Consultancy Terms Of Reference For Conducting Assessment And Training On Sesame Value Chain Beledweyne – Somalia

CONSULTANCY TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR CONDUCTING ASSESSMENT AND TRAINING ON SESAME VALUE CHAIN BELEDWEYNE.

1	Title of Consultancy		ASSESSMENT AND TRAINING ON SESAME VALUE CHAIN IN BELEDWEYNE
2	SCI Contracting Office		Save the Children- Somalia
3	Period of Consultancy		15th Nov to 15th Dec- 2021
4	Consultant type required		Individual or Consultancy Firm.
5	Responsibility for Logistics		The consultant will cover for the Logistics arrangement and costs/expenses
	arrangements and Costs		associated with it; including food, accommodation and local transport and all cost
			associated
6	Taxation Provisions		Consultant shall be responsible for all Taxes arising from the consultancy in line with
			the local Tax regulations applicable at the SCI contracting office named above
7	Travel requirements		The consultant will cover the travel costs (tickets) and arrange local travel to field
			sites.
8	Qualification and Experience		The following are the minimum requirements for Consultant/Firm to be considered
			for carrying out the assignment.
			•   Masters’ or BSc Degree in Agronomy sciences.
			•   Established Firms with individuals having or Individuals with similar
			qualification.
			•   At least 4-5 years with similar experience and engagement on market system
			development and value chains
			•   Excellent command of English Language (both written and oral)
			•   Understands Somalia social dynamics
9	Evaluation Criteria		The consultant must meet the above required qualifications and experience.
10	Application Procedure		Interest applicants who meet the requirements should submit technical and financial
			proposals with detailed work plan and 3 similar contracts -signed and stamped copies
			and the profile of the firm via below email. CSS.LOGISTICS@savethechildren.org.
			All applications MUST be submitted on or before the closing date below to be
			considered for the assignment.
			Only shortlisted Candidates will be contacted.
11	Closing date for Applications		Interested consultants shall submit their applications through the email address
			provided above on	13th Nov- 2021.
			Shortlisted candidates will be requested for an interview.

ASSESSMENT AND TRAINING ON SESAME VALUE CHAIN/MARKEY SYSTEMS IN BELEDWEYNE

Background

For over 90 years, Save the Children has been making a difference in children’s lives in more than 120 countries. We are the world’s largest independent child rights organization, underpinned by a vision in a world in which every child attains the right to survival, protection, development and participation. Our mission to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children, and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.

SCI is a member of Building Resilient Communities in Somalia (BRCiS). a Consortium of national and international organizations whose objective is to support and guide vulnerable communities in Somalia in building their resilience capacities in their own way. The Consortium was created in 2013 and is now implementing projects in all Federal Member States of Somalia. BRCiS is committed to adaptive management of its programmes, guided by a strong learning strategy. enforces systematic decentralization of decision making to the field level and the communities, fostering innovation and self-reliance.

Global demand for sesame is increasing; buyers are looking to expand and diversify their sourcing to provide year-round supply regardless of local harvest seasons. Consequently, Somalia’s sesame export business has expanded rapidly. Despite major constraints on enabling environment such as civil strife, lack of investment and lack of policy and regulations. sesame production in Somalia has actually increased by seven-fold since 1991 and in 2013 was estimated at 70,000 tons, making Somalia apparently the world’s 12th largest sesame producer of sesame in the world, giving the country a substantial role in the global sesame trade. Approximately 80% of Somali sesame seed is exported and goes to the Middle East, India and China, though some also goes to the Netherlands and Turkey. Prices have rocketed from US$350/ton in 2005 for unprocessed sesame to US$ 1,700/ton in 2014 for de-hulled. However, prices plummeted to around $550/ton in 2015. Some local sesame seed consumption is processed into oil, which sells for US$ 4/liter, although quality is not high, and the market is likely to be negatively affected when palm oil imports gain traction. (STG, 2012)

