Research Opportunity on Climate Change and Informal Trade in Conflict Areas

The XCEPT Research Fund (XRF) is seeking applications for a 12-month research project focused on understanding how climate change impacts informal trade networks and contributes to instability in conflict-affected border areas. This research aims to explore the dual role of informal cross-border trade in both empowering local communities and potentially exacerbating conflict. We invite organizations to submit concept notes that address the following key questions: 1. How do communities in conflict-affected borderlands utilize informal cross-border trade to adapt to climate extremes? 2. What existing trade networks are leveraged, or how are new networks formed, and how effective are these networks in building resilience against climate change? 3. Under what circumstances do these informal trade networks contribute to instability and conflict, and what are the implications for local communities and their climate adaptation efforts? Funding of up to £120,000 is available for successful proposals, depending on the research scope and methods. This opportunity is open to organizations only. For more details, please visit: https://www.xcept-research.org/grants_post/call-for-concept-notes-climate-change-informal-trade-and-instability-in-conflict-affected-borderlands/. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 10:00 BST.