security projects
Agriculture and food security projects are funded by development agencies, agricultural research funds, foundations, corporate programmes in the food sector and governments. Themes include climate-smart agriculture, farmer organisations, value chains, irrigation and nutrition.
Recommended outline
| Section | What to include |
|---|---|
| Problem statement | Yields, incomes, food insecurity and climate risks for smallholder farmers, with data |
| Baseline | Household survey of production, income, food security and practices |
| Methodology | Training, demonstration plots, inputs, water management, storage and market linkages |
| Outcomes | Changes in yield, income, food security and adoption of practices |
| Inclusion | Women farmers, landless households and youth |
| Sustainability | Farmer producer organisations, extension services and market relationships |
Example results and indicators
| Result | Indicator |
|---|---|
| Adoption | Percentage of farmers adopting at least two promoted practices |
| Yield | Change in yield per hectare for the main crops |
| Income | Change in household income from farming |
| Food security | Change in a household food insecurity or dietary diversity score |
Typical budget lines
- Farmer training and demonstration plots
- Seeds, tools or irrigation equipment, within funder rules
- Extension workers and agronomists
- Storage and processing support
- Market linkage activities
- Household surveys and evaluation
What makes an agriculture and food security proposal stand out
- Practices suited to local soils, water and climate.
- Measures yield, income and nutrition, not only training.
- Includes women farmers deliberately.
- Strengthens farmer organisations and market links that last.
Common mistakes
- Distributing inputs without training or follow-up.
- No measurement of yield or income.
- Ignoring climate risks.
- No route to market for increased production.
Frequently asked questions
What indicators are used in agriculture proposals?
Common indicators include adoption of practices, yield per hectare, household farm income and measures of food security or dietary diversity, compared with a baseline.
What is climate-smart agriculture?
Farming practices that increase productivity, help farmers adapt to climate change and, where possible, reduce emissions.
Written by Gachi Foundation, a non-profit in Jharkhand, India. All proposal-writing resources.