ToR for conducting Rapid Assessment (Mapping) of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) involved in Organic fertilizers (amendments types and organic matters) production, certification and trading in Rwanda

1. Background

IMBARAGA is a Non-governmental National Farmers Organization that works with farmers to improve the socio-economic conditions of more than 32,400 members located in 26 out of 30 districts throughout the country. It is structured from the village to the national level and governed by the vision stated as “A professional farmer, the trigger of development” through “lobby and advocacy”; “increase in productivity and competitiveness” and “environmental protection”.

With the financial support of SNV-Rwanda, IMBARAGA is implementing the “Regenerative Agriculture for improved Livelihoods and Markets System” project in two (2) districts of Rwanda, namely Rubavu and Rutsiro districts.

In Rwanda, agriculture sector plays a crucial role in the national economy, employing a majority of the population and contributing significantly to its GDP. However, like many other regions, Rwanda faces many challenges, including climate change, soil degradation, and food security concerns.

RA aims to restore and improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate climate change impacts for sustainability purposes. It is seen as a viable solution to address the challenges faced by farmers and the environment in general.

2. Assignment

As an organization extensively working in the agricultural sector and environment protection and conservation, IMBARAGA intends to conduct “A Rapid Assessment focusing on existing SMEs involved in Organic fertilizers (amendment types and organic fertilizers both liquid and solid) production, certification and trading in favor of the Smallholder Farmers in Rwanda”.

For this purpose, IMBARAGA would like to hire a consulting firm or an individual consultant to carry out an in-depth research/ rapid assessment on the topic aforementioned in eight (8) districts of Rwanda with some of them covered by REALMS project interventions through which issues and challenges have been raised in relation to limited knowledge and skills on environmental health protection and conservation, climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies and soil fertility management among others, during its implementation process at the community level mainly during the community sensitization meetings on RA approaches, field visits and learning events such as the study trips and training workshops for FFS facilitators, the District platform meetings, and desk review.

During the field work and discussions with different stakeholders, data will be collected in relation to mapping existing organic inputs-oriented SMEs and farmers’ organisations, coops or individuals (internal governance and structuring, business plan, staffing, input supply, job creation, strategic partnerships and competitors, current customers and potential, environmental policy and human security guidelines for sustainable development;…) with focus on gender equity and social inclusion, women and young people empowerment within their entities; documenting the best practices and lessons learnt; highlighting key challenges faced and proposing clear recommendations for future concrete action to be done by the Rwandan Government (MINAGRI, MOE, MINICOM, etc.) and other strategic actors such as the CSOs, the farmers’ organizations and the Private Sector Federation in Rwanda.

3. Objectives of the Assignment

The overall objective of the consultancy is to generate evidence that supports advocacy work to influence Government provide investment facilities and incentives (subsidies, insurance, certification, research for/ and development, machinery and materials ;..) to the existing SMEs actually operating in Rwanda so that they can perform better in manufacturing sufficient quantities, and of good quality, of amendment types and organic matters to be delivered to the smallholder farmers to help them increase their added value in agricultural value chains development and become more autonomous.

This mapping exercise aims to inform policymakers and influence decisions at different levels of central and local government structures regarding the development of the regenerative agriculture sub-sector and to improve its contribution to the national economy and for export.

Specifically, the study is designed to achieve the following objectives:

• Identify all existing SMEs involved in amendments and organic fertilizers production, certification, supply and trading throughout the country;
• Identify their needs, aspirations and expectations from other key stakeholders such as the Goverment, the farmers’ Organizations, financial institutions and research organizations;
• Conduct SWOT analysis vs Business Model Canvas exercise (BMC) in order to have a clear image of what they are and need in terms of institutional development, access to financial services and enabling environment;
• Define the small-scale farmers opportunities to access agricultural inputs especially those made in Rwanda at the local and national level with raw materials and biomass available;
• Generate information that supports linkages of all stakeholders in the value chain meaning the analysis of relationships and networks existing between the PP- CSOs/ Farmers organizations partnerships;
• Come up with an advocacy strategy drawn from the complete inventory of existing SMEs involved in the production, supply/distribution segment and use of organic fertilizers in Rwanda. 

