: Market study for the Viability of High Value food crops for local demand and Climate Adapted Crops, and Soil Suitability for crop farming.

Terms of Reference for Market Research and Analysis.

ASSIGNMENT TITLE*: Market study for the Viability of High Value food crops for local demand and Climate Adapted Crops, and Soil Suitability for crop farming.***

LOCATION*: Laikipia County**, Solio Settlement (Village 3- Bahati, village 5-Mathingira, village 6-Mukandamia, village 7- Baraka).*

Introduction

Habitat for Humanity Kenya (HFHK) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to facilitating access to decent and affordable shelter for low-income families. HFHK has been actively involved in various development programs in Laikipia County and other regions in Kenya since 2016. These programs encompass home construction, water sanitation and hygiene (WASH), school infrastructure, access to finance through savings groups, land rights advocacy, cash transfer initiatives, school feeding programs and more.

Laikipia County faces significant challenges in farming and food security due to its semi-arid nature. The region’s limited access to safe drinking water, hygiene, and sanitation hampers agricultural productivity and public health. Indigenous crops may struggle to thrive in these conditions, affecting local food availability. To address food security concerns, there’s a pressing need to diversify and promote the cultivation of high-value crops that can thrive in Laikipia’s environment. This shift can enhance both agricultural sustainability and economic prospects for smallholder farmers, contributing to improved food security while bolstering the county’s resilience against climate-related challenges.

HFH Kenya under BMZ Lions in Laikipia is implementing a 39-month project to Improve the resilience to climate change for rural people in Solio settlement scheme. The 3-year and three months project aim to rehabilitate non-functioning boreholes in 4 villages, construction of 3 new boreholes and four 1,000m3 water pans to support farming activities, identification and provision of access to financial services and capacity building of community members on financial skills to ensure good management of income from agriculture and other activities. The project aims to carry out a market survey where information will be gathered on local demand for food crops in Solio Settlement, price trends and expectations of potential customers, including hotels and urban markets, for agricultural products (crops and livestock). The survey will also collect data from farms in Solio involved in the production of high-value products. The market research report will be shared with community members through community forums to build consensus on crop production.

The terms of reference present a brief description of the expected outcomes of the study, the scope, and key questions, deliverables, consultant qualifications, and the projected level of effort.

The market research & analysis report is required to be completed and submitted to Habitat for Humanity Kenya by 28th September 2024.

Scope

Habitat for Humanity Kenya intends to conduct a comprehensive market research study to gain insights into the agricultural landscape, specifically focusing on the viability of high value crops and vegetables in Bahati, Mathingira, Mukandamia and Baraka villages in Solio Settlement in Laikipia County. The primary objectives of this research are as follows:

• To assess the farming history of Bahati, Mathingira, Mukandamia and Baraka villages, including the types of crops cultivated (indigenous or exotic) and their economic significance.
• To assess and evaluate the viability of cultivating high-value crops in village 3,5,6 and 7.
• To conduct soil analysis in order to determine whether the soil conditions in these villages are conducive to high-value crop production.
• To assess the capacity of smallholder farmers in the four villages to engage in high-value crop production, identifying existing needs and gaps in production capabilities.
• To explore smallholders’ recommendations on the most viable high value crops and vegetables for the areas.
• To Explore the most adaptable and high value livestock breeds in the region.
• To explore suitable arable sites and develop arable site selection criteria.

Therefore, the market research project should include, but not be limited to, the following tasks:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of existing agricultural practices and crop history in Solio.
• Identify and analyze high value crops currently grown by smallholder farmers in the target villages.
• Evaluate the viability for cultivating high-value crops and assess their market demand and profitability.
• Perform soil analysis to determine soil suitability for high-value crop production.
• Assess the knowledge, skills, and resources of smallholder farmers in the targeted villages with regard to high-value crop cultivation.
• Identify and analyze livestock breeds of high economic importance in the four villages.
• Develop and validate arable site identification and selection criteria.
• Identify the existing production needs and gaps in terms of infrastructure, resources, and training

required for successful high-value crop farming.

Deliverables and Timelines

The selected research agency or consultant(s) will be responsible for delivering the following:

• Submission of a detailed work plan for this assignment during an inception meeting.
• A comprehensive market research report detailing the findings, insights, and recommendations based on the research objectives.
• Data and analysis of current farming practices, crop economics, and soil suitability and analysis.
• Recommendations for potential high-value crops and strategies for smallholder engagement.
• Recommendation on the soil conditions in terms of nutrients and minerals availability and deficiency and soil corrective measures.
• Detailed criteria on identification and selection of arable sites in the region.
• An assessment of existing production needs and gaps.
• Presentation of findings and recommendations to HFHK and project stakeholders. The market research project is expected to be completed within 14 working days (with specific milestones and deadlines to be agreed upon during the contract negotiation phase).

The market research will start on 4th –21st September 2024, the final report to be submitted at the latest 27th September 2024.

Qualifications and experience

The potential Consultant should have the following qualifications.

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Agriculture Economics, Marketing, Business, Economics, Statistics, or a related discipline. A master’s degree in Agro-Economics, Markets and Value Chains Analysis, Business Management, or a related field can be an advantage.
• Research Skills: Strong analytical and quantitative skills for data analysis and interpretation.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R) and data visualization tools.
• Qualitative research skills, including conducting KI interviews and focus groups.
• Market Research Experience: Proven experience in designing and conducting market research studies in Agricultural value chains.
• Knowledge of various research methodologies, both quantitative and qualitative.
• Familiarity with primary and secondary research techniques.
• Industry Knowledge: Understanding of the specific industry or sector in which the research will be conducted.

Proposal Requirements

Please submit a consolidated technical and financial proposal (no more than 10 pages excluding annexes) including the following:

§ Methodology: Describe your overall approach and methodology including, and not limited to, methodology to address gaps, additional questions, and research design

§ Timeline: A detailed timeline of key activities and expected deliverables

§ Relevant experience & expertise: Provide details on any similar projects or research undertakings in terms of scope, complexity, and alignment with the high value crops market; as well as the organization’s level of knowledge and expertise in conducting market-based research and analysis on agricultural markets and production.

§ Key personnel and staffing: Describe key personnel from the assigned team. Include key experience through CVs (no more than 3 pages each and attached as an annex) of key personnel that will be part of the project team.

§ Budget and cost estimation: Provide an overall cost estimate as well as a line-item budget and budget narrative with cost estimates presented in Kenya Shillings (KES).