Optimising the Water-Nutrient-Energy Nexus for Sustainable and Climate-Smart Agriculture in Africa (FNSSA)

Opportunity Overview

The European Commission, through Horizon Europe, has announced a forthcoming funding opportunity aimed at improving the sustainable management of water, nutrients, and energy within African agricultural systems.

The call seeks research and innovation projects that develop, test, and demonstrate integrated solutions that help farmers improve resource efficiency, strengthen climate resilience, enhance biodiversity, and support sustainable food production across Africa.

The initiative forms part of the European Union's commitment to advancing sustainable food systems and strengthening Africa-Europe research and innovation cooperation.

Programme Details

Programme: Horizon Europe (HORIZON)

Destination: Fair, Healthy and Environment-Friendly Food Systems from Primary Production to Consumption

Type of Action: Research and Innovation Action (RIA)

Funding Model: Horizon Europe Lump Sum Grant

Topic Area: Water-Nutrient-Energy Nexus in African Agriculture

Objective of the Call

The call aims to support innovative approaches that improve the integrated management of:

• Water resources
• Nutrient use
• Energy consumption

within agricultural production systems across Africa.

Projects should help farmers adopt more sustainable and resource-efficient practices while improving productivity, climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and long-term food security.

Expected Outcomes

Projects are expected to contribute to the following outcomes:

Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Agricultural actors implement:

• Resource-efficient farming practices
• Climate-smart agricultural systems
• Biodiversity-friendly farming approaches
• Sustainable resource management strategies

across diverse African agricultural environments.

Improved Resource Management Systems

Smallholder farmers gain access to integrated systems that improve:

• Water management
• Nutrient management
• Energy management

thereby supporting more resilient and productive farming systems.

What Projects Should Focus On

Projects should address one or more of the following areas:

Assess Opportunities and Challenges

Analyse the economic, environmental, and social opportunities associated with sustainable management of water, nutrients, and energy in agricultural production systems.

Develop Innovative Solutions

Develop and improve:

• Farming practices
• Technologies
• Management tools
• Decision-support systems
• Resource management approaches

that promote sustainable agricultural production.

Demonstrate Practical Applications

Test and validate solutions under real-world conditions in African farming systems.

Projects should demonstrate how integrated management approaches can improve:

• Productivity
• Resource efficiency
• Climate resilience
• Environmental sustainability

Measure Impact

Assess proposed solutions based on:

• Water-use efficiency
• Nutrient-use efficiency
• Energy-use efficiency
• Environmental performance
• Climate benefits
• Economic viability
• Social impact

Promote Circular and Sustainable Agriculture

Support the transition towards:

• Circular agricultural systems
• Climate-smart agriculture
• Biodiversity-friendly farming
• Sustainable food production systems

Geographic Focus

This funding opportunity specifically targets Africa.

Projects must demonstrate solutions in:

At Least Two Different African Agro-Ecosystems

Applicants are expected to work across multiple agricultural environments to ensure solutions are scalable and relevant to different African contexts.

The call focuses on:

• African agricultural systems
• African smallholder farmers
• African innovation ecosystems
• Africa-Europe research collaboration

Consortium Requirements

Minimum African Participation

Consortia must include:

At least three independent legal entities established in African Union Member States.

This is a key requirement for participation.

Multi-Actor Approach (Mandatory)

Projects must actively involve stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle, including:

• Public authorities
• Farmer organisations
• Agricultural advisory services
• Research institutions
• Private sector actors

The involvement of these stakeholders must be clearly demonstrated in the proposal.

Indigenous and Local Knowledge

The European Commission encourages projects to:

• Recognise indigenous knowledge systems
• Incorporate traditional agricultural practices
• Promote co-creation and mutual learning
• Combine local expertise with scientific innovation

Projects should ensure that local communities and farming organisations play an active role in solution development and implementation.

Collaboration Opportunities

Applicants are encouraged to build synergies with:

• Existing Horizon Europe projects in Africa
• Living Labs initiatives
• Agroecology research networks
• The European Commission Knowledge Centre on Global Food and Nutrition Security
• PRIMA (Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area)

Financial Support to Third Parties

Projects may provide financial support to external organisations where relevant.

Conditions include:

• Up to 30% of the total project budget may be allocated to third parties
• Maximum support per third party: €60,000

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is suitable for:

• Universities
• Research institutions
• Agricultural research organisations
• Innovation hubs
• Technology developers
• Agricultural advisory organisations
• Farmer associations
• NGOs
• Public sector organisations
• Private sector companies operating within agricultural value chains

Applicants must form an eligible consortium that meets Horizon Europe participation requirements.

Key Dates

Opening Date: 4 February 2027

First Stage Deadline: 8 April 2027

Second Stage Deadline: 14 September 2027

Click HERE to visit the official website