
Sariiraale Farmers’ Cooperative Society
Tender for Engineering Assessment of the Irrigation Network in Hirshabelle
Sariiraale Farmers’ Cooperative Society
Tender for Engineering Assessment of the Irrigation Network in Hirshabelle
Terms of reference (ToR)
1. INTRODUCTION
Sariiraale Farmers’ Cooperative Society, the leading Hirshabelle farmers’ cooperatives under the supervision of the World Food Programme is committed to supporting the sustainable development of agricultural systems in the Hirshabelle State of Somalia. Sariiraale Farmers’ Cooperative Society is implementing a GAFSP-funded project (Global Agriculture and Food Security Program) to enhance agricultural productivity and efficient water usage by promoting climate-smart agriculture practices, improving access to agricultural inputs and services, and investing in water harvesting and irrigation systems. The project seeks to increase the agricultural productive capacity of smallholder farmers through the rehabilitation and/or lining of the existing irrigation network in the riverine areas of Hirshabelle State. The primary target of this project is the 5,174 members of the Sariiraale Farmers’ Cooperative, a producer organization (PO). These smallholder farmers are engaged in riverine crop farming, livestock keeping, and beekeeping. The project will also benefit 31,044 people from these members’ households as secondary targets. The PO plans to expand maize and sorghum production area from 5,260 to 8,000 hectares, with an expected increase of 1,400 mt of maize and 740 mt of sorghum.
Before proceeding with these activities, a comprehensive technical engineering assessment of the current irrigation infrastructure is required. This assessment will inform the design and implementation of the rehabilitation works to ensure they are effective, sustainable, and meet the needs of the local communities.
2. Locations
23 cooperative locations (9 in Jowhar & 14 in Baladweyn) should be assessed to determines the actual situations and the needs. The exact locations will be provided to the successful bidder.
- CONSTRAINTS
The Consultant should note the following constraints:
- In case if, during any Stage of the project, the Consultant is required to perform a site visit.
- In the event that the Consultant requires the services of subcontractors to perform any obligations under the Contract, the Consultant shall obtain the prior written approval of the Employer in accordance with the requirements stated in the Contract.
- The Consultant will be responsible for their own security and safety if and when visiting the site.
- The Consultant will liaise with the Client at any stage of the project, and will keep the Client constantly informed on progress.
- The Consultant, in performing tasks under this project, shall refer to the LTA terms and conditions signed with the Client.
4. OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY
The primary objective of this consultancy is to conduct a detailed technical engineering assessment of the irrigation network in Hirshabelle, including a general environmental and social screening to identify potential impacts and recommend mitigation measures. The assessment will evaluate the current condition of the infrastructure, identify key areas for rehabilitation, and provide recommendations on the most effective methods for repair, lining, and improvement of the irrigation network.
5. SCOPE OF WORK FOR THE CONSULTANT
The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:
Stage 1 – Preliminary Assessment and reporting
Review and Planning
- Review all relevant documentation, including previous studies, maps, and reports on the Hirshabelle irrigation network.
- Develop a detailed work plan and methodology for the assessment, including timelines, resource needs, and key milestones.
Field Assessment and water balance evaluation
- Conduct on-site inspections and surveys of the existing irrigation infrastructure if any, including canals, sluice gates, ditches, roads culverts, and associated structures.
- Assess the condition of existing irrigation networks if any, identifying areas with structural damage, inefficiencies, and areas prone to water loss.
- Determine the minimum and maximum water needs according to agricultural projections, type of crops, agricultural land areas, estimate the available lands for agriculture, etc
- Evaluate hydrological data of the river (average monthly rainfall, monthly temperature, average monthly evaporation, average monthly evapotranspiration, monthly runoff, peak flows, minimum flows, fluctuation, potential flooding scenarios etc).
- Nearby upstream/downstream consumptive water use demands to avoid potential conflicts specially during lean seasons
- River course and bank analysis and proposing best water intake site
- Evaluate the hydraulic performance, including water flow rates, distribution efficiency, and coverage.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Engage with local stakeholders, including farmers, community leaders, and local authorities, to gather insights and ensure that their needs and concerns are incorporated into the assessment.
