The Fund targets government, non-government, educational, private sector, civil society, co-operative and Community Based organisations (CBO) involved in agricultural research and development. It aims to encourage these organisations to compete for partial or complete funding for project activities, which are designed to promote the overall development of the agricultural sector.

NARDF support to agricultural research and development for output oriented work which aims to deliver measurable results within a three year period that in support to national objectives and priorities defined in government policy documents. These objectives and priorities are clearly articulated in NARDF's own priority and thematic areas.

NARDF also aims to promote a more demand-driven and pluralistic approach to increasing agricultural production, through encouraging the development of institutional and organisational partnerships together with the empowerment of end-users.