Consultancy on Value Chain Analysis for the Building Opportunities for Resilience in the Horn of Africa (BORESHA NABAD) & Hanaano Programs

1.Background

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is leading a consortium of partners in implementing the EU-funded Building Opportunities for Resilience in the Horn of Africa (BORESHA- NABAD) Programme in the Borderland areas of Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia also known as the Mandera Triangle. The BORESHA-NABAD Programme aims to enhance the effectiveness of conflict prevention and mitigation, disaster risk reduction and management, and resilience-building in these borderland areas that are faced with multifaceted shocks such as drought, floods, conflicts, violence extremism, and diseases. The programme focuses on strengthening the resilience capacities of communities, government, and businesses using mixed approaches to help them withstand these shocks and stresses that also exacerbate conflict and violence extremism. BORESHA-NABAD is building on investments and lessons learned from the successful, DRC-led, five-year BORESHA programmes (Phases I, II, and III) to maximize impact. DRC is partnering with Rural Agency for Community Development (RACIDA), Voice for Peace for All in the Horn of Africa (VOPA) and Mandera Women for Peace and Development (WFPD) to deliver BORESHA-NABAD. This Value chain assessment is a joint intervention between BORESHA-NADAB and Hanaano Programs.

With funding from Irish Aid (June 2024 – December 2026), the Hanaano programme aims to prevent child wasting in the Mandera Triangle and is implemented by Concern and other consortium partners including the Rural Agency for Community Development and Assistance (RACIDA) in Kenya, Pastoralist Concern in Ethiopia, Lifeline Gedo in Somalia, and the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD). The programme also includes an important strategic partnership with Tufts University.

Joint Assessment and Collaboration Across the Mandera Triangle: Recognizing the overlapping objectives and value chains of BORESHA-NABAD and Hanaano, both programmes seek to conduct a joint Terms of Reference (TOR) and assessment. This collaboration aims to optimize resource allocation, enhance impact, and provide a comprehensive understanding of the value chains that cut across both programmes. The joint assessment will map existing value chains, review market systems, and identify past and current donor investments in the project areas. In the previous phase of BORESHA, DRC conducted an assessment on Livestock, alternative livelihood value chains, agrovets, and the perception of livestock herders towards animal health inputs in Mandera County, Kenya. This study is aimed to build off the previous study and gather information from Somalia (Dollow and Beled-Hawa), Ethiopia (Dollo Ado), and Kenya (4 corridors) to gain a deeper understanding of Livestock health, livestock products, agrovet sector, animal health sector, fodder, and alternative livelihood value chains (maize, melon, hides and skins, milk, honey, other horticultural value chains, live animals/meat value chain, etc.) in these areas to establish potential connections with both project beneficiaries.

BORESHA-NABAD Overall Goal

To enhance the effectiveness of conflict prevention and mitigation, disaster risk reduction and management, and resilience-building in cross-border communities.

Specific Objectives to Achieve Results:

1. Disaster risk reduction and conflict prevention capacities of cross-border stakeholders and communities are strengthened: This first outcome focuses on building the capacity of community structures, fostering (horizontal) cross-border engagements, and testing their delivery and response capacity. This will be achieved with an integrated approach by linking different thematic interventions. Equally important will be to build on horizontal linkages (connections between communities and actors across borders) and establish vertical linkages (foster engagement between vulnerable groups/communities and government actors).
2. Peacebuilding is enhanced through stronger linkages between communities and local, national, and regional authorities: This outcome focuses on ensuring the community-level efforts (Outcome l) are integrated into existing mechanisms and higher-level institutions. These linkages will ensure efforts are aligned with wider government priorities and help to achieve the programme’s sustainability.
3. Women and youth in marginalized borderland communities have improved access to income generation opportunities: This outcome focuses on improving access to income generation opportunities for women and youth in marginalized borderland communities. Using a market systems approach, women and youth will be prioritized for activities such as expanding access to financial and business development services, accessing loans through formal and informal financial structures and provision of TVET training and apprentices in sectors with market demand.
4. Borderland communities are better able to adapt their livelihoods to climate change and environmental degradation: This outcome focuses on improving the communities’ adaptation to climate change and environmental degradation, including climate-smart livelihood activities.