- Engage with local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders to understand potential social and environmental concerns related to the project.
- Facilitate workshops or focus group discussions to validate findings and discuss potential rehabilitation options.
Data Collection and Analysis
- Collect relevant data on soil conditions, water availability, usage patterns, and seasonal variations that may affect the performance of the irrigation network.
- Analyse the structural integrity of the existing infrastructure and identify any design flaws or weaknesses.
- Conduct geotechnical assessments where necessary to determine the suitability of the soil for lining and other proposed interventions.
Preliminary Field Assessment report submission
A preliminary report will be submitted to the client following to the assessment and the data collection to identify the needs, and the highest priorities. The report will include:
- Detailed background information regarding the visited sites, and the findings.
- Detailed information on the key stakeholder’s engagement in the assessment stage.
- Present the data collection and analysis.
- Description of the current situations of the irrigation systems for each location
- Identify the weaknesses and the enhancements opportunities for each location.
- Identify the priorities and the most effective interventions.
- Provide feasibility briefs, identifying resources, cooperatives capacities, identify constraints, time/cost indicators, etc.
- Recommendations on the feasible interventions and solutions
Stage 2 – Detailed Design
For the identified locations of the most effective interventions and priorities approved by the clients, the consultant shall prepare a detailed design for all system components including but not limited to:
Agronomy and socio-economy
The consultant shall incorporate key agronomic and socio-economic factors crucial for the design of an effective and sustainable irrigation scheme. This includes aligning the design with local crop requirements, user priorities, and socio-economic impacts, ensuring the proposed scheme supports long-term viability, operational efficiency, and community acceptance. This includes but not limited to the following:
- Crop types/Crop water requirements based on local climates, soil types, interests of irrigation users
- Irrigation scheduling and Irrigation intervals
- Assessing local capacities and benefits of the irrigation systems versus operational cost of the proposed scheme; will be a good input in technology selections mainly for the pumping system.
- Engaging/organizing local people/beneficiaries at the design stage and incorporate their interests in the proposed scheme.
- Aware irrigation users in the proposed layouts of the canals and assess any effects on existing social assets and reserves if any.
Topography and site conditions
- Identify the location of all irrigated areas, determine irrigation scheme and hydraulic structures required.
- Perform a detailed topographical survey that includes topographical information of major works and structures in the irrigation system (Water intakes, main channels, hydraulic structures, distribution channels, etc.)
- Collect relevant data on soil conditions, water availability, usage patterns, and seasonal variations that may affect the performance of the irrigation network.
- Conduct geotechnical assessments where necessary to determine the suitability of the soil for lining and other proposed interventions.
Geotechnical and geological assessments
The consultant shall carry out comprehensive geotechnical and geological assessments to support the design and implementation of the irrigation infrastructure including:
- Stability analysis on riverbank around selected/proposed river intake or headwork site.
- Soil type analysis along canal routes and proposal on feasibility of earthen/lined canals considering stability and canal water losses.
- Analysis on existing locally available construction materials and propose available nearby quarry sites
- Conduct any necessary laboratory test
Water Intake Design
- Hydraulic design of the intake; details of valves and dampers, pipes, channels, etc. Determine intake capacity, design energy dissipation structures and design additional works (channels, gates, pipes, etc)
- Water pumping design, identifying pumping capacities, pumps specs, power supply specs, solar power system designs, etc.
- Structural design of the intake
- Design protection structures,
- Produce construction drawings showing plan views, longitudinal and cross-section views, details of the structure, structural details, etc.
- Produce design documentation as technical specifications, schedules, etc.
Distribution system designs:
- Determine Hydraulic and geometric characteristics of the irrigation system.
- Design channels (whether new implementation or rehabilitation existing channels), consider materials for the design, channel geometry, topography conditions, geology, slopes, lengths, operational conditions of the system, etc.
- Design the lining method for existing channels with all needed construction drawings, and sections.
- Produce detailed drawings of the channel and all components’ locations, such as the intakes, pumping facilities, main channels, secondary channels. box culverts, the sluice gates, and any other components.
- Prepare a description of the general geology of the route;
- Identify earthworks and quantities
- For minor structures (falls, gauges, valves, sluice gates, pedestrian and vehicular crossings, culverts, etc.) it will be possible to produce only standard designs and provide information regarding the number of structures required and location.
