GREEN SUPPLY CHAIN ANALYSIS
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Consultancy Service to conduct Green supply chain analysis for rice and vegetable to identify opportunities and challenges in the current market system.
Background: MEDA/EMERTA Project
MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates) is an organization dedicated to creating business solutions to poverty. MEDA’s Global Affairs Canada-funded EMERTA project (Ethiopians Motivating Enterprises to Rise in Trade and Agri-business) has the objective of contributing to increased income and employment opportunities for entrepreneurs and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises focusing on three value chains: rice, vegetables and gemstones whereas gender and environment are cross-cutting themes.
The project has environmental sustainability strategy that is designed to achieve good environmental management where poor environmental practices are currently being used and to protect natural resources for future use. MEDA makes sure the environment is protected well and all activities related to the project are implemented in a way that either do good or at least do no harm to the environment.
Studies have demonstrated that vegetables sprayed with pesticides will absorb them internally, which can create adverse effects when they are consumed by humans and animals. Therefore, the identification and quantification of pesticides in food are of increasing public interest. However, in Ethiopia very little information is available on pesticide levels in vegetables, although they are consumed almost daily by the public. A Rapid assessment has been conducted by MEDA on the practice, application and effects of agrochemical on human health and the environment by vegetable producer farmers in the three target districts of EMERTA project (Dera, Fogera and Libokemkem) The finding of the assessment shows an alarming result. Consequently, MEDA is planning to support producers in safe farming system i.e permaculture (with no use of agrochemicals potentially leading to organic farming system. Thus, assessing the existing situations and options for future market is found vital.
In pursuit of the above, MEDA is looking for the services of a qualified personnel to conduct green supply chain assessment with challenges and opportunities in the current market system.
Objective of the Consultancy
· To conduct market assessment of supply and demand side of rice and vegetable produces and to identify target markets.
· Assess for potential producers and produce,
· To conduct market assessment for consumers cooperatives, whole sellers, supermarkets, high standard hotels, buyers of organic products (rice and vegetable);
· Assess the challenges of the current market system to introduce the new safe production system;
· Assess the potential opportunities and challenges n shifting the production and marketing system
· Recommend strategies for the challenges identified in shifting the marketing system
Expected Results
· Draft report of the assessment (Rice and Vegetable sectors separately in one report) to be delivered for MEDA
· Presentation of the report for the concerned stakeholders
· Incorporate feedback and submit final report to MEDA
Scope of Work:
Develop data collection tools for the assessment
Conduct the assessment in
· Amhara Region, Dera, Fogera, Libokemkem woredas and rice processors in rice sector whereas, irrigation cooperatives and wholesalers in vegetable sector
o 6 FGD from producers from supply side;
o 20 Key Informant Interview (rice processors and vegetable whole sellers) in supply/ demand side;
· Bahirdar, Gondar, Addis Ababa
o 30 Key Informant Interview (whole sellers, retailers, supermarkets and high standard hotels) in supply/demand side;
· Offices of agriculture, Trade and market development, Environment in the three Woredas and the Region.
o Key Informant Interview
· Any institute involved in organic production
· Potential buyers (representatives from different places like supermarket and Hotel users or in market places 150 individuals)
· Analysis of the data gathered rice and vegetable separately
· Compiling the Report rice and vegetable separately (in two sections) and
· Presenting the finding to concerned stakeholder on a one-day workshop arranged by MEDA
Required Competencies
The consultants must have:
· Qualifications in one of the following fields; BSc/MScs in Agricultural Economics, Marketing, Agricultural business development or related fields;
· More than 5 years’ experience in organic production and market assessment
· Experience of working with grass roots people, traders and wholesalers;
· Excellent communication, analytical and interpersonal skills;
· Excellent Amharic and English language skills.