Smallholder Agriculture Development Project: National service providers for nutrition sensitive agriculture sub-component

Project ID: P165228

Project Title: Smallholder Agriculture Development Project - II

Borrower Bid Reference: LS-MAFS-161777-CS-QCBS

Contract description: The objective of the assignment is to provide technical support to the SADP II PMU with the implementation of Component 2 of the project, i.e. Improving Agricultural Commercialization and Nutrition. The Value Chain Development and Training/Advisory Services Provider (VCD-SP) will facilitate execution of all three sub-components under this activity: (i) Support for horizontal alliances; (ii) Support for Vertical Alliances and Commercialization; and (iii) Improved Nutrition, with a primary focus on the small grant program. 

SCOPE OF WORK

The assignment will build on the results and outcomes of the recently completed original Smallholder Agriculture Development Project that supported approximately 900 grants and reached over 75,000 beneficiaries through the Competitive Grant Program (CGP). The aim of the CGP was to support investment in on-farm technologies to improve climate resilience and productivity, promote new and innovative agri-business initiatives and technological improvements to increase the competitiveness of agri-business and the market opportunities for smallholder farms and rural youth. Major VC areas of support included protected piggery production, protected agricultural production through tunnels and shade nets, and processing and fruit drying. 

The specific activities under this assignment will include:

Value chain support activities: finalizing/phasing the value chain selection and support activities, as well as guiding the work of the project team in implementing the support to value chains;
Implementing the value chain support activities, including, but not limited to helping establishment of farmer group/associations, assisting in establishing linkages along the value chains, providing TA and advisory services to the agro-processors, traders, etc. involved in the specific value chains on technological improvements, new product development, access to markets, and other aspects as required to ensure successful functioning of the value chains;
Providing training to training service providers (Training of Trainers) – comprising local NGOs, individual consultants, consulting companies, etc. - in the relevant areas, including, inter alia: social capital development; business management; integrated production management; post-harvest and storage, quality, processing and marketing; on-farm advisory services as well as mechanisms for sustainability beyond the life of the project.
Assisting the SADP PMU with the implementation of the commercialization/matching grants under relevant sub-components of the project based on experience and lessons learned from the original SADP.
Develop a database of all trained Service Providers (SP) who attended the training and their scores (rates) to establish a rigorous assessment and certification mechanism for evaluation purposes and further engagement by the project.

Duration of Contract: 36 Month(s)