Africa Now Consultancy Services for Product Diversification Research Study Support to Improve the Livelihood of Tea Smallholder Co-operative Project

Tender Ref No FKK/TDSPK/M10/Y1Q4/2010
Expression of Interest (EOI) Consultancy Services for Product Diversification Research Study Support to Improve the Livelihood of Tea Smallholder Co-operative Project
Africa Now an International development Charity in partnership with the Co-operative College of Kenya and Finlays Beverages, the Co-operative College UK, James Finlays Limited and the UK Co-operative group intends to apply for Consultancy services for Tea Diversification research study on additional/alternative Agricultural products to tea in preparation for Fair trade Certification for Kenyan and International markets .
The project area is based in Kericho.
The project invites eligible and qualified consultants to indicate their interests in providing their services in preparation for Fair trade certification, and promoting export potential mixed alternative cropping options. The study will provide information on scope viability, range of products and routes to markets.
It will also establish the current status of the tea farmers(including commercially viable enterprises) provide benchmarks for monitoring and evaluation of socio-economic impact of project intervention on household income.
Specific tasks

The specific assignment for the consultant will include
  • Identify local and international markets
  • Map out the market channels, business opportunities for additional agricultural income for the co-operative farmers.
  • Calculate the gross margins and net market margins for the identified alternative crops .
  • Identify the opportunities and constraints of the value chain related to production ,processing ,handling, transporting and marketing.
  • Support and enhance productivity of small scale farmers by linking them with technical advice to enable better land and water management for future sustainability of the diverse products .
The expression of interest must be accompanied by the following mandatory requirements
  • Consultancy Profile and detailed curriculum vitae
  • Proven experience of at least ten(10) years in consultancy, Agricultural research ,baseline surveys commodity value chain analysis in Kenya or East Africa ‘
  • Proven track record of analytical research work or similar assignment.
  • Experience from in dept analysis of rural economic systems, market systems and value chain of horticultural sub sector is required.
  • The consultant should have a masters degree in relevant disciplines(Economics, Development economics, Agriculture economics, Micro-economics
  • Experience with working with commissioned assignments
  • Relevant competence in gender and environment will be an added advantage.
  • An interpretation of the task by the consultant. Work plan and budget for the task.
  • Thorough understanding of small scale sectors and agricultural marketing in Kenya
  • Sufficient experiences in community development issues.
The EOI clearly marked FKK/TDSPK/M10/Y1Q4/2010 consultancy services for product diversification research studies to be addressed to:
The Country Representative
Africa Now -Kenya
Court Drive,Off Rid doc Rd, Milimani
P. O. Box 2514-40100,Kisumu(Kenya)
E-Mail: Kisumu@africanow.org
Website:
 www.africanow.org
EOI should reach Africa Now by close of business on2nd August 2010
The shortlisted consultant will be invited through a letter of invitation.