TERMS OF REFERENCE
Rapid Assessment on Availability and Use of ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies) based solutions by the Livestock Value Chain Actors in the Pastoral areas Across Western Kenya and North Eastern Uganda.
1. Background.
The International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR), Jointly with Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the IGAD Center for Pastoral Areas and Livestock Development (IGAD/ICPALD), with Support from the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) is implementing the project ‘Building Resilient Pastoral Communities through Cross-border Livestock Value Chains in the IGAD Region’. The project objective is to contribute to the building of economically and environmentally resilient livelihood systems among pastoral communities in the IGAD region.
To achieve its objective , the project will address a set of closely linked constraints that include: low productivity of livestock agriculture and limited engagement of pastoralists in value addition activities; lack of adequate preparedness of pastoralist communities in dealing with climate shocks; limited use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) solutions in critical cross-border livestock value chain nodes; weak bargaining capacity of livestock keepers in (Informal Cross Border Livestock Trade) ICBLT and limited market diversification opportunities; and limited understanding of the role of ICBLT in pastoral livelihoods and in sub-national economies. The demonstration of these integrated, market-driven approaches in a small geographic area (pilot) across Western Kenya and North Eastern Uganda will provide successful models for replication in the wider IGAD region.
The use of ICT based solutions can among other interventions, boost livestock productivity by improving pastoralists’ access to market information (input and output), productivity enhancing technologies and extension services and by reducing production risks. Mobile phones, geographic information systems (GIS), radio, TV, videos, geo-positioning systems (GPS), innovative software, and other technologies can also enhance pastoralists’ adaptability to climate shocks. New applications, wider and better connectivity, and more durable, cheaper hardware have led to the creation of user-friendly and localized information tools elsewhere. The project is now seeking to recruit qualified consultant to undertake a rapid assessment on Availability and Use of ICT based solutions by the Pastoralists Livestock Value Chain Actors across Western Pokot in Kenya and Karamojong in North Eastern Uganda to inform its’ strategy for building resilient pastoral communities through ICLBT in the IGAD Region.
2. Scope of Work
The objective of the consultancy is to undertake a rapid assessment on availability, use and effectiveness of ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) based solutions by the Livestock Value Chain Actors across western Pokot in Western Kenya and Karamojong in North Eastern Uganda
More specifically, the consultancy will consist of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks and linked deliverables:
· Review existing reports and documents relevant to the assignment,
· Assess the specific knowledge/information requirements of the livestock producers and key actors in terms of enhancing production and marketing of livestock and livestock products
· Identify the existing ICT based solutions at each node of the chain and map the actors involved in these initiatives (e.g. service and content providers)
· Assess the level of awareness about available ICT technologies, their accessibility and uptake by the actors in the pastoralists livestock value chain, with special focus on the producers (pastoralist- men and women), small traders (men and women) and processors within the project area.
· Capture and record innovative ICT solutions being used, or available to be used in the pastoralist’s livestock value chain, identifying best practices for rolling out and scaling up, with a special focus on usage among men and women.
· Identify and examine the obstacles to uptake and scaling-up of ICT for livestock production and marketing in the target areas
· Identify opportunities to promote awareness of the opportunities for ICT application and integration amongst the key actors along the value chain and in particular amongst the livestock producers, small traders and processors.
· Propose initiatives to accelerate the adoption and usage of ICT in the livestock value chain by the different actors along the value chain nodes.
3. Timetable, Methodology and Key Deliverables
The study will take place between July and August 2016 and the exercise will take a total of 12 days during which the consultant is expected to complete the above scope of work. During the period, the consultant is expected to review relevant documents, visit project sites in Western Pokot and Karamoja to consult with relevant stakeholders, present draft report and come up with a final study report. The specific deliverables are as follows:
· Inception report that includes methodology, work plan and data collection tools
· First draft of ICT rapid assessment report
· Presentation of the draft assessment report to IIRR and the project partners.
· Final ICT Assessment report in soft copy and one hardcopy
4. Consultant’s Qualification and Core Competences
The consultant (s) must possess the following:
· At least a Masters Degree in business related disciplines, development studies or agricultural economics.
· At least 10 years experience in rural development with an understanding of pastoralist or herders systems including a good understanding of value chain development and the importance of ICT based solutions in improving production and marketing of livestock and livestock products.
· Good understanding of working in pastoral areas, with knowledge of working in the project area being an added advantage.
· Proven expertise in carrying out similar assessments, analysis and report writing.
5. Expression of Interest
Expressions of Interest for this consultancy should contain:
· A proposal or template containing methodology to be used, a schedule or work plan for the assignment covering all activities to be carried out for fulfillment of the Scope of Works and a budget.
· An example – in soft copy – of similar work successfully carried out by the consultant in the recent past, the consultant’s CV and references
· Any other relevant information substantiating the ability of the consultant to carry out this ToR effectively and efficiently,
HOW TO APPLY:
Mode of Application:
· Expression of Interest – including all information as indicated above - should be submitted to IIRR before 27th July 2016 to:
Regional Human Resources Office, Nairobi.
Email: recruitment@iirr.org
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
