Social Systems: Putting people at the centre of agricultural research-for-development Grant
In context
This call is open to universities, research institutions and non-profits and 1 other, at idea and R&D stage and prototype and pilot stage. Funding is a grant. Coverage is read from the notice itself: Global-South, Asia and Africa and 2 others.
ACIAR funds research-for-development projects that integrate social science and people-centred approaches into agricultural innovation in developing countries. The grant supports interdisciplinary teams working on food systems, rural livelihoods, and sustainable agriculture with explicit focus on social dimensions and stakeholder engagement.
About this grant
The ACIAR Social Systems Program takes a people-centred approach to agricultural research for development with the aim of reducing poverty. It places particular emphasis on research into gendered social relations to ensure equitable development for women and men, and considers other demographic factors such as age, education, income, assets and distance to market in project design. The program seeks to increase farmer access and capabilities so that farmers can become more resilient, manage risk, and choose to take advantage of market-oriented opportunities. Key research areas include agricultural extension, gendered social relations, women's empowerment, smallholder livelihoods, natural resource management, ecosystems and climate adaptation. All projects are expected to conduct transdisciplinary research to deliver innovation and accelerate poverty reduction. The program operates at micro (on-farm), meso (provincial) and macro (national and international) scales, and recognises that engaging people as active agents rather than passive recipients of research and aid produces greater impact. The page indicates an FY 2025-26 program investment of AUD 13.8 million supporting 20 projects, with current project opportunities identified across South-East Asia and Pacific island countries. Projects are commissioned through ACIAR and delivered by partner organisations, several of which are listed on the page.
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Eligibility
The page lists commissioned organisations including Australian universities, international research institutes and a New Zealand institute, but does not state a general open eligibility framework for applicants, applicant organisation types, or prior-recipient rules. Projects are described as commissioned, and project opportunities are identified in South-East Asia and Pacific island countries.
Key requirements
- ✓Research must centre people and social systems in agricultural development outcomes
- ✓Projects should address food security, rural livelihoods, or sustainable agricultural practices in developing regions
- ✓Interdisciplinary teams combining agricultural science with social science expertise preferred
- ✓Explicit engagement with local communities and stakeholder participation required
Funder contact
The notice names a programme contact you can speak to before applying.
Frequently asked questions
- Who can apply for Social Systems: Putting people at the centre of agricultural research-for-development?
- Eligibility covers organisations in GLOBAL-SOUTH, ASIA, AFRICA, LATAM, OCEANIA; university, research-institution, nonprofit, consortium. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.
Relevant sectors
About this sector
Food systems funding covers sustainable production, supply-chain resilience, food loss, nutrition and smallholder livelihoods. It is offered by agriculture and development agencies, multilateral programmes and foundations, often with a focus on low- and middle-income countries. Applicants are generally asked to show local partnerships and how benefits reach farmers or consumers.
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