CALL FOR CONSULTANT TO CONDUCT MARKET ASSESSMENT FOR THE DRIVE PROJECT

Background?

PALM Corps in partnership with ZOA Uganda secured funding from RVO through ZOA Netherlands to implement a 36-months ‘‘Developing Sustainable, Resilient, and Inclusive local food systems in the West Nile Region of Uganda (DRIVE) project’’ in Terego and Madi Okollo Districts including Imvepi and Rhino Camp Refugee Settlements. The project, running from August 2024 to July 2027, aims at;.

• Increased productivity and production by smallholder farmers including women and youth, using Climate Smart Agro ecological practices and sustainable land/water management practices implemented by ZOA Uganda
• Increased participation of smallholder farmers including women and youth in profitable local and regional markets implemented by PALM Corps.

In order to guide PIs when they are developing their family plans and determine which enterprises they can venture into in production (in addition to food security crops), a comprehensive market assessment has to be conducted to identify the value chains, opportunities , environmental risks associated and constraints in local and regional markets. The project will adapt a hybrid of consultant and farmer participatory market research approach to integrate scientific expertise with farmer knowledge and experience so that enterprise choice is not only based on economic returns but rather a range of both economic and non-economic criteria. The findings of the study will guide PIs when they are developing their family plans and determine which value chains they can venture into (in addition to food security crops).

Purpose of the Study

Since the DRIVE project operates in a new focal area (rural development) It requires a study to understand agricultural market systems, potential private sector partnerships, and high potential value chains.

Objective

The overall objective is to provide insights and recommendations to support the DRIVE Project’s implementation. The specific objectives include:

a.???? To identify agriculture/ agribusiness sectors of importance for local economic development in the respective districts

b.???? To identify potential value chains and the barriers affecting their production and productivity.

c.???? To identify key actors (producer organizations and associations, trader networks if existent and processors,) in these sectors.

d.???? To identify key points of entry and leverage for DRIVE to intervene within the framework of its objectives.

e.???? To propose and briefly describe related measures including;

???????????????? i.????????? Identifying potential (private partners) and initiatives for collaboration.

??????????????? ii.????????? Outlining the capacity development needs of these potential partners.

????????????? iii.????????? Identifying limitations and risks associated with proposed DRIVE interventions.

Geographical scope of the study

The assessment will cover Terego and Madi Okollo districts of West Nile sub region including Arua city for some key actors.

Methodology

The study will use both secondary and primary data sources:

• Secondary Data: Desk review of existing literature, past assessments, studies, and evaluations.
• Primary Data (if needed): Stakeholder consultations, field visits, interviews, and focus group discussions.

The list of possible sources of secondary and primary data will be agreed upon during the inception report.

Duration of the assignment:

The study will be undertaken between 10th March to 1st April 2025 over a period of 20 consultancy days.

Proposed Allocation of days

Literature review: 2 days

Data collection in the field: 10 days

Draft Report writing and presentation of study results: 4 days

Workshop in TBD, presenting (preliminary) findings: 1 days

Final Report writing and submission: 3 days

Deliverables

The consultant will be expected to deliver:

• Inception Report: Prepared within two days of commencing the assignment, detailing the study approach.
• Draft Report: Submitted for review by the MEAL team, including a presentation of key findings to the DRIVE team.
• Final Report: A comprehensive document incorporating feedback, provided in soft and hard copies (English).

8.???? Requirements for the consultant

The consultant should have:

a)??? Prior experience and a very good understanding of agricultural market systems (incl. value chains and stakeholders) in West Nile.

b)??? Experience in working with smallholder farmers in Uganda, ideally in the areas of capacity development, market integration and access to finance.

c)???? A good understanding about the Local Economic Development Policy and processes geared toward operationalizing the policy in various local governments.

d)??? Very good knowledge of the West Nile region.

e)??? Experience and excellent skills in data collection and report writing

f)????? Structured working style and analytical skills

g)??? Excellent communication and presentation skills

h)??? Proficiency in English

9.???? Reporting:

The consultant will report directly to the MEAL Manager of PALM Corps and work closely with the DRIVE Project team.

Submission Requirements

Interested consultants should submit:

1.???? Technical proposal (methodology, work plan, and CV).

2.???? Financial proposal.

3.???? Example of a similar past report (redacted).

Submit to:?[email protected]

Subject Line:?DRIVE Market Assessment Consultancy – [Your/company Name]