What we fund
IDRC’s Canadian International Food Security Research Fund focuses on applied research projects that can significantly affect agriculture and nutrition in developing countries. We are also interested in innovations, including new skills and tools, improved farming practices, and novel ways to increase sustainable agricultural productivity and the nutritional value of crops and livestock in developing countries. Many of the projects we fund will also help inform policy in Canada and in developing countries.
What we achieve
At IDRC, we believe that food security is critical to sustainable change in developing countries. Through the Fund, we hope to achieve several outcomes. They are:
- increased ability by developing-country organizations to implement and support effective solutions for productivity and nutrition
- stronger partnerships between Canadian and developing-country researchers working in food security
- improved awareness of new technologies and techniques by small farmers, researchers, and resource managers
- greater awareness by policymakers of food security solutions and applications
Where we work
The Fund supports projects in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East.
Program structure
The Canadian International Food Security Research Fund (CIFSRF) is led and implemented by a Governance Committee, which guides and oversees the program, and a Scientific Advisory Committee, which has overall responsibility for scientific evaluation and proposal review.
- The Governance Committee oversees the direction, strategy and main priorities of the CIFSRF. It is composed of six (6) members, from CIDA and IDRC. CIDA’s Vice-President of Canadian Partnership Branch and IDRC’s Vice President of Programs are the designated co-chairs of the Committee. The Governance Committee must review and approve any funding recommendations made by the Scientific Advisory Committee.
- The Scientific Advisory Committee has the overall responsibility for scientific evaluation and funding recommendations. The Scientific Advisory Committee consists of two co-chairs from CIDA and IDRC, and eight Canadian and international members with expertise in food security and experience in academics, policy-making, civil society, and the private sector. The Scientific Advisory Committee is responsible for peer review and evaluation of concept notes and proposals, and will make recommendations for funding to the Governance Committee.