- Perform an environmental assessment of the project and propose mitigation measures to be included in the construction project.
- Produce design documentation as technical specifications, bill of quantities, schedules, etc.
6. Final Reporting and Recommendations
- Prepare a comprehensive technical report detailing the assessment’s findings, including a condition assessment of the existing infrastructure, hydraulic analysis, and identification of key issues.
- Prepare a report that includes an assessment of environmental and social impacts and recommended mitigation measures.
- Provide actionable recommendations for rehabilitation, including options for lining materials, structural repairs, and any necessary modifications to improve system efficiency.
- Develop a cost estimate and implementation plan for the proposed rehabilitation works, including a phased approach if necessary.
7. Deliverables
The consultant is expected to deliver the following outputs:
- Inception Report: A detailed work plan and methodology submitted within two weeks of the contract’s start date.
- Preliminary Field Assessment Report: A report detailing the findings from the on-site inspections and surveys, including data analysis and preliminary recommendations. The report shall cover all the requirements and scope outlined in clause 3.1
- Draft Technical Assessment Report: A comprehensive draft report covering all aspects of the technical engineering assessment and the detailed design scope and outputs outlined in clause 3.2, including stakeholder input and potential rehabilitation options.
- Environmental and Social Baseline Report: Summary of the environmental and social conditions of the project area.
- Environmental and Social Screening Report: Detailed report on potential impacts and recommended mitigation measures.
- Final Technical Assessment Report: A finalized report incorporating feedback from the cleint and other stakeholders, including detailed recommendations, cost estimates, and an implementation plan.
- Presentation: A final presentation to client and key stakeholders summarizing the findings and recommendations of the assessment.
8. Duration of the Assignment
The consultancy is expected to be completed within ten weeks from the start date, with the following indicative timeline in the following table:
Stage | Activity | Responsible | Timeline |
#1 Preliminary Assessment and reporting | document review, and work plan development | Consultant | Week 1 -2 |
Field assessments, stakeholders’ engagement, data collection/analysis, and preliminary report. | Consultant | Week 3 -4 | |
Client review and feedback | Sariiraale & other key stakeholders | Week 5 | |
#2
Detailed Design |
Detailed design outputs and documentation outlined in clause 3.2 | Consultant | Weeks 6-7-8 |
Client Review and feedback | Sariiraale & other key stakeholders | Week 9 | |
Final report submission and presentation. | Consultant | Week 10 |
9. Consultant Qualifications and Experience
The ideal consultant or consulting firm and personnel should possess the following qualifications:
- Academic Qualifications: A minimum of a Master’s degree in Civil and Irrigation Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field.
- Professional Experience: At least ten years of relevant experience in irrigation engineering, water resource management, or related fields, with a proven track record in conducting technical assessments and designing irrigation systems.
- The consultant should also have demonstrated expertise in conducting Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and developing Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), with at least two years of experience in similar projects.
- Regional Experience: Previous experience working in Eastern Africa, particularly in Somalia or similar contexts, with a strong understanding of local environmental, social, and infrastructural challenges.
- Technical Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in hydraulic analysis, geotechnical assessments, and the design and rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure.
- Communication Skills: Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is required. Knowledge of Somali would be an advantage.
10. Application Process
Interested consultants or consulting firms are invited to submit the following documents:
- Technical Proposal: Outlining the approach, methodology, and work plan for the assignment, including a proposed timeline.
- Financial Proposal: A detailed budget breakdown covering consultancy fees, travel, accommodation, and any other related costs.
- Profile of the consultant firm
- Valid registration from the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation,
- Hirshabelle Tax Compliance Certificate
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): For the lead consultant and any key team members, highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.
- References: Contact information for at least three references from similar assignments.
- Interested consultancy firms/individuals with the required capacity are requested to submit their proposals through Info@sariralecoop.so by putting a copy to Mohamed.ibrahim@Sariralecoop.so and Abdullahi.omar@sariralecoop.so
- The deadline for the applications is 14th February 2025.
11. Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the consultant’s qualifications, relevant experience, proposed methodology, duration of the assignment, and budget considerations.

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