Abstract
In developing countries, many scientists work on urgent challenges like food security, soil degradation, and climate-resilient crops. But most do so under tight constraints. Universities and research institutes in the region often have limited funding, and scientists frequently have to pay for research costs out of their own pockets. This scarcity may not just slow progress; it may discourage researchers from even pursuing their best ideas. Our project studies scientists in five West-African countries and asks two questions: (1) Does learning that a genuine, no-strings research grant is available motivate more scientists to put forward ideas? (2) When a grant might be within reach, do the ideas they put forward become markedly more ambitious, novel, or impact-oriented? By answering these questions, the study will reveal whether modest, flexible funding opportunities can unlock higher-value research in resource-constrained settings and guide future programmes aimed at fostering locally relevant innovation.