AGFUND is a non-profit regional development institution, established in 1980 by the initiative of HRM Prince Talal Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, with the support of the leaders of the Arab Gulf States that constitute its membership and contribute to its budget. AGFUND is concerned with the support of sustainable human development efforts targeting the neediest in developing countries, particularly women and children, through support of the efforts strongly affecting the development process, including those aimed at improving the educational and health standards, supporting poverty combating programmes and those which support institutional structures. This is done in cooperation with national, international and regional organizations, NGOs and other institutions engaged in development, without any discrimination as to sex, creed or political affiliation.
Out of its belief in the importance of encouraging developmental and humanitarian activities in developing communities; stimulating distinguished efforts aiming at promoting sustainable human development and the positive consequences of such efforts; exploring the pioneering developmental projects, honouring them and encouraging their implementation in other developing communities, AGFUND established AGFUND International Prize for Pioneering Development Projects.

The Arab Gulf Programme for United Nations Development Organizations (AGFUND) is currently receiving nominations submitted for AGFUND International Prize by the UN, international and regional organizations, NGOs, universities, and research centres worldwide. (The value of 2009 prize is US $ 500,000)
The prize subjects in its eleventh year 2009 focus on "the application of technology to improve agricultural output" as follows:
• First Category: The role of international organizations in supporting the developing countries' national policies and programs to improve agricultural output through adoption of innovative technology solutions. (For projects implemented by UN, international or regional organizations).
• Second Category: NGOs-led efforts to support and encourage small farmers in the poor communities to apply new technologies to increase their agricultural products. (For projects implemented by national NGOs).
• Third Category: The role of governments in adoption of new technology solutions to improve agricultural output. (For projects by government agencies).
• Fourth Category: Individual-led initiatives to introduce new technologies for increasing the agricultural product of small farmers. (For projects initiated, sponsored and/or implemented by individuals).

Nomination for AGFUND Prize may be mailed to AGFUND’s Communications Department P. O. Box 18371, Riyadh 11415, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or to email: Prize@agfund.org The nomination form could be downloaded from AGFUND's website www.agfund.org .
The deadline for receiving nominations is 30 April 2009. Evaluation of the projects nominated for the prize is conducted with neutrality and high transparency by referees selected every year in accordance with the expertise and specialties that suit the prize subjects.