Consultancy-Trainings for Livestock Farmers

Trainings for Livestock Farmers in Ninewah, Iraq.

Assignment

1. Introduction

Oxfam in Iraq is implementing a pilot dairy project with the aim to improve livestock management and farm income in Ninewah governorates. The project will enhance the capacity of at least 250 smallholder farmers who will be divided into 10 groups in dairy farming best practices, feed management, and disease prevention for increased milk production. Participants will also receive a practical manual that includes information relevant to feed formulations, vaccination calendars, prevention techniques and early detection for diseases and diagnosis.

2. Objectives:

To equip livestock farmers with the skills and knowledge to address key challenges, improve productivity, and enhance the sustainability of their farming practices. This training aims to strengthen farmer’s understanding of best practices in livestock farming and to empower them with practical tools to adapt to emerging economic and environmental pressures.

The specific objectives of the training are to:

• Build capacity in animal health management, including disease prevention and treatment.
• Introduce sustainable livestock practices, including pasture management and waste management.
• Enhance knowledge of climate resilience strategies for livestock management.
• Improve members’ skills in market access and value addition to increase their income and market competitiveness.

3. Scope of Work

The consultant/training provider will be responsible for:

• Developing a detailed training curriculum that aligns with the identified themes and includes hands-on, practical components.
• Conducting pre-training assessments to gauge members’ current knowledge and tailor the content accordingly.
• Delivering a multi-day training program that balances theory with practical exercises, ensuring active participation.
• Design and Providing training materials (handouts, booklets, visual aids) in the local language and ensuring accessibility for all participants.
• Design 25 pages practical manual that includes information relevant to feed formulations, vaccination calendars, prevention techniques and early detection for diseases and diagnosis and attached in illustration images. In coordination with Oxfam designated staff
• Providing at least two trainers to deliver training simultaneously to 10 groups of farmers at the same time. Each group will participate in a 3-day comprehensive training program.

4. Methodology

Suggested methodologies include:

• Interactive sessions: To facilitate peer learning and knowledge exchange.
• Practical Demonstrations: For hands-on learning in animal health care, sustainable grazing, etc.
• Case Studies and Role-Playing Exercises: To address market scenarios and resilience planning.
• Field Visits (if feasible): To observe best practices in a real-world setting.
• Q&A Sessions and Open Forums: To address specific questions and local challenges.

The training program will include:

1. Day One: Animal Health and Disease Prevention
   • Common Diseases in Dairy Cattle in Iraq:
     • Mastitis
     • Brucellosis
     • Milk Fever (Hypocalcemia)
     • Theileriosis (Yellow Fever)
     • Foot and Mouth Disease
   • For each disease:
     • Symptoms
     • Treatment
     • Prevention

2. Day Two: Feed and Nutritional Management
   • General principles for formulating rations for dairy cattle.
   • Feed additives for dairy cows.
   • Formulation of the ideal ration for milk production.
   • Diseases caused by poor nutrition and feed shortages.
   • Best feeds for increasing milk production.
   • Key sources of feed components:
   • Protein sources
   • Carbohydrate sources
   • Fat sources
   • Vitamin and mineral sources.
3. Day Three: Dairy Farming Best Practices
   • Milking process and types of milking practices.
   • Basic requirements for proper milking.
   • Producing and preserving healthy milk.
   • Conditions for obtaining high-quality milk.
   • Handling milk unsuitable for manufacturing and consumption.
   • Methods for storing milk and dairy products.
   • The role of dairy products in health and nutrition.
4. Key Deliverables:

• Training Curriculum and Materials: Comprehensive curriculum and training materials for each theme.
• Training Sessions: Delivery of training sessions as per the agreed schedule.
• Evaluation and Report: A post-training report that includes:
• Summary of training activities
• Assessment of participants’ understanding, and skills acquired.
• Recommendations for further capacity-building needs.
• Participant feedback and attendance records.
• Pre and post test results to measure skills improvements with the farmers

Timeline for implementation

Proposal requirements  

Oxfam is requesting the service providers to hand in a proposal of maximum three (3) pages, which should highlight the methodology and analytical approaches that the consultant will employ for acquiring and analysing data; the types of data(sets) that will be used; an analysis plan; and a workplan. The proposal should also include a succinct description of consultant’s capacities and any relevant experience related to the ToR. The 3-page proposal does not include biographies, CVs, diplomas, sample work and references, which should be submitted separately. Proposals not fulfilling the minimum criteria will be excluded from the tender procedure and will not be assessed further. 

Timeframe  

The assignment will be starting the 19^th Jan 2025 until the 7^th March 2025, inclusive of the submission of the final deliverables defined within. Weekly meetings will be held to discuss findings and direction of work.

Education and Experience  

• The team should have significant knowledge and experience in conducting high quality training delivery on livestock management.
• The team should have technical knowledge of livestock, economics, and marketing.
• Experience on research on business models and financial feasibilities.
• Ability to work in Iraq and in the target governorates for training and assessments.
• Experience in Iraq and MENA region is an asset.  
• Proficiency in English and in Arabic.   

Selection Criteria

Note: Consultant will not be responsible for boarding/logistic cost of trainees or arranging the training cost. In the financial proposal, the bid should only include the direct cost of trainers (daily rate, travel/boarding  etc).  

The interested parties should send all the required documents listed above to the address:

[email protected]  with “Trainings for Livestock Farmers in Ninewah, Iraq” in the subject line.

TOR LINK: https://oxfam.box.com/s/pqcrpugjb4ln4fzo0he0cifrb8ad83ux 

Deadline for submission of offers:

The deadline for submitting the offers is: 12^th Jan 2024 (9:00 hr.).