The Hanaano programme implements interventions geared towards prevention of child wasting via three main pathways:

1. Improving feeding and caring behaviors for infants, young children, adolescents and women of reproductive age.
2. Improving food security and supporting engagement in profitable, climate resilient livelihood strategies; and
3. Informing and influencing relevant country and regional strategies to prevent wasting by demonstrating evidence of what works, particularly at community level. Monitoring and community-driven research, including analysis of barriers and assessments, as well as referrals and linkages between target households and existing services will support the overall goal.

2. Objective of the Consultancy

BORESHA-NABAD in collaboration with Hanaano programme are currently in search of a consultant or a reputable consultancy firm to carry out value chain assessment in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia. The main focus of this assessment is to map out and assess existing value chains and consequently review the market system in BORESHA-NABAD and Hanaano project areas of Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia, as well as mapping past and current donor investments.

The consultant/firm is responsible for:

1. Bringing out the competitiveness of the value chains within the project sites.
2. Assess the capacity of value chain actors including their capacity in occupying a specific market niche, their skill set in business development services, existing opportunities and gaps within the value chains.
3. On livestock health: The consultant will also evaluate the number of qualified animal health technicians in each of the project locations. Furthermore, the consultant/firm will identify community animal health workers who have already received training and determine if there are any additional training needs. They will also identify common diseases and the availability of drugs in the assessment area. Additionally, the consultant will gather information on the most commonly sold and used products, their sources, and their prices. It is important for the consultant to identify any products and services that are needed but currently unavailable. The assignment also involves assessing the perspective of livestock owners in the buying decision process for veterinary products. This includes their willingness to procure veterinary inputs and their opinions on the quality, availability, and cost of current products and services in the region. To gather information, the consultant will collaborate with existing value chain actors
4. Incorporate nutritional considerations in value chain analysis to ensure that the interventions not only support economic development but also contribute to improved nutrition outcomes

To gather information, the consultant will collaborate with existing value chain actors including, traders, processors, aggregators, agrovets and relevant stakeholders. They will also conduct interviews with livestock owners, potentially utilizing existing structures such as LCIG, NRM, DRR, private sector groups, and VSLA. On the fodder and alternative livelihood value chains (maize, melon, hides and skins, milk, honey, other horticultural value chains, live animals/meat value chain, etc.) the consultant/firm is expected to map current farms, sizes, locations, and provide a deep analysis of gaps and recommendations for potential growth areas for both riverine and rainfed locations, considering the sustainability and scalability of the proposed interventions. The consultant or consultancy firm is expected to work closely with various stakeholders who possess relevant expertise in the sector.

3. Scope of Work and Methodology

The proposed assessment will be carried out in Kenya (Dollo, Belethawa, Benissa, Mandera North, Mandera East, Laffey, Mandera South) , Somalia (Dollo & Belethawa) and Ethiopia (Dollo Ado). To effectively respond to the assessment objectives, the consultant or consultancy firm will be expected to develop assessment tools that will help gather information that will help answer the following questions:

