Call for Bids: VALUE CHAINS ANALYSIS STUDY

Welthungerhilfe (WHH) is coordinating a three-year Programme, funded by the German Ministry for Development and Economic Cooperation (BMZ). The purpose of the Programme is to promote synergies between population groups affected by the Syrian crisis in order to increase the profitability of vegetable and fruit value chains, create jobs and reduce social tensions in Baalbek-Hermel Governorate, Lebanon
Welthungerhilfe is the Lead Organization for this project being implemented with LOST in Baalbek-Hermel. LOST’s role is to 1.) increase income of target groups through the sale of improved varieties, higher quality and increased quantity of agricultural produce, 2.) to develop competitive value chains and more profitable ones through improving the capacity of actors and 3.) increase collaboration through improved linkages, and to enhance social cohesion and psychological well-being in the target communities.Consequently, Welthungerhilfe is currently seeking to hire a consultant to carry out detailed value chain analysis aimed at development in commercialization of small holder farming. This Terms of Reference (TOR) therefore intends to set the minimum requirements and the scope of the study processes to be undertaken in the project target areas so as to provide benchmark information and indicators about the situation at the time of project start.

VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS STUDY SUMMARY

Programme

Syria Crisis Response Program 2019-2023

Project Name

Promotion of synergies between population groups affected by the Syrian crisis in order to increase the profitability of vegetable and fruit value chains, create jobs and reduce social tensions in Baalbek-Hermel Governorate, Lebanon

PRODUCTS

Apple, Honey, Tomato, Olive, Almond

Study start and End Dates

1^st February – 29th February 2019

Anticipated Report Release Date

01^st March 2019

Geographical scope

The areas under intervention are situated in Baalbek-Hermel.

Study target audiences

The study will be of interest to the following stakeholders:

- The relevant stakeholders in the target areas

- Partner organizations involved in implementation;

- The donor agencies;

- Technical staff of County government

- Financial Institutions

Purpose of the study

The overall objective of this assignment is to carry out a Value Chain Analysis of identified agricultural value chains in the respective communities (and beyond as appropriate) to provide evidence-based information to implementation plans.

Specific Survey Objectives:

To carry out a Value Chain Analysis of identified agricultural commodities namely Apple, Honey, Tomato, Olive, Almond

in the respective communities and to provide evidence-based information for
implementation plans development.

• Bring out comparative and competitive advantages.
• Identify leverage points along the value chain that can have potential in strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency of the chains.
• Identify the underlying constraints impinging upon business transactions all along the chain and provides interventions on how to mitigate them.
• Identify the potential suitable producers groups, and private sector players, the promising value addition opportunities and markets.
• Focus especially on local markets
• Consider factors to strengthen resilience of local economies

Methodology:

The process would be initiated through inception meeting, desk review, data collection, synthesis and analysis. The consultant shall specifically;

1) Develop tools and an appropriate methodology for primary data collection

2) Review identified commodity Value Chains and establish;

• The key Primary chain actor, their key functions, relationships, key operational challenges and possible interventions.
• Actors’ contribution to changes in prices along the value chain.
• Evaluate the social aspects as the key chain blocker(s) and enabler(s).
• Chain supporters/Support services and their role.
• Challenges experienced in offering /accessing facilitative services
• Possible potential risks / opportunities
• Gender and power dynamics and advice on areas for improvement in maximizing benefits to Women.

3) Establish specific, relevant, and reliable markets the project supported entrepreneurs should target at primary, regional, national and international level markets

• Suitability, competitive and comparative advantages;
• Assess the size of markets, volume of sales, market integration/segmentation
• Assess agriculture practices conformance to requirements and standards of markets.

4) Assess the current trends in the environment ; government
regulations and control mechanisms ;

• Identify policy issues that impact the selected value chains
• Establish markets structures and infrastructure and enabling environment (e.g. policies affecting market access);

5) Provide framework for the design, implementation, monitoring, risk management and evaluation of value chains development strategies: to provide tools to ensure that information is incorporated in production stages and how it should be interpreted and used for decision-making

Deliverables

1) Inception report

2) Values chain analysis report: (3 hard and soft copies. Soft copies of analyzed data and filled data sheets/tools shall also be handed in.)

1. Complete value chain maps; chain actors, stakeholders,
   supporters and influencers accompanied with description of the relationships of stakeholders: how many they are, roles & responsibility, values and volumes handled;
2. Detailed analysis of the stakeholders, demand (Markets) and supply (Production) factors
3. An analysis of potential risks that may hamper reaching goals for the value chain as well as risks that may hamper commercialization of the value chains at local, national and international markets.
4. Detailed analysis of the enabling and environment impacts

3) Recommendations: Description of the key systemic / critical issues, as well as practical actions to address the issues, recommendations for an upgrading strategy, Action Points, Activities, monitoring indicators (including process and outcome indicators) Outputs, Expected outcomes and Risks/assumptions and recommendations around risk monitoring, mitigation and management.

Consultant:

a) Core responsibilities of the Lead Consultant;

The lead consultant will be expected to perform the following core responsibilities:

• Review all relevant secondary sources of data and any relevant information to the study.
• Develop all necessary data collection, plans tools and present them for review before use.
• Participate in training of research assistants/data collectors, where necessary
• Conduct both quantitative and qualitative data collection using acceptable methodologies.

Develop relevant databases and provide supervision of data collection using appropriate methods and procedures to ensure accuracy and quality of data

• Present draft report for review and input.
• Develop the final report incorporating stakeholders’ feedback

b) Skill and knowledge base requirements

• Master’s Degree Economics, Development Studies
• Excellent knowledge of value chains, marketing systems and private sector development
• Strong analytical, research and presentation skills.
• Excellent report writing skills
• English language is working language, French speaking applicants will be considered

Budget and schedule for study

The potential lead consultant is expected to submit a financial proposal in a different envelop clearly indicating the time, daily rates and detailed schedule for the study. The schedule shall later on be agreed on together before the actual study starts.