The primary production areas are in Hiran, lower Shabelle and Middle Shabelle; accounting for over 50 percent of the total sesame production in Somalia. There are an estimated 150,000 farmers growing sesame in Somalia on 100,000 ha of land. Sesame farm sizes average is around 1 to 5 ha. Sesame is an incredibly resilient and stable crop in Somalia, hence, the reason why it is grown traditionally. crop growth requires a short rainy season (Deyr) followed by a longer dry season (Jilaal), conditions ideal in Somali’s climate. Although it is noted that two, or even three growing seasons are possible in a year. Sesame is exported to the Middle East and Europe predominantly for use in cooking and confectionary. European markets typically pay the highest prices but have more stringent quality standards. Exports to the Far East are predominantly used for making oil. (World Bank 2018)

Years ago, Somalia was one of the world’s leading exporters of sesame. However, 30 years of civil conflict have severely damaged the profitability of the industry. Currently, the sesame value chain in Somalia requires strategic adjustment in order to keep it balanced and sustainable. An assessment conducted showed that an estimated 50% of the sesame producers have no formal education. Having lost their competitive edge, Somalia’s sesame farmers are currently lack of knowledge in the input and production segment by planting poor quality of seeds and lacking adequate training combined with seasonal drought and antiquated farming methods, low yield are a result. The sesame value chain sector is underdeveloped in comparison to other sesame competing countries facing various constraints related to production, finance, price fluctuation, and low-quality standards which have affected the entire value chain. (World Bank ,2018)

One of the most important problems encountered in marketing of sesame is in Somalia is the problem of quality control to follow the set of rules and regulations specified by the importing markets. Trade in agricultural products faces significant problems satisfying stricter quality importation procedures requirements in trade and competitiveness in export markets.

Through research, it is clearly evident that Somalia’s sesame yields are very low compared to other sesame producing countries in the region. Most farmers are thought to be using seeds from past harvests rather than purchasing good quality seed. Humera seed from Ethiopia provides higher yields than local varieties (550 kg/ha vs 300 kg/ha) and is being propagated and sold to farmers. Based on the available reports and studies, we feel there is strong potential for growth in the sesame VC. We will also be foreseeing to embark on a number of distinct VC activities on the sesame value. Therefore, there is need of further understanding of the VC or as ‘quick wins. Although data and information on Somali sesame value chains and markets remain sketchy and reliable value chain analysis information is not available. Amare, 2019.

Through BRCiS, Save the children supports the productive sector and leverage the economic growth of Somalia with the lenses of building resilience of peasant farmers through unlocking the limiting factors preventing them maximize their productivity, access to markets, finance and food security. Save the Children employs various models of intervention including but not limited to introduction to new technologies, linking of farmers to financial institution and input suppliers, group formation and association, and building the capacity of the poor women and men in the target areas. Therefore, Save the Children is embarking to conduct sesame value chain analysis and build capacities of sesame value chain actors.

The contribution of sesame marketing to household food and income is not well understood in Hiran region. In addition to that, an analysis and understanding of actors in sesame are not dully established and understood as well in the region. in order to understand the viability of sesame sector and existing value chain gaps, Save the Children commissioned a tool conducting a value chain analysis and make recommendations for targeted community aimed at improving child nutrition while at the same time offering alternative food and income sources for poor households.

The study will be conducted in Beledweyne where Save the Children is being implementing a resilience project. The area is an area where peri-urban and urban communities practice crop production, therefore provides an opportunity to study the sesame value chain levels and the socio-economic status of farmers and traders.

OBJECTIVE OF THE CONSULTANCY.

The objective of the consultancy is to undertake an assessment/analysis of Sesame value chain in Beletweyne, Hiran region. The assessment is to provide information and provide a knowledge base on sesame value chain, challenges in the chain, the production system, the operating environment and how this sesame production links between the rural economy to urban economy and detail the definition of local strategies for cultivation, processing and marketing of sesame in Beledweyne.

This study aims to achieve a better understanding of the level of sesame production in Beletweyne including who does it among the HHs members incase this is practiced/who can do it in case introduced, the consumption pattern (at both rural and urban economy), the challenges that exist in the chain, the path in which the production follows and how it ends up to urban/international markets (and which markets), the actors who are involved and how far is the context supporting such production.