3.1 Livestock Health

• Determine and profile the number of existing agrovets per location.
• Identify the most commonly sold or used products by the agrovets.
• Determine the sources from which the agrovets obtain their products.
• Gather information on the prices of the most common products sold by the agrovets.
• Assess the equipment available to the agrovets, such as fridges and motorbikes.
• Determine the number of qualified technicians in each sub-county of the county.
• Map out the veterinary drug supply chain.
• Understand the buying decision process for veterinary products among pastoralists.
• Assess the willingness of pastoralists to procure veterinary inputs.
• Identify any products and services that are needed but currently unavailable.
• The view of the pastoralists on the quality, availability and cost of the current products and services in the region
• In relation to cross border trade, bring out an understanding of the regulations, challenges, and opportunities for trade facilitation and market integration across borders specifically for Veterinary products, services and fodder for animals
• Assess the level of market access and participation of women in the agrovet sector for income generation. Identify barriers and opportunities for women entrepreneurs and workers in running agrovets and offering veterinary services, acquiring resources, and scaling their businesses
• Assess the current status of mass vaccination programs for livestock in the Mandera and Somali. Determine the coverage rates, frequency of vaccination campaigns, and effectiveness in controlling common diseases like PPR (Peste des Petits Ruminants) and CCPP (Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia).
• Identify specific diseases that require mass vaccination interventions based on prevalent disease profiles in the region. Prioritize diseases that have a significant impact on livestock health and productivity
• Evaluate the availability and accessibility of vaccines for targeted livestock diseases. Assess the supply chain for vaccines, including procurement, storage, and distribution mechanisms
• Assess the willingness of pastoralists to participate in mass vaccination of livestock.
• Evaluate the availability and accessibility of fodder for livestock in the project areas. Identify sources of fodder including natural grazing lands, cultivated pastures, and supplementary feeds

3.2 Livestock in General

• Map out all stakeholders and their roles in the livestock value chain, from producers to consumers, including suppliers, processors, distributors, and retailers.
• Describe how livestock and related products move through the chain through cross-border trade
• Examine how information about prices, quality, and demand is transmitted along the chain
• Assess market demand for livestock and livestock products and the capacity of pastoralists to meet this demand.
• Analyze the roles and contributions of women and youth in the livestock value chain.
• Evaluate the availability and accessibility of inputs such as feed, veterinary services, and breeding stock
• Analyze the structure and functioning of cross-border markets for livestock products cross Mandera triangle.
• Assess the infrastructure available for transporting and storing livestock and livestock products.
• Assess the adequacy of market facilities such as auction yards, slaughterhouses, and processing plants
• Outline the policies and regulations that affect the cross-border livestock value chain, including trade policies, animal health regulations, and food safety standards.
• Evaluate the role of County and National Government and other institutions in supporting the livestock sector within Mandera Triangle
• Assess the availability of financial service providers having appropriate financial products for livestock value chain actors.

3.3 Fodder:

• Assess the quality and nutritional value of available fodder resources. Determine the adequacy of fodder in meeting the dietary needs of different livestock species and age groups.
• Study the production and supply chain of fodder, including inputs (seeds, fertilizers), cultivation practices, harvesting techniques, storage facilities, and transportation methods. Identify key actors involved in fodder production and distribution.
• Analyze the market dynamics of fodder, including pricing trends, seasonal variations, and market structures. Understand the factors influencing fodder prices such as supply-demand dynamics, transportation costs, and market intermediaries
• Investigate prevailing livestock feeding practices among pastoralists and agro-pastoralists. Identify traditional and modern feeding techniques, as well as constraints faced by livestock owners in accessing adequate fodder
• Conduct a fodder gap analysis to identify periods of fodder scarcity or shortages throughout the year. Determine strategies to address seasonal variations in fodder availability
• Assess the adoption of fodder conservation and management practices such as haymaking, silage production, and use of alternative feed resources during lean seasons
• Engage with pastoralists and relevant stakeholders to understand perceptions and knowledge gaps related to fodder production and utilization.
• Assess existing policies and institutional frameworks related to fodder production, trade, and utilization.
• Assess the level of market access and participation of women in the fodder production and marketing sector for income generation. Identify barriers and opportunities for women entrepreneurs and workers in engaging in the fodder market system.
• Map out and profile key suppliers /distributors of fodder both within Somalia and Ethiopia and cross border trade.
• Identify the main constraints and bottlenecks in the livestock value chain.

3.4 Alternative Livelihood Value Chains (Maize, Melon, Hides and Skins, Milk, Honey, other Horticultural Value Chains, Live Animals/Meat Value Chain etc.)

