The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), through the Global Research and Technology Development (GRTD) Research Commissioning Centre (RCC), invites proposals for a rapid evidence review of agriculture and food systems for nutrition.
At a glance
This call invites proposals to deliver a rapid, publishable evidence review that updates the global evidence base on the links between agriculture, food systems and nutrition since the last major review in 2018 (Ruel et al, 2018).
The review will focus on literature across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and be a standalone synthesis of the wider sector, organised around the programme’s three outcome areas:
- increasing consumption of nutritious foods (Output 1);
- tackling foodborne disease (Output 2); and
- scaling the impact of nutritious food systems data and interventions (Output 3).
We welcome bids from any organisation(s) able to deliver against the FCDO’s scope of work and encourage applications from groups of individuals or partners who bring their skills together. We are looking for:
- Demonstrated expertise in systematic reviews and evidence synthesis methodologies, including rapid review approaches.
- Experience using machine-learning-assisted screening and extraction tools, with appropriate quality and ethics safeguards.
- Subject-matter knowledge of agriculture, food systems, nutrition and food safety in LMIC contexts.
- A track record of producing publishable, peer-reviewed evidence syntheses.
- Strong project management and the ability to deliver high-quality outputs within a short timeline.
Who can apply
This call is open to legally registered organisations with the capacity to deliver high-quality research. Applications may be submitted by individual organisations or consortia. Applications from individuals are not eligible.
The call is open globally. The RCC strongly encourages applications from organisations based in, or partnering with institutions in, LMICs, in line with its commitment to equitable research partnerships. Consortia are permitted and should reflect clear and complementary roles between the Lead Organisation (Tier 2) and any downstream partners (Tier 3). Any conflicts of interest must be declared at the application stage.
Research focus
This commission requires an applicant who can deliver a rigorous, transparent, and timely synthesis of a large and growing body of literature. The core need is a focused, methodologically sound rapid review that takes the 2018 review as a baseline, updates it to the present, and is structured around the programme’s three outcome areas — increasing consumption of nutritious foods, particularly fruits and vegetables (Output 1); tackling foodborne disease (Output 2); and scaling impact of nutritious food systems data and interventions, including nutrition-sensitive agriculture and value-chain interventions, food systems data and the affordability of healthy diets (Output 3). The review must be of publishable quality and suitable for open dissemination.
- RQ1 What is the current state of global evidence on the links between agriculture, food systems and nutrition outcomes, and how has it evolved since 2018?
- RQ2 Across the three outcome areas (increasing consumption of nutritious foods; foodborne disease; nutritious food systems data and interventions), what does the evidence show works, for whom, and in what contexts?
- RQ3 Where are the most significant remaining evidence gaps, and what are the implications for future research and investment?
Research themes
The review will be a standalone synthesis of the wider sector, organised around the programme’s three outcome areas:
- Increasing consumption of nutritious foods (Output 1)
- Tackling foodborne disease (Output 2)
- Scaling the impact of nutritious food systems data and interventions (Output 3)
Commissioning timeline
The project duration will be approximately 5 months from the issuance of the contract and will conclude by February 2027, subject to satisfactory completion. The schedule should allow the review’s outputs to inform the companion Programme Synthesis commission and the Programme Completion Review (PCR).
| Stage | Target dates |
|---|---|
| Call for proposals launched | 29 June 2026 |
| Deadline for queries | 10 July 2026 |
| FAQs posted | 15 July 2026 |
| Proposal submission deadline | 3 August 2026 |
| Triage/proposal moderation | 3–17 August 2026 |
| Selection committee meetings | 18–19 August 2026 |
| Outcome decided and bidders notified | 20 August 2026 |
| Due diligence completed | 18 September 2026 |
| Signing of the accountable grant | Expected by 18 September 2026 (dependent on successful due diligence) |
| Inception report and pre-registered review protocol, Stakeholder Engagement and Evidence Plan (SEEP) – RCC template | Within 4 weeks |
| Draft rapid review and evidence map for comment | Within 14 weeks |
| Final publishable rapid review report, underlying datasets, Stakeholder Engagement and Evidence Report (SEER) – RCC template | Within 20 weeks (by February 2027) |
Estimated budget
The estimated budget limit of the project is £85,000 (inclusive of VAT and other charges). Payments will be made in tranches linked to agreed deliverables. All funded activities must demonstrate clear Value for Money, ensuring that resources are used efficiently, proportionately, and in direct support of agreed objectives.
Criteria for selection
The proposals will be appraised based on the following criteria. CVs should not exceed two pages per applicant.
- Understanding of Call for Proposals: 20%
- Methodological approach and academic rigour: 20%
- Proposed team: 15%
- Ethics, equity and inclusion: 15%
- Financial feasibility and value for money: 15%
- Research Uptake/Dissemination Plan: 15%
Applying
Before applying, please review the full Request for Proposals for background information, suggested methodologies, key design considerations, the risk register, preferred team expertise, detailed budget guidance and eligibility requirements.
Completed proposals should be submitted via the SmartSimple platform by 23:59 BST on 3 August 2026. Proposals received after the due time and date will not be considered.
Frequently asked questions
We have compiled questions received from potential applicants since the call was announced.
Read the FAQs
Enquiries
Queries can be submitted by 10 July 2026, after which frequently asked questions will be posted with responses.
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please email rcc@3ieimpact.org with ‘Enquiry – Nutrition Evidence Review’ in the subject line.