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PROJECT BACKGROUND:
PIND’s Market Development project is a vital initiative focused on strengthening agricultural productivity and uplifting the economic status of farmers and small enterprises across the diverse landscapes of the Niger Delta region. Through the adoption of a market systems development (MSD) approach, the project strategically targets the root causes of market under-performance, ensuring sustainable enhancements in key agricultural sectors.
Following a mid-line technical review in Q3 2022, PIND received valuable recommendations advocating for a transition towards a cross-cutting strategy that focuses on thematic areas as against the current focus on sector specific value chains. This strategic shift aims to address overarching challenges that permeate multiple agricultural value chains like cassava, oil palm, cocoa etc. While commodity-specific solutions have been instrumental, they often exhibit cross-cutting impacts that could be leveraged across various sectors.
In line with this strategic evolution, PIND aims to amplify its interventions by collectively addressing common issues shared by the cassava, cocoa, palm oil, and poultry value chains but not limited to the value chains aforementioned. These sectors have been identified as pivotal pillars for agricultural development within the region.
As part of this transition, a scoping study on access to agricultural inputs, including seeds has been proposed. Inputs and seeds play a fundamental role in agricultural production, directly influencing crop yields and farmer incomes. This assessment seeks to delve deep into the current constraints/challenges and gaps in accessing agricultural seeds and other inputs within in the value chains and opportunities for scaling current or new interventions that improves access and use of key agricultural inputs.
The proposed study represents a pivotal step towards fostering sustainable agricultural development in the Niger Delta region. By identifying and addressing the fundamental constraints impeding access to agricultural seeds and other inputs, PIND aims to catalyze transformative change and empower farmers and enterprises to thrive in a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES OF THE ACTIVITY:
The purpose of this activity is to conduct a scoping study of the assessment of agricultural inputs markets including the agricultural seeds market, including the market actors, to understand the dynamics of the agricultural input and seeds market within the region. It aims to provide insights into the availability, accessibility, affordability including innovations and financing mechanisms of agricultural seeds and other inputs, crucial for enhancing agricultural productivity and improving the livelihoods of farmers and stakeholders.
OBJECTIVES:
- Evaluate the current landscape of input firms?? operating in the Niger Delta region, including active and inactive companies, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the market.
- Assess the availability, accessibility, and affordability of seeds and other agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers, chemicals, bio-fortifiers, day-old chicks, and related inputs, to understand the market dynamics and challenges associated with input accessibility.
- Identify opportunities, constraints, and gaps in the agricultural seeds and other inputs market actors within the region, highlighting areas for improvement and potential interventions including the supply chain.
- Explore factors contributing to the cessation of operations of input market actors, inputs companies, including the impact of economic parameters and policies, to address underlying issues affecting seeds and other input supply.
- Engage with market actors, including input companies, farmers, government agencies, and other relevant organizations, through interviews, surveys, and focus group discussions, to gather valuable insights and perspectives on the agricultural input market in the Niger Delta.
- Provide recommendations for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the agricultural seed and other input market in the Niger Delta, based on the findings and insights gathered through the assessment and stakeholder engagement processes.
CONSULTANT QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERTISE:
PIND is seeking to engage the services of consultant(s) who will work together with PIND team that meet the criteria outlined in the scope of work and deliverables for this project. Qualified consultants should possess the following qualifications and expertise:
- Educational Qualification: A minimum of a Master’s degree in agricultural economics, agribusiness, rural development, or a related field.
- Professional Experience:
- Extensive experience (at least 5 years) in conducting research and analysis in the agricultural sector, particularly in market systems development and value chain analysis.
- Proven track record of successfully leading similar assessments or studies related to agricultural input markets.
- Experience working in the Niger Delta region or similar contexts with a thorough understanding of the local agricultural landscape and market dynamics.
- Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in conducting literature reviews, data analysis, and market assessments.
- Strong analytical skills to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities within agricultural input markets.
- Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methods, including surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions.
- Ability to develop comprehensive reports with actionable recommendations for stakeholders.
- Stakeholder Engagement:
- Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including input companies, farmers, government agencies, and civil society organizations.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to facilitate interviews, surveys, and focus group discussions.
- Experience in developing stakeholder engagement plans and conducting outreach activities.
- Project Management:
- Strong project management skills to oversee the entire research process from inception to final deliverables.
- Ability to develop work plans, manage timelines, and coordinate fieldwork activities.
- Attention to detail and ability to adhere to project deadlines and budgets.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is required, and knowledge of local languages spoken in the Niger Delta region would be an advantage for effective communication with stakeholders.
- Ethical Standards: Commitment to upholding ethical standards in research, including obtaining informed consent, ensuring confidentiality, and respecting the rights and dignity of research participants.
HOW TO APPLY:
The application and cost proposal should be emailed to procurement@pindfoundation.org along with the following mandatory items/supporting documents latest by 5PM Nigerian time on July 8, 2024 (It is advisable to apply immediately as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis).
