Terms of Reference

For a technical Consultant to   carry out feasibility study for small scale solar powered irrigation system in Nyaruguru and Nyamagabe districts in the sector of Busanze and Nyabimata, Mbazi and Kibubwe respectively.   

1. Background

Rwanda Development Organisation (RDO) is a non-Government organization established in 1995 to support the initiatives of Rwandese in social and economic development.

The organization envisages to see Rwandans in control of their own destiny, enjoying a good standard of living and sustainable development. 

RDO secured funds from Trocaire to implement the project that intends to contribute to the development of agriculture sector in Rwanda by diversifying means of irrigation through introduction of Small-Scale Solar powered Irrigation in Nyaruguru and Nyamagabe districts. Rwanda Development Organization (RDO) in partnership with Trocaire wants to support smallholder farmers through Small Scale Solar powered irrigation to complement the existing efforts deployed in irrigation by the Rwandan government and benefit communities as well as smallholder farmers on a larger scale. We predict that the use of small solar powered irrigation will be cost effective to communities and smallholder farmers compared to diesel and hydroelectric powered irrigation. Furthermore, the introduction of solar powered irrigation is also in line with new global climate change orientations which are moving away from polluting sources of energy to more embracing renewable ones. In addition to that it is also cost effective since it does not require daily fuel to operate.

The solar powered irrigation will be used to mitigate climate change effect that causes droughts which limit cropping, thus agriculture production and productivity. The introduction of small scale solar powered irrigation project will also allow farming activities during season C which are not usually carried out during this period, hence increasing food security and farmers’ income.

It is against this background that, RDO is seeking to hire a competent consultant firm to carry out feasibility study for small scale solar powered irrigation system in Nyaruguru and Nyamagabe districts in the sector of Busanze and Nyabimata,Mbazi and Kibubwe respectively.

2. General Objective of the consultancy

 The overall goal of the consultancy is to come up with feasibility study report that will guide RDO to achieve its objective of installation of small scale solar powered irrigation.   

       2.1   Specific objectives of consultancy

• To Carry out the feasibility study for small scale powered irrigation in rural communities in two sectors of Nyaruguru district and 2 sectors in Nyamagabe district.
• To Provide opinion on the feasibility of the project and indicate the technical consideration to ensure the proper installation of solar powered irrigation across the 4 villages of Nyaruguru and Nyamagabe districts.
• Assess the feasibility of implementing small-scale solar-powered irrigation systems in two sectors of Nyaruguru district and 2 sectors in Nyamagabe district.
• Evaluate the technical, economic, environmental, and social viability of the proposed irrigation systems.
• Identify potential challenges and opportunities for the successful implementation of solar-powered irrigation systems.
• Provide recommendations for the design, implementation, and management of the systems.

3. Scope of work:

In trying to address the above 4 objectives, the scope of the consultancy should explicitly include the following:

• Market Analysis:
  1. Assess the current market demand for irrigation services in the target area, including the size of the potential customer base and their specific needs.
  2. Analyze the existing market players, including suppliers, service providers, and potential competitors/collaborators.
  3. Identify market trends, pricing mechanisms, and barriers to entry for small-scale solar-powered irrigation systems providers and users, etc.
• Technical Assessment:
  1. Evaluate the suitability of solar-powered irrigation systems for the local context, considering factors such as sunlight availability, water sources, and soil conditions. (In the target area)
  2. Assess the technical requirements and specifications for the systems, including solar panels, pumps, irrigation infrastructure, and storage facilities.
  3. Analyze the maintenance and repair needs, as well as the availability of skilled technicians and spares for system operation and upkeep.

• Economic and Financial Analysis:
  1. Conduct a cost-benefit analysis to determine the financial viability of implementing solar-powered irrigation systems.
  2. Assess the potential income generation and cost savings for farmers or irrigation service users.
  3. Estimate the initial investment costs, operational expenses, and potential revenue streams.
  4. Identify potential financing mechanisms, incentives, and support programs available for implementing the systems.
• Environmental and Social Impact Assessment:
  1. Evaluate the environmental sustainability of solar-powered irrigation systems, considering factors such as water usage, carbon emissions, and ecosystem impacts.
  2. Assess the social implications, including the impact on local livelihoods, gender dynamics, and community resilience.
  3. Identify measures to mitigate any potential negative environmental or social effects and promote sustainable practices.

In the end, the consultant shall provide:

• Recommendations:
  1. Provide clear and actionable recommendations for the implementation of small-scale solar-powered irrigation systems, (possibly, including the optimal system design, equipment selection, and installation guidelines).
  2. Suggest strategies for addressing any identified challenges and maximizing the potential benefits of the systems.
  3. Outline a roadmap for the phased implementation of the recommended interventions, including timelines, roles and responsibilities, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
  4. Deliverables
• An inception report with clear methodology to be used to conduct the feasibility study on small scale solar powered irrigation.
• A report on the study carried out and presenting it to RDO with clear data and analysis to inform the recommendations and actions
• A guiding tool for the establishment of small scale solar powered irrigation system 

5. Required Qualifications and Experience

     The consultant firm is required to possess the following qualifications

• Advanced university degree in agriculture mechanization with a high knowledge of Economic and financial analysis expertise
• Extended understanding of the Market Systems Development (MSD)
•  Having   individuals with   strong background in agriculture and irrigation system, market and economic analysis, environmental and social impact with in the consultant firm
•  Experience working in mechanization and supporting small scale irrigation in remote areas
• Extended experience in context analysis, data collection and interpretation
• Good communication and writing skills in English and Kinyarwanda

6. Documentation required for Expression of Interest

         Consultantancy firm should submit the following documents for the proposed team: 

• CVs of individual team members is required with evidences of the work done in similar area
• Technical bid showing clear understanding of the scope of assignment and examples of similar assignments done before;
• Financial bid with clear breakdown of costs and rate per day in RWF;
• Payment terms and pricing structure;
• Proposed turnaround time;
• Contact details of 3 references;
• Certificate of RRA and RSSB for companies
• Certificate of registration (RGB) 

7. How to apply / Application process

Interested consultant firm who meet the required criteria shall submit their sealed applications addressed to the Executive Secretary, Rwanda Development Organization (RDO), KK 500 St 22, BRALIRWA Road, P.O. Box 368, Kigali. These should be submitted to RDO Secretariat offices not later than 31/July/2023, at 11:30 AM.

RDO Executive Secretary

Rwibasira Eugene