• Map out existing alternative value chains supporting livelihoods within the Mandera triangle
• Highlight potential opportunities for enhancing each value chain’s performance and competitiveness outlining existing opportunities and constrains for investment
• Identify and profile key market actors, including producers, traders, brokers, processors, and retailers
• Examine the availability and accessibility of inputs for alternative value chains like seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation equipment etc
• Assess the availability of financial institutions having financial services and products for value chain actors, including affordable credit, insurance, and savings.
• Evaluate the level of financial inclusion and any barriers to accessing financial services for those value chains
• Assess the impact of borders on trade, including customs, tariffs, and informal trade routes in relation to the mapped value chains
• Assess the capacity of stakeholders in relation to the skills in Business Development Service (Business planning, marketing, partnerships, financial management, Record keeping, etc)
• Assess the availability and effectiveness of market information systems for the mapped value chain actors
• Assess the capacity of the producers/ pastoralists/ suppliers to meet the market demand for the product within the mapped value chains
• Analyze the pricing structure at each stage of the value chain, consider price volatility and factors influencing prices.

The assessment will provide valuable insights into the Livestock health, livestock, fodder and other livelihood value chains, as well as the training needs of key actors along those value chains in relation to market system within the Mandera triangle. The assessment should be able to provide practical recommendations around market-based response options which can contribute to develop self-reliance and streamline market systems approaches among the Pastoral communities and in an emergency setup.

Nutrition Considerations in Value Chain Analysis:

When conducting the value chain analysis, it is crucial to consider nutritional aspects to ensure that the interventions not only support economic development but also contribute to improved nutrition outcomes. The consultant should focus on the following points:

• Nutrient-Dense Foods: Prioritize value chains that produce nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and animal products (milk, meat). Assess the availability, accessibility, and affordability of these foods in the target areas.
• Food Quality and Safety: Evaluate the quality and safety standards of food products along the value chain. This includes assessing practices related to food handling, storage, processing, and transportation to minimize nutrient loss and contamination
• Nutrition Education: Assess the level of nutrition knowledge and awareness among value chain actors and consumers. Determine the need for nutrition education and training programs to promote healthy dietary practices and enhance the demand for nutritious foods.
• Women and Youth Involvement: Evaluate the involvement of women and youth in value chains related to nutrition-sensitive agriculture. Assess how their participation can be enhanced to improve household nutrition and income.
• Post-Harvest Losses: Investigate the extent of post-harvest losses in nutrient-rich food value chains and recommend strategies to reduce these losses, ensuring that more food reaches consumers in its most nutritious state.
• Food Accessibility and Distribution: Assess the distribution channels for nutritious foods to ensure that they reach vulnerable populations, including remote and marginalized communities.

By incorporating these nutritional considerations into the value chain analysis, the joint assessment can provide a holistic approach to improving both economic resilience and nutritional outcomes in the Mandera Triangle.

4. Deliverables

Based on the detailed scope of work outlined for the assessment, the key deliverables for the consultant or consultancy firm conducting the assignment include:

Comprehensive Assessment Report:

The report should provide analysis of the Livestock, livestock health, fodder and alternative value chains market system’s resources, structures, and seasonality for the VCs. It should evaluate veterinary drug supply chains’ procurement, storage, and distribution. Insights on livestock vaccination, women’s participation in agrovet and fodder VCs, and future livestock feeding practices and conservation techniques should also be detailed. The report should take the following flow:

1. Acknowledgements
2. Glossary/Acronyms
3. Executive Summary
4. Introduction
5. Methodology
6. Limitations
7. Findings (tables and interpretations)
8. Recommendations, strategies and implementation plans and conclusion
9. Annexes (survey tools and completed indicator table)

Market Analysis and Recommendations

The report should map key actors along specific value chains, analyze market trends and gaps, offer insights into pastoralists’ buying preferences, pricing, Nutrition and provide recommendations for cross border market access, supply chains, and cross border policy measures to support pastoral communities.

Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Assessment

The report should provide the capacity and training needs of the key actors along each of the mapped value chains. It should map stakeholders’ roles and collaboration opportunities to support market system development initiatives.

Actionable Strategies and Implementation Plan:

The plan should include location specific actionable strategies to address challenges and leverage market opportunities, with specific steps and entry points for implementation. It should provide recommendation on how best to leverage private sector and government resources for the mapped value chains.

