DAISI Request for Proposals
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Overview
The Digital Agricultural Innovations and Services Initiative (DAISI) is not currently accepting proposals. We ask applicants to review the RFP carefully for detailed instructions on the applicant eligibility restrictions, proposal guidelines, and application process. Interested resident African and South Asian applicants can find additional information and resources on the DAISI Regional Scholars Opportunities webpage. To apply for the RFP, all applicants will first need to register via our online portal.
Research Funding Opportunities
Competitive research funding will be available for full research projects (up to an estimated $500,000), pilot studies (up to $75,000), A/B test studies (up to $75,000), path-to-scale grants (up to $75,000), and travel/proposal development grants (up to $10,000). We expect to receive proposals that will help generate a rigorous evidence base that carefully identifies whether digital tools and bundled approaches are successful in improving small-scale producer outcomes (e.g., uptake of input credit, diversification into new crops, yield, income, and perceived ability of farmers to cope with shocks or stresses), connecting farmers to markets, and expanding commercialization in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. We hope to receive proposals that engage with one or more of our cross-cutting themes of gender, youth in agriculture, and resource use and climate resilience.
Deadlines and Submission Instructions
DAISI will not be running additional open requests for proposals. For individual project inquiries, please reach out to [email protected]
Supporting Materials
1. Request for Proposals (RFP)
DAISI Request for Proposal (RFP)
2. Proposal Guidelines
Proposal Guidelines: Pilot studies
Proposal Guidelines: Travel/Proposal Development Grant
Proposal Guidelines & Evaluation Criteria: Path-to-Scale Grants
3. Submission Material Templates
RCT/Pilot/AB Test/Path-to-Scale Budget Template
Proposal Development/Travel Grant Budget Template
4. FAQs
How will my proposal be scored? And when will I know whether my proposal was selected for funding?
Proposal Evaluation Process Document
DAISI Conflict of Interest Policy
What will be required of researchers (and the institution to receive the award) should we be selected for funding (in terms of reporting, deliverables, etc.)?
Award Requirements and Set Up Process
For RCTs only: J-PAL Basic Costing Reporting Template
I’m a graduate student advised by a J-PAL or CEGA affiliated researcher. What else do I need to know to apply?
Guidance for Graduate Student Applicants
What is your policy on projects located in fragile contexts or countries with active conflict?
The Board will exercise extra care when assessing projects located in fragile contexts. We will follow MIT’s guidelines for funding and engaging with external organizations. Please ensure that you include all project partners and involved individuals in your DAISI application.
Additionally, safety for field staff is an utmost priority. Please ensure that you thoroughly answer all of the questions related to potential risks in the full application, so the Board can carefully assess your mitigation plans.