Value Chain Analysis and Mapping of the Poultry Regional Livestock Value Chain in Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) Region

Introduction

The African Union - Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) is a specialized technical Office of the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture (DREA) of the African Union Commission (AUC). AU-IBAR's mandate is to support and coordinate the utilization of livestock, fisheries and wildlife as a resource for both human wellbeing and economic development in the Member States of the African Union (AU). The mission of AU-IBAR is to provide leadership in the development of animal resources in Africa through supporting and empowering AU Member States and Regional Economic Communities (RECs).

In line with the AU-IBAR mandate of providing leadership and coordination in the sustainable development of Animal Resources in the continent, AU-IBAR is implementing a 5-year project on “Sustainable Development of Livestock for Livelihoods in Africa - Live2Africa”. The project pioneers a coherent continental programme approach to build systemic capacity in seven livestock components, that include: Investment in Value Chains, Animal Health; Animal Production, Productivity and Ecosystem Management; Resilience Building; Technology adoption in the Value Chains to inputs, Services and markets; and Strengthening institutional capacities.

The overall objective of the project is "To support transformation of the African livestock sector for enhanced contribution to environmentally sustainable, climate resilient, socio-economic development and equitable growth" while the specific objective is to strengthen the systemic capacity of continental, regional and national Livestock Sector stakeholders for the economically, environmentally and socially sustainable transformation of the livestock sector.

Under the Live2Africa project, support to promotion of regional livestock value chain is critical and hence the drive through regional economic communities to increase investment in Livestock Value Chains. The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) region in particular, under its Strategic Action 1, seeks to conduct a stocktaking exercise and formulate a regional poultry development policy. This strategic action requires the initial action of undertaking a comprehensive value chain analysis and mapping to better inform the formulation of an evidence based regional poultry development policy.

In light of this AU-IBAR, through the Live2Africa Project would like to commission a consultancy to conduct a Value Chain Analysis and mapping for the Central Africa Poultry Regional Livestock Value Chain.

Background

The Central Africa Region selected the development of the poultry Value Chain (Egg and Meat) as its priority regional livestock value chain and identified three key Strategic Actions necessary for the development of this chosen Livestock Value Chain:

Strategic Action 1: Strengthening the Policy and Regulatory Framework

1. Conduct a stocktaking exercise and formulate a regional poultry development policy (Harmonize the sub-region's regulations on poultry farming, establish a structure of quality control in the sub-region, compensation policy) (Short Term).
2. Support the development and adoption of standards (production, food, processing( Medium Term).

Strategic Action 2: Improvement of the poultry value chain

1. Identify, map, synergize input and poultry producers, and promote the establishment of a sub-regional farm of parent stock (Short Term to Long Term)
2. Advocate for a government guarantee fund to facilitate access to finance (enhanced rates, Short Term to Long Term
3. Support the training and use of new innovations/technology (Short Term to Long Term)
4. Support the establishment of inter-professionals in all countries (Short Term to Medium Term)

Strategic Action 3: Improve the Information System

1. Develop an advocacy document for the development of poultry farming in each country (Short Term)
2. Strengthening of the capacity of information systems in different countries and establish a structure for regional information collection, a regional platform for collection, data processing and monitoring and evaluation (Short Term to Long Term)
3. Organize fairs and fairs in the field of poultry farming at the national and sub-regional levels (Short Term to Long Term)

Rationale

Agriculture is the mainstay of most of Central African region economies, and processing agricultural products is a primary regional industrial activity. The livestock sector plays a pivotal role in contributing towards, food and nutritional security as well as being the economic backbone especially for countries in Central Africa region.

Livestock value chains are complex, comprising compound networks, relationships, and transactions, as at each stage or transaction, the animal or its product gains “value” either as its quality improves or as its delivery to the final consumer is made more efficient. Therefore to ensure efficiency, quality and system competitiveness, value chain analysis and mapping is critical as it provides important insights into four main issues of any sector, these include macroeconomic issues; Governance issues, social capital issues and dynamics of interlinkages In addition, value chain analysis provides a knowledge platform especially for new producers including the small holders who are trying to penetrate global markets. It further provides an analytical tool to better understand the policy environment; identify the economic, environmental and social drivers; business linkages and global market environment and promotes systemic competitiveness.

Currently, the need to drive the adoption of a market-oriented value chain approach has heightened. It has been emphasized that through this action, interventions that are demand driven and meet market requirements should be promoted. This approach will encourage greater productivity, improve supply linkages, strengthen relationships among suppliers and attract investment across the whole the value chain, ultimately leading to increased incomes for all actors.

In response to the growing global and continental needs to enhance value chain efficiency, Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) member states identified the need undertake a value chain analysis and mapping of the poultry value chain.

