Capacity Building of Coffee Cooperatives on Good Coffee Processing Practices at the Wet Mill for the Pathways to Prosperity Coffee Programme in Kenya

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Solidaridad Network is an international solution-oriented civil society organisation working through eight regional expertise centres to transform markets to make them more sustainable and inclusive. Our eight regional expertise centres include Asia, Eastern and Central Africa, Europe, Latin America, North America, Southern Africa, South America, West Africa and our global Secretariat in the Netherlands. Solidaridad Eastern and Central Africa, one of the regional centres, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya with country offices and programmes in Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda. We bring together supply chain players and engage them with innovative solutions to improve production, ensuring the transition to a sustainable and inclusive economy that maximises the benefit for all. We facilitate strengthening of local capacity in developing countries, support the creation of enabling environments for economies to thrive, and improve market access. Solidaridad embraces the public-private and people partnerships (PPPP) in order to test innovations, speed up change, and take success to scale. Globally, Solidaridad works around Coffee and other 12 commodities/sectors (http://www.solidaridadnetwork.org)

1. The Pathways to Prosperity Coffee Project in Kenya Summary

The Pathways to Prosperity (P2P) Coffee Project is a seven-year project funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign affairs supporting smallholder coffee farmers through 3 pathways; (I) creating viable and resilient production systems ii) catalysing inclusive service delivery systems and iii) championing inclusive markets. The programme will co-create and implement tailored interventions to facilitate transformation in the coffee sector contributing to increased sustainable production (productivity and quality) and incomes, enhancing resilience to the impacts of climate change and other shocks and the creation of decent jobs and inclusive supply chains.

The P2P project aims to build the capacity of 101,500 smallholder coffee farmers (30% women and 15% youth) from Bomet, Kericho, Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Bungoma, Transnzoia and West Pokot Counties in Kenya to produce good quality coffee. Also, strengthen the leadership and governance of 189 cooperatives and provide a platform for cooperatives to link & interact with over 500 service providers in their respective countries to establish long term relations that go to serve the interests of both.

The intended long-term impact is that small- holder coffee farmers thrive by participating in the supply chain that is economically viable, socially responsible and environmentally sound by 2029. Smallholder coffee farmers will have an opportunity to participate in economically viable value chains by increasing their productivity through adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP’s) for increased incomes. It prioritises the inclusion of women and youth. Environmental conservation is a key element focusing on adoption of climate resilient practices, implementing carbon projects as well as adopting agroforestry.

3. 1 Background

Good coffee processing practices are crucial to determining the final quality of coffee, as they directly affect the flavour, aroma, and overall characteristics of the brew. The journey of coffee from cherry to cup is complex, and each processing step plays a significant role in shaping the beans’ profile.

Improper processing can lead to defects, off-flavours, and reduced quality, undermining the inherent qualities of the coffee. Techniques such as washing, fermenting, drying, and sorting must be meticulously executed to preserve the beans’ delicate compounds. For instance, wet processing can highlight acidity and fruitiness, while dry processing may enhance body and sweetness.

Additionally, environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, and cleanliness during processing can impact the beans’ development. Good processing practices also ensure the removal of any defective beans, preventing negative flavours from influencing the final cup.

Ultimately, quality processing safeguards the integrity of the coffee at every stage, allowing its unique origin and varietal characteristics to shine through. As consumer awareness and demand for high-quality coffee continue to rise, investing in good processing practices is essential for producers aiming to deliver exceptional coffee experiences.

In response, Solidaridad through the Pathways to Prosperity Coffee Programme seeks to build the capacity of farmers to apply good processing techniques to enhance and preserve coffee quality post-harvest. 420 wet-mill staff, estate farmers and government extension will be trained through adult training techniques, theory classes practical demonstrations/ visual demonstrations at the wet mill to ensure optimum knowledge and skill transfer. The consultant is expected to present an approach and methodology of undertaking this assignment to suit the scope as per the described deliverables below.

3.2 Assignment Objective(s):

The overall objective of the assignment is to enhance the capacity of smallholder coffee cooperatives to process coffee the right way for preservation and enhancement of the quality of coffee.

Specific Objectives and Deliverables include;

1. Training of 420 wet-mill staff, estate framers and Government Extension Officers on best practices at the wet mill processing stations.
2. Practically demonstrate the process of receiving, processing, drying and storing coffee highlighting the most common wet-processing approach as well as other emerging processing practices for different markets.

4.0 Expert/Consultant’s Profile:

Qualified and experienced Consultancy Firms should develop a comprehensive expression of interest (E.O.I) outlining:

• A profile of the firm/consultant

• Firm/Consultants statement on the interpretation of the TOR

• Curriculum Vitaes’ of consultant/firm outlining qualifications and demonstrable experience in training on vermicomposting.

• A description of the methodology

• At least 3 references of similar assignments undertaken in the last 3 years

• Sample of some of the works delivered on vermicomposting.

• A detailed financial proposal (inclusive of relevant taxes) and a work plan for carrying out the assignment

5.0 Duration of the assignment.

The assignment is expected to take place within a maximum of 30 days after signing the contract. Application process:

The consultancy firms/companies are required to submit an EOI containing a statement on the candidate’s experience with similar assignments, curriculum vitae, financial proposal, and work plan by November 22nd, 2024 at 5:00pm (EAT). All applicants must meet the minimum requirements described above, those unable to meet the requirement will not be considered.

Each EOI submission should be not more than 5 pages and include the following:

• A brief proposal for the study with methodology and work plan.
• A sample/samples of previous related work.
• A financial proposal with a budget with breakdowns of different costs involved, to the finer detail. A budget with aggregated figures will not be accepted.
• Updated CVs for the team leader and team members (each CV not more than 2 pages).
• Contact details of 3 references with complete contact information (i.e. name, organisation, title position, address, email, telephone).