The consultant will also provide practical inputs and recommendations as well as identify areas in which improvements needs to be made; shade light on different value chain actors involved in the sector and delineate on the distribution benefits among the different levels of value chain actors, identify opportunities for upgrading with in the value chain.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: The specific objectives of this study/analysis include:

1. Analyses the market structure (intermediaries, channels, and composition), marketing practices, margins and returns to the various market players as well as study and provide a detail on sesame marketing systems, infrastructure and enabling environment.
2. Provide a detail understanding of the socio-economic characteristics of sesame trade at the various market levels as well as characteristic of those poor HHs wo are involved in production.
3. Map the Sesame value chain actors at different levels and identify their roles, interests and influences.
4. To identify the opportunities and challenges facing sesame marketing in Beledwayne and how to overcome them to ensure real profits and sustainability.
5. Identify potential intervention points
6. Identify the distribution of benefits along sesame value chain.

Research question

1. What types/levels of Sesame markets are operational in the study area?
2. How much Sesame on average do you trade/produce?
3. What competing products, including imports, are available? How do prices, value, and quality compare? How much sesame or oil is supplied domestically vs imported?
4. What are the constraints to frequent or greater consumption of sesame? Availability, affordability, quality, consumer preference?
5. What are the constraints to frequent or greater consumption of sesame? Availability, affordability, quality, consumer preference?
6. What type of traders (producers, wholesalers, retailers, importers) are involved in the marketing chain?

Scope of Work

The consultant will cover a sample drawn from all the target locations of the project and will cover all relevant stakeholders (government officials and representatives, community and members) who can participate the assessment.

Evaluation Methodology

Approach and methodology The methodology of the survey should cross sectional study in nature involving

both qualitative and quantitative methods. The consultant/consulting firm is expected to come up with the

best approach for undertaking value chain analysis. By following approaches.

1. Desk review: A literature of the study should be conducted to understand the context of the sesame value chain in Somalia to complement information gaps in the assessment.
2. Surveys: the consultant should come up with individual questionnaires, and select appropriate targeted population of this survey to achieve the intended objective of the study.
3. Focus group discussions: Provides an in-depth qualitative information to enhance understanding Sesame Value chia analysis. Participatory approaches should be used to encourage the participants to freely discuss, analyses and share their views and opinions on issues related sesame value chain analysis.
4. Key Informant Interviews (KIIs): The consultant should interview the relevant key informant personals who are related about the subject including the government, NGO etc to provides broader picture information on issues related to sesame value chain.

Timeline

The final evaluation is estimated to be 25 working days, including preparations, field work, data analysis and report writing. The following timeline is proposed for the planned consultancy work.

Activity	Expected Level of Effort in
	Days
Desk Review, preparing inception report and developing data collection	4
tools.
Training enumerators and field testing tools	3
Field work (data collection)	9
Debrief on findings (validation workshop)	1
Reporting	8
Total	25

Deliverables

• The consultant will carry out the following specific activities for the consultancy.
• Development of a comprehensive assessment protocol before conducting the survey-based text evidence at village and district level.
• Development of a brief inception report of the value chain analysis assessment
• Conduct sesame value chain analysis in one -project target district of Beledweyne. To provide a knowledge base that helps in identifying gaps of food security in sesame sector
• Process, analyses and submit assessment final report with findings and recommendations o Training sesame value chain on good agricultural practice

o Train sesame value chain actors on Business skills o Final report with recommendations

o Photos Case studies/stories o Training agenda,

o training materials, o participant lists,

o Results of demonstration plots, o post-training evaluation

Presentation of the Results

The consultancy is expected to produce a quality report, which provides clear information during with subject matter, findings, conclusions and recommendations. The consolidated summary shall pull together the key findings from the survey target areas and beneficiaries, recommendations should focus on the future programs. In addition to the report the consultancy shall submit raw data, methodology used, interview outlines, list of people interviewed/met, etc. SC Somalia/Somaliland office will disseminate the findings and lessons learnt, which means the consultancy shall have no exclusive copyright of the report.

Copyright and Intellectual Property Rights

The title rights, copyrights and all other rights of whatever nature in any materials used or generated under the provisions of this consultancy will exclusively be vested with Save the Children Somalia/Somaliland Country Office. All products developed under this consultancy belong to the project exclusively, guided by the rules of the grant contract. Under no circumstances will the consultant use the information of this evaluation for publication or dissemination to any individual or organization without official prior written permission from Save the Children Somalia/Somaliland Country Office.