The following key features need to be identified;

1. Characterization of the poultry (egg and meat) regional livestock value chain including establishment of the contribution the respective value chain makes to economic growth, nutrition security, poverty reduction, its relevance,
2. Value chain analysis including economic, environmental and social drivers of the chain

3. Value chain mapping including;

   1. Value chain selection – contribution of the poultry RLVC to economic growth, nutrition security, poverty reduction, its relevance etc
   2. End market analysis – mapping niche markets, potential of the RLVC to be a market –led
   3. Stakeholder/Actors mapping across the RLVC – consider also aspects of one actor with multiple roles across same value chains
   4. Inputs and Service providers (supporting business or extension services – input suppliers, transport services, quality assurance, product diversification Financial services etc), Establishment of vertical and horizontal linkages in the poultry (Egg and meat) LVC and the critical interactions
   5. Value chain environment - focus on critical factors that are typical of the enabling environment that promotes poultry (Egg and Meat) RLVC (infrastructure and policies, institutions and processes that shape the market environment, society/cultural issues(gender based)
   6. Value chain governance - MOUs between member states, rules and regulations available, regional tariffs, international tariffs, coordination mechanisms, food safety regulations etc- specific to the the poultry (egg and meat) regional livestock value chain

4. Risk analysis – feed challenges, animal diseases, pandemics, consumer preferences etc

5. Sustainability of the poultry (Egg and Meat) VC (policy issues, trade and market issues, regional issues, economic issues, environmental issues (Climate smart, contribution to ecosystem services),social inclusion (empowerment of women, youth and people with disabilities – vulnerable groups etc)

Objectives of the Consultancy

Under the Live2Africa global result area 1 (Investment in Livestock Value Chains (LVCs) increased) the overarching goal is to develop mechanisms to enhance market access at local, regional and international levels. This can be done through enhancing the capacity of member states to conduct value chain analyses through mapping and identification of bottlenecks and removing trading barriers in the region.

The specific objectives of the consultancy are:

1. To synthesize available value chain analyses reports for poultry value chain in ECCCAS Member States with a focus evidence-based value analysis and mapping.
2. To undertake a comprehensive mapping of the existing Value Chain stakeholders’ ecosystem (such as suppliers of inputs, producers, processors, marketers) and an end market analysis across the poultry RLVC.
3. To undertake an in-depth desk review to establish the value chain environment (including policy, legal and regulatory instruments,) and other critical issues necessary to promote commercialization and transformation of the RLVC
4. To identify key challenges (including feed challenges, animal diseases, pandemics, consumer preferences etc) and opportunities at various components of the livestock value chain
5. To identify and document intervention strategies (short, medium and long term) for the sustainability and improvement of the poultry RLVC with key focus on policy, regulatory, trade and marketing, inputs supplies, capacity building, Regional integration etc
6. To draft value chain development plan(s) that can be adopted/replicated to benefit the regional stakeholder livelihoods along the value chain
7. To facilitate validation of the value chain analysis and mapping regional report

Expected Outputs/Deliverables of the Consultancy

It is expected that the following will be achieved under this assignment:

• In-depth desk review of the poultry RLVC in ECCAS member states conducted
• Comprehensive mapping of stakeholders/actors and end market analysis across the poultry RLVC conducted
• The value chain environment and the confounding factors for an enabling environment established
• Challenges and opportunities of the RLVC documented
• Robust sustainability strategies for the poultry RLVC identified and documented
• Value chain development plan(s) for the poultry RLVC drafted
• Validated poultry value chain mapping and analysis for the ECCAS region available

Methodology

The process of the executing the project will be guided by the respective RECs consultative process of developing policy and legal instruments. In brief, this will involve national and regional bench reviews and consultations, interviews and validation workshop.

In summary, the consultant is expected to use a variety of approaches including but not limited to;

1. Desktop studies for review, collation and analysis of Poultry RLVC at national level.
2. In depth interviews with stakeholders from public and private sectors in selected representative REC Member States
3. Collection, collation and analysis of national policies, strategies, laws and regulation amongst other policy instruments in the region
4. Administer Semi-structured questionnaire for targeted audiences
5. Virtual meetings

Inception Report (IcTR)

• An Inception Report (IcTR) should be submitted within 2 weeks of commencing the assignment. The IcTR of not more than 10 pages should include the proposed methodology, the timeline/calendar and programme of activities and an outline of the contents of the Final Technical Report.

Progress Reports

• An update on progress should be reported bi-weekly to AU-IBAR and ECCAS technical staff.

Interim Technical Report (InTR)

The interim Technical Report is perceived to be the First Draft of the Final Technical Report (FTR). The InTR should be submitted to AU-IBAR and ECCAS after 30 working days of the assignment.

Final Technical Report (FTR)

• The Final Technical Report (FTR) should take into account contributions and comments from the relevant stakeholders, including AU-IBAR and ECCAS. The FTR must be submitted at the end of the period of implementation of the tasks.

