CALL FOR PROPOSALS

Pilot Projects on the Development of Climate Resilient Value Chains of Biodiversity Products and Services in Africa’s Forest Biodiversity Hotspots

Application Deadline: 15 August 2025

Project Start: September 2025

Funding: Up to USD 20,000 per project

1. About the Call

The African Forest Forum (AFF) invites community-based and national non-governmental organizations working in forest biodiversity hotspots across Africa to submit pilot project proposals aimed at developing climate-resilient value chains for forest biodiversity products and services.

This initiative, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), is part of AFF’s broader programme to enhance livelihoods and promote environmental stability through better forest management. The selected four pilot projects will focus on strengthening biodiversity-based enterprises that advance both climate resilience and community well-being.

2. Objectives of the Pilot Projects

The projects should:

  • Capacitate local stakeholders to increase the value of forest products and services;
  • Strengthen community-based organizations to implement climate-resilient value chains;
  • Increase the socio-economic contribution of timber and non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in biodiversity hotspots.

3. Priority Biodiversity Hotspots

Proposals must be implemented in one of the following forest biodiversity hotspots:

  • Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands
  • Guinean Forests of West Africa
  • Eastern Afromontane
  • Coastal Forests of Eastern Africa
  • Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany
  • Horn of Africa

4. Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants must:

  • Be a legally registered community-based or national NGO in Africa;
  • Have a track record in forestry, biodiversity conservation, and/or climate resilience;
  • Demonstrate strong relationships with local communities and forestry institutions;
  • Provide audited financial statements for at least two years.

5. Grant Terms

Grant Size: Up to USD 20,000

Duration: 2 years (September 2025–September 2027)

Use of Funds: At least 87% for field activities; up to 13% for administrative costs. Salaries for permanent staff are not covered.

6. Key Proposal Focus Areas

Your proposal should demonstrate:

  • Strengthened value chains for forest biodiversity products and services (e.g., NTFPs for food, medicine, eco-tourism, etc.);
  • Sustainable landscape management (e.g., agroforestry, multifunctional landscapes);
  • Alignment with national forest and climate priorities and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
  • Clear strategies for social inclusion, gender and youth involvement, economic viability, and ecological sustainability;
  • Strong local ownership and a path toward long-term sustainability and replicability.

7. Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

  • A completed AFF application form titled:

    “Application for Pilot Project Proposals – Development of Climate Resilient Value Chains of Biodiversity Products and Services in Africa’s Forest Biodiversity Hotspots” (clearly specify the target biodiversity hotspot).

  • A cover letter and organizational profile.
  • Proof of legal registration and past project implementation.
  • CVs of project team members.
  • Letter of support from at least one local partner.

All other documents listed under Section 5.0 of the full Call for Proposals document.

8. How to Apply

Please send your complete application by email with the subject line:

"Consultancy no: 01-1.1.4.1 – AFF Application for Pilot Project Proposals"

to the following addresses: d.mutta@cifor-icraf.org ;  f.babalola@cifor-icraf.org;  d.dali@cifor-icraf.org ; CC: exec.sec@afforum.org

9. Important Dates

Application Deadline: 15 August 2025

Notification of Selection: 01 September 2025

Project Start Date: Mid-September 2025

10. For more information download: