UKRI Global Challenges Research Fund: Capacity Building for Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Food Systems in Southeast Asia

The UKRI Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) Capacity Building for Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Food Systems in Southeast Asia call is a strategic funding opportunity that seeks to strengthen the capacity of research and innovation institutions across Southeast Asia to address the impacts of climate change on agriculture and food security. Administered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), this call is part of the UK's Official Development Assistance (ODA) commitment, which requires that all activities be primarily focused on promoting sustainable development and reducing poverty in low- and middle-income countries. The call specifically targets capacity building in climate-resilient agriculture, encompassing areas such as climate-smart farming practices, crop breeding for resilience, water management, soil conservation, and integrating climate data into decision-making. The grant size typically ranges from £500,000 to £2 million, with project durations of 24 to 36 months. The deadline for submissions is September 1, 2026, providing a normal but finite window for preparation. Eligible applicants must be UK-based research organizations, which must partner with at least one eligible institution in a participating Southeast Asian country, including Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Timor-Leste. The call places a strong emphasis on value for money, sustainability, and measurable impact. It also encourages interdisciplinary approaches that combine natural sciences, social sciences, and local knowledge. The primary goal is to build long-term capacity that persists beyond the grant period, enabling local institutions to independently address climate challenges. This aligns with the UK's broader international development strategy and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Given the complexity of the call, applicants should consider integrating training courses from GSLI, such as Project Management for Development and Monitoring & Evaluation, to strengthen their proposal and ensure robust capacity-building outcomes.

Strategic Overview

Who is it For?

This funding opportunity is specifically targeted at UK-based research and innovation organizations, including higher education institutions (HEIs), research councils, independent research organizations (IROs), and public sector bodies. To be eligible, the lead applicant must be a UK entity that can demonstrate capability in managing ODA-funded projects. The partnership must include at least one eligible partner organization based in a Southeast Asian country listed in the call. Eligible Southeast Asian partners include universities, research institutes, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and government agencies focusing on agriculture, climate change, or food systems. The call particularly encourages partnerships that involve local communities, smallholder farmers, and women's groups. Applicants must show how the project will build lasting capacity in the target countries, such as through training programs, knowledge exchange, infrastructure development, or policy support. The initiative is open to consortia that include multiple stakeholders, including private sector actors, provided the primary focus is on capacity building for climate-resilient agriculture. The grant seeks to fund projects that address the specific needs of the most vulnerable populations in Southeast Asia, who are disproportionately affected by climate change. Proposals should detail the expertise and experience of all partners, with clear roles and responsibilities. The lead UK institution must have a strong track record in delivering similar capacity-building initiatives.

Priorities

The UKRI GCRF program prioritizes projects that demonstrate clear alignment with the UK's Official Development Assistance (ODA) objectives, specifically those that promote sustainable development and poverty reduction in low- and middle-income countries. For this specific call, the donor's primary global priorities include: (1) Enhanced capacity in climate-resilient agriculture, with focus on adaptive technologies, climate-smart practices, and sustainable intensification; (2) Strengthened institutional capacity in Southeast Asian partner organizations, including skills in data analytics, research methodologies, and policy formulation; (3) Development of robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track capacity gains and agricultural outcomes; (4) Promotion of gender equality and social inclusion, ensuring that women and marginalized groups benefit from capacity-building activities; (5) Integration of climate finance and investment planning for long-term sustainability. Key performance indicators (KPIs) expected include: number of individuals trained (disaggregated by gender), institutions adopting new practices, research papers published, policies influenced, and changes in agricultural productivity or resilience. The donor expects value for money, with clear cost-effectiveness analysis and sustainability plans beyond the grant period. There is an emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches that combine natural sciences, social sciences, and local knowledge. The call also prioritizes scalability of interventions and potential for replication across the region.

Eligibility

Eligibility for this grant is governed by strict financial, spatial, and legal criteria. Financially, the lead UK applicant must demonstrate sound financial management and capacity to handle grants of up to £2 million. Organizations must provide audited accounts for the past two years and have a turnover sufficient to cover any underspend. UK institutions must be eligible to receive UKRI funding, which typically requires them to be recognized by UK Research and Innovation. Spatial eligibility requires that the lead applicant be based in the UK, with project activities implemented in eligible Southeast Asian countries: Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Timor-Leste. All direct project activities must take place in these countries, and the partnership must include at least one locally registered entity. Legal eligibility mandates that all consortium partners sign a collaboration agreement outlining IP rights, data sharing, and financial responsibilities. The project must comply with ODA regulations, ensuring that the primary purpose is poverty reduction and development impact. Any organization convicted of fraud, corruption, or misconduct may be disqualified. Additionally, the project must align with the principles of the UK Aid Strategy and the International Development Act 2002. The donor conducts thorough due diligence on all partners, including anti-terrorism checks and safeguarding policies. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have obtained necessary ethical approvals and research permits specific to the target countries.

Path to Success

To succeed in this funding opportunity, a strategic roadmap with GSLI integration is vital. Step 1: Pre-Application Preparation (Months 1-3). Start by forming a multi-stakeholder consortium with UK and Southeast Asian partners. Conduct a needs assessment to identify capacity gaps in climate-resilient agriculture in the target region. GSLI can support by offering tailored training in Project Management for Development and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) to ensure partners have skills to design robust projects. Step 2: Proposal Development (Months 4-6). Develop a detailed project plan with clear capacity-building interventions, outcomes, and indicators. Use GSLI's expertise in results-based management to frame the project's theory of change. Incorporate GSLI's courses on Fundraising & Resource Mobilization and Writing Winning Proposals to strengthen the application. Step 3: Capacity Building and Implementation (Months 7-36). Upon funding, deliver training and technical assistance. GSLI's courses on WASH, Public Health & Epidemiology, and Grants Management can be integrated to address cross-sectoral capacity. For example, training on Financial Management for NGOs can help local partners manage funds effectively. Step 4: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Sustainability (Ongoing). Establish a robust M&E system using GSLI's M&E course as a blueprint. Ensure that indicators track capacity gains and agricultural outcomes. Plan for sustaining activities through local ownership and GSLI's Proposals and Procurement & Supply Chain courses to secure future funding. Throughout, maintain strong communication with UKRI and seek feedback to adapt.

Recommended GSLI Courses

Project Management for Development
Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)
Writing Winning Proposals

Deadline: 2026-09-01

Persona: General

Urgency: Normal