Time Frame

The assignment will be conducted for a period of 50 (fifty) working days spread over 90 days including collection of secondary data and information, consultations, field visits (if feasible), presentation of the findings and submission of the final report. The final report should be submitted within 14 calendar days of the receipt of final comments on the draft.

The assignment will start immediately after signature of the contract by both parties.

Technical and Financial Proposals

Applicants should submit a Technical Proposal that should include:

• Outline of the methodology, for conducting the consultancy as per the tasks and indicate the number of days to accomplish each task.
• Profile and CVs of the consultant undertaking the work indicating relevant academic qualifications and professional experience
• Information showing past experience in related fields, demonstrating an inventory of past and current assignments of similar nature.
• Contact addresses (Postal, email and telephone) of at least three referees or any other information that may show the consultant’s ability to carry out the assignment to satisfaction.

Financial Proposal

The Financial Proposal should cover consultancy fees for the conduct of the assignment from the beginning (day of signature by both parties) to the end of the consultancy (when Final Technical Report is submitted), bearing in mind that the assignment is for a total period of 50 working days. There will be no other consultancy fees paid outside this period.

Management Arrangements

Location of Assignment

The assignment will be carried out in the ECCAS region from the consultant’s base. There will be a possibility of travel to selected countries in the ECCAS region subject to the lifting of travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Any necessary and feasible field visits will be carried out in after agreement with AU-IBAR and ECCAS. AU-IBAR will cover the costs of field visits (DSA, air-ticket, travel, etc.) according to AU Rules and Regulations.

Qualifications

The assignment is open to experienced experts with over 15 years’ experience in Agriculture and over 5 years working experience in livestock value chains in the ECCAS region. A Masters’ degree qualification in agriculture, natural sciences, arts, social sciences or related subjects is the minimum required for this assignment. A PhD is an added advantage.
Knowledge of at least two AU languages (English, French, Portuguese and Arabic) will be an added advantage.

Competencies

Professionalism – good understanding and knowledge of animal resources development, agricultural economics, communication, advocacy or other relevant disciplines.
Planning and Organizing – Ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Demonstrate effective organizational skills and ability to handle work in an efficient and timely manner.
Writing and Communication – excellent writing skills; ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate messages effectively

Evaluation Criteria

Technical Scoring

The evaluation of the Technical Proposal will weigh 80% of the total rating and will be evaluated against the following criteria

1. At least five years’ working experience in livestock development specific to the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) member states
2. Proficiency in the ECCAS poultry (eggs and meat )Regional Livestock Value Chain
3. Familiarity with the specific value chain actors and how partnerships should work
4. Knowledge of national and/or regional policies, strategies, laws and regulation amongst other policy instruments
5. Record of successful accomplishments of similar tasks conducted
6. Evidence of excellent writing and communication skills
7. Proficiency (spoken and written) in at least two AU language
8. Evidence of experience in stakeholder consultations and engagement
9. Adequacy of the proposal, work plan and approach

Financial Evaluation

The evaluation of the financial proposal will weigh 20 percent of the total rating. The financial proposal will be evaluated on the basis of total cost, cost realism and used in combination with the assessment of the technical quality to determine the best value for money.

Status and responsibilities of the consultant

By this contract, as a consultant, you are not engaged as an employee of AU-IBAR and therefore you are entirely responsible for your own medical and life insurances. There shall be no other entitlements.

You shall exercise a high degree of skill and care in the provision of the CONSULTANCY services and will devote as much of your time to the services as may be necessary to enable them to be carried out efficiently.

Your relationship with AU-IBAR shall be that of an independent consultant. You will have no authority to incur any liability or make any commitment on behalf of AU-IBAR, nor will you hold yourself out as being an employee of AU-IBAR.

As an independent consultant, you will be solely responsible for any tax, national insurance contributions and any other similar payments and will keep AU-IBAR indemnified against any claims or costs in relation to those matters.

Ownership of information and confidentiality

Any information arising out of this work is the property of AU-IBAR and should be available on request. You, as a consultant should obtain a written agreement from AU-IBAR before divulging information relating to the study to any third party.

Supervision and Coordination

The consultant will work closely with the Live2Africa Animal health Expert, Technology, Innovations and Skill development expert and the ECCAS focal persons.

How to apply:

How to Apply

Please submit your CV including three references and a proposal latest 26^th November 2020 to the Director of AU-IBAR, Kenindia Business Park, Museum Hill, Westlands Road, PO Box 30786-00100 Nairobi, Kenya or email at procurement@au-ibar.org clearly indicating in the subject line consultancy “Value Chain Analysis and Mapping of the Poultry Regional Livestock Value Chain in Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) region“. Only short-listed candidates will be notified.