Organizational Roles and Responsibility

The consultancy will be contracted by and report to Save the Children in Somalia. The project team, country office technical team will also support the evaluation, providing necessary and available documents and information needed, they will also provide technical assistance.

Awarding Criteria for the Consultancy

The following award criteria will be used during the evaluation of the technical proposals.

Description	Possible
	Score
Compliance with consultancy requirement
o  Provision of required information & documents; responsiveness to ToR’s	15
Consultant Experience
o  Qualifications and general experience of the firm/team	20
o  Proven specific experience in performing similar assignments especially in Somalia in	15
the past three years with reputable organizations.
Adequacy of Work Plan & Methodology
o  Methodology and techniques to be applied well stipulated	30
o  Clear description of tasks in their Scope of Work	10
o  Bidder’s Price Quotation (least bidder). The rest will be pro-rated	10
Total Score	100
Terms and Conditions

Professional Fee: The consultant will come up with his/her own rate, which will be subject to negotiation within the bounds of donor requirements, market price and set standards of SC in Somali/land. The consultant is expected to estimate all relevant costs for the exercise, including costs for data collectors, vehicle rent, venue, stationary, travel costs, accommodation and others, which he/she is expecting to incur while undertaking activities related to this assignment.

Code of conduct

Save the Children’s work is based on deeply held values and principles of child safeguarding, and it is essential that our commitment to children’s rights and humanitarian principles is supported and demonstrated by all members of staff and other people working for and with Save the Children. Save the Children’s Code of Conduct sets out the standards which all staff members must adhere to and the consultant is bound to sign and abide to the Save the Children’s Code of Conduct.

A contract will be signed by the consultant before commencement of the action. The contract will detail terms and conditions of service, aspects on inputs and deliverables. The Consultant will be expected to treat as private and confidential any information disclosed to her/him or with which she/he may come into contact during her/his service. The Consultant will not therefore disclose the same or any particulars thereof to any third party or publish it in any paper without the prior written consent of Save the Children. Any sensitive information (particularly concerning individual children) should be treated as confidential.

An agreement with a consultant will be rendered void if Save the Children discovers any corrupt activities have taken place either during the sourcing, preparation and implementation of the consultancy agreement

Mandatory Security Training

The consultant shall be expected to go through mandatory On-line Security and Hostage and Kidnap trainings and submit the certificate of completion to SC before the commencement of the task. Failure to deliver this will lead to an automatic disqualification. SC will advise on the security plan on appointment.

Required Expertise

The following attributes are requirements for the selection of the evaluation consultant:

• Relevant masters level education experience and training in Research, Development studies or Social Sciences, and/or related fields.
• Proven experience of not less than 5 years in conducting quality evaluations and assessing food security, livelihood related and/or integrated programmes and Value chain assessment.
• Solid methodological and research skills
• Experience of previously conducting similar evaluations for UN or INGOs.
• Thorough knowledge on the relevant thematic areas and Somalia/Somaliland context o Fluency in English language and local language skills would be helpful.

o  Excellent communication and report writing skills

o  Able to communicate effectively and work in the project areas for the duration of the data collection.

o Able to demonstrate solid experience with evidence of previous work on similar topics and/or for international organization.

Application Procedure & Requirements

Candidates interested in the position are expected to provide the following documentation:

5. Technical proposal with a detailed response to the TOR, with specific focus on the scope of work, methodology to be used and key selection criteria.
6. Initial work plan based on the methodology outlined, and indication of availability
7. Financial proposal detailing the daily rate expected including accommodation, transportation, enumerators, and all other data collection cost related to this assignment.
8. Two copies of recent and similar studies previously conducted by the consultant
9. Company profile or CV including a minimum of 3 references
10. Detailed budget breakdown based on expected daily rates.

Interested applicants should send the specified documents to the following email CSS.LOGISTICS@savethechildren.org with the subject line of the email body, “CONSULTANCY TERMS OF REFERENCE

FOR CONDUCTING SESAME VALUE CHAIN IN BELEDWEYNE.

Applications will close on 13^th Nov 2021.

 

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