Phase I Review

Expected deliverables – Inception Report and designing data collection tools, Indicative description tasks – Sourcing, Documentation, Data Tools, Maximum expected timeframe – 5 working days

Phase 2 Analysis

Expected deliverables – Training and Data Collection, Indicative description tasks – Mobilisation of field team and training, pre-testing of the tools, and information collection, Maximum expected timeframe – 15 working days

Phase 3 Draft Report

Expected deliverables – Intermediate Report, Indicative description tasks – Draft report Max 30 pages answering the points listed under assignment in line with the assignment description, Maximum expected timeframe – 5 working days

Phase 4 Reporting

Expected deliverables – Final report, Indicative description tasks – Final report addressing the assignment key areas of interest with clear recommendations for Action, Maximum expected timeframe – 5 working days

5. Duration, Timeline, and Payment

The total expected duration to complete the assignment will be no more than 30 working days

The consultant shall be prepared to complete the assignment no later than 1st October 2024**.**

Payment shall be in 4 Phases, as stipulated below;

• 20% of contract valueupon approval of the inception report and the data collection tools by the Chief of Party
• 30% of contract value upon submission of a debrief report with data sets of respondents reached
• 30% upon submission and approval of the draft report
• 20% upon approval of final report

6. Proposed Composition of the Team

a)Project Manager/ Team Leader (Full time)

The key expert proposed for the position of project Manager/ Team Leader must have Master’ degree in a relevant field – ideally Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, animal health, Veterinary medicine. Consultant/ firm Team Leader should possess at least 10 years of experience in research an analytical skill, value chain analysis for Resilience and Market systems programmes in fragile and disjointed market contexts.

b) Field Supervisors (Full Time-3)

The key experts proposed for the position of Field Supervisors (Deputy Team Leader) must possess a minimum bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, animal health, Veterinary medicine or related fields. The field supervisors will possess at least five years of working experience in value chain selection and analysis in Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia or at least two of these countries with demonstrated capacity to work in the target areas.

c) Interviewers/Enumerators

The interviewers/ data enumerators will be responsible for administering the questionnaires and checklists for data collection. They will possess a minimum of a Diploma or certificate in agriculture economics, Social works, Political Studies, Public Administration, Community Development, or related disciplines. The Interviewers/ enumerators must possess at least one year experience in data collection. Prior experience in a resilience project or as a Research Assistant will be an added advantage. They should be familiar with English and Somali language. The enumerators should be drawn from the target borderland areas where possible.

7. Eligibility, qualification, and experience required (Firm/Consultants)

The consultant/s should possess the following qualifications:

1. A Master’s degree in a relevant livelihoods discipline, ideally on Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, animal health, Veterinary medicine. Consultant/ firm Team Leader should possess at least 10 years of experience in research an analytical skill, value chain analysis for Resilience and Market systems
2. 10 years of experience in complex multi-sector grants and value chains within the Horn of Africa region,
3. An understanding of cross-border value chains and issues, working experience on resilience and livelihoods programming, and experience in areas close to the border.
4. They should have solid experience in planning and executing large-scale studies,
5. Excellent writing skills, good data presentation, cultural sensitivity, gender balance, and adherence to humanitarian principles.
6. Technical supervision

The selected consultant/firm will work under the supervision of:

• Inclusive Markets Coordinator – BORESHA -NABAD Program
• Chief of Party – BORESHA -NABAD Program

9. Location

The consultant/firm will be expected to work in the following locations:

• Somalia – Dollo & Belethawa
• Kenya – Dollo, Belethawa, Benissa, Mandera North, Mandera East, Laffey, Mandera South
• Ethiopia – Dollo Ado

10. Travel

Travel will be required, and the consultant/firm will therefore be expected to arrange their own transportation, accommodation, insurance and food.

Please find complete bidding documents in the link below: RFP-RO01-003071 – Consultancy on Value Chain Analysis for BORESHA NABAD & Hanaano Programs