4. Scope of work

The consultant is expected to:

• Undertake a literature review on amendments (lime) and organic fertilizers (both liquid and solid) production, supply and use in Rwanda;
• Analyze the local context and opportunities for smallholder farmers to access agricultural inputs at the community level, farmer cooperatives, agro-dealers across the districts covered by the study;
• Identify the main challenges that hamper the provision and availability of agro-inputs (lime and organic matters both liquid and solid) and the coping mechanisms and strategies adopted by the farmers themselves;
• Collect relevant information from key actors and other service providers operating at the district level such as the private companies, farmer cooperatives, local NGOs, etc.;
• Provide actionable recommendations based on the main findings of the study;
• The study will be carried out in targeted eight (8) districts of Rwanda;
• An in-depth analysis of the gender and socio-economic dynamics affecting the provision and availability of organic manure and amendments in the targeted districts will be detailed to inform the implementation of the policy in regard to self-reliance in organic farming. 

5. Approach

The consultant/firm is expected to undertake desktop research and visit relevant institutions to collect more information on the subject of concern. The consultant/firm is required to use a consultative and inclusive approach to ensure that all key stakeholders are actively involved during the process of this study. The consultant/firm will also require close consultations with IMBARAGA technical team and leaders to ensure ownership and collective responsibility.

6. Expected deliverables

• Prepare and present a detailed methodology and work plan during the technical offer including: data collection and analysis techniques and methods, triangulation approaches and sampling methods;
• Well-designed tools for quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis;
• An inception report detailing the proposed methodology, identified stakeholders in the organic fertilizers value chain, key informants and likely challenges;
• A presentation of report findings to IMBARAGA and other key stakeholders for comments and inputs;
• A final report incorporating comments from IMBARAGA and other stakeholders presented both in soft and 3 hard copies. 

7. Assignment duration and management arrangements

The duration of assignment is maximum of 30 calendar days from the date of signing the contract. Any changes should be discussed with IMBARAGA within the first two (2) weeks after signing of the contract.

The draft report should be available no later than the 20^th day after signing the contract. The final document should be ready by the 30^th day. The consultant/firm will work directly under supervision of the Secretary General of IMBARAGA with technical oversight of the Program Officer.

8. Minimum desired qualification and competencies

The assignment will be carried out by an individual consultant or consulting firm, who/which will be hired by IMBARAGA, based on its tender policy. An individual consultant or consulting firm will be able to perform all the tasks outlined in the key deliverables section above.

The minimum expected qualification and experience desired to conduct this study are detailed below:

• An individual consultant or multidisciplinary consulting firm with demonstrable experience in Qualitative &Quantitative researches, data analysis and reporting with a focus on gender equality and women empowerment as well as community mobilization;
• The Lead Consultant should hold at least a Master’s degree in relevant field like Food security and nutrition, Social Sciences, Economics, Agronomy, Environmental Sciences, Rural Development, or related field of study for independent consultant or 2 senior consultants from consultancy firm;
• At least five (5) years of professional working experience in conducting research in agriculture sector;
• Knowledge of the socio-cultural, economic and political context of Rwanda, and in particular agriculture sector;
• Strong experiences in using advanced data analysis and visualization techniques and methods;
• Proven work experience with Gov’t institutions, international and local NGOs, and Community based organizations (CBOs) and Farner organizations;
• Excellent command of English, both spoken and written; and knowledge of Kinyarwanda will be added value;
• Excellent report writing techniques and communication skills. 

• Criteria of selection

The selection will mainly be based on the following elements:

• Relevance of the proposed approach and methodology;
• Qualification and experience in carrying out similar work;
• Working calendar and detailed financial proposal. 

9. How to apply?

Interested candidates are required to submit the following documents:

• A technical proposal should outline an indicative methodology (sampling methodology and techniques for sample size calculation, data collection, and analysis techniques), timeline, and delivery dates and proofs of previous similar work experience, detailed CVs; and an application letter including contact information of references;
• A financial proposal (financial bids) quoted in Rwandan Francs (Rwf).

All bids need to be addressed to the Legal Representative and submitted to IMBARAGA Head Office (KK18 Av214, Rubilizi Road, P.O.Box 1462 Kigali- Rwanda) no later than December 15, 2023, at 3:0 pm. Only the short-listed bidder will be contacted. 

Done at Kigali, on December 04^th, 2023 

MUNYAKAZI Jean Paul,

Legal Representative