Rural farmers across developing economies could soon gain greater access to digital agricultural and financial services as the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) launches a new global call for proposals targeting AgTech and FinTech expansion initiatives.
- Rural farmers across developing economies could soon gain greater access to digital agricultural and financial services as the International Fund...
- The programme seeks an implementing partner to lead research and scaling efforts to improve technology-driven services for smallholder farmers. The grant...
- The project aims to examine how AgTech and FinTech companies are helping smallholder farmers access financial and non-financial services more...
- Eligible applicants include organisations with proven experience in evaluating development projects, especially in agriculture, financial technology, or rural economic development.
Keep reading for the full breakdown on digital agriculture funding — everything you need to know is covered below.
The programme seeks an implementing partner to lead research and scaling efforts to improve technology-driven services for smallholder farmers.
The grant initiative, titled “Evidence for Scale Up of AgTech and FinTech Solutions through IFAD’s PoLG”, invites non-profit organisations, NGOs, and commercial entities with expertise in rural development, digital finance, and agricultural innovation to apply before the 13 May 2026 deadline.
IFAD Targets Digital Growth for Rural Farmers
IFAD said the programme will focus on generating practical evidence that can support the expansion of digital tools and services for rural communities. The project aims to examine how AgTech and FinTech companies are helping smallholder farmers access financial and non-financial services more efficiently.
The initiative is part of IFAD’s broader Innovatech programme, which supports the adoption of technology in agriculture and rural finance systems. According to IFAD, the project will also develop reporting methods that can help investors and policymakers measure the impact of digital agricultural solutions.
Officials expect the selected implementing partner to evaluate outcomes from digital interventions and identify approaches that can be successfully expanded across different regions and farming communities.
Who Can Apply for the Grant?
Eligible applicants include organisations with proven experience in evaluating development projects, especially in agriculture, financial technology, or rural economic development. IFAD stated that applicants from various countries and regions may participate if they demonstrate relevant operational and technical expertise.
The agency also allows organisations to submit joint proposals through partnerships or consortium arrangements. However, one lead applicant must take responsibility for project management, implementation, and reporting obligations.
Applicants must submit proposals in English, along with supporting documents such as a Grant Concept Note template, eligibility certification forms, and institutional profiles outlining previous experience in AgTech, FinTech, and evaluation studies.
Evaluation Process and Key Conditions
IFAD confirmed that submitted applications will undergo technical, legal, and financial reviews before final selection. The organisation added that submitting a proposal does not guarantee funding approval and reserves the right to adjust or cancel the process if necessary.
The selected partner will help generate evidence that could shape future investments in rural technology solutions. IFAD believes the programme could strengthen decision-making for both public and private sector stakeholders interested in agricultural innovation and financial inclusion.
The call reflects growing international interest in digital solutions that improve agricultural productivity, market access, and financial services for small-scale farmers across developing regions.
For more information and registration, visit the IFAD official website.