Consultant en Agriculture et developpement Local/Consultancy on Value Chain strengthning At World Wide Fund For Nature

NB:ENGLISH VERSION BELOW

WWF RCA is looking for an external consultant in agriculture and development of the value chain of agrological and/or non-timber forest products (NTFP) in APDS.

GENERAL CONTEXT

The Dzanga Sangha Protected Areas complex (APDS, Figure 1) is the largest remaining virgin forest in the Central African Republic (CAR). Located in the southwest of the country, it forms the northern limit of the Congo Basin. It covers a multiple-use zone of 4,619 km² including the Dzanga-Sangha Dense Forest Special Reserve (3,359 km²) which supports various community uses and the Dzanga-Ndoki National Park (1,260 km²), subdivided into sectors Dzanga and Ndoki and separated by a Community Hunting Zone (ZCC). The Dzanga-Sangha landscape extends approximately 25 km north of the reserve boundaries, while the western and eastern boundaries are also international borders with Cameroon and the Republic of Congo respectively.

For more than 30 years, WWF, with other partners, has supported the Central African Ministry of Water, Forests, Hunting and Fisheries (MEFCP) in the management of APDS. The objective is to provide technical and financial support, both to conserve its exceptional biodiversity and to promote sustainable management of natural resources. In 2018, a protocol for co-management and financing of the DSPA was signed by the WWF and the MEFCP. The objective of WWF-MEFCP co-management is the protection of natural ecosystems while promoting sustainable development and improving the livelihoods of its indigenous populations and local communities (PACL).

It is estimated that around 13,000 people live within the APDS boundaries. More than 60% of heads of household were identified as coming from outside the area. The population likely increased with the latest waves of displacement caused by the ongoing socio-political crises in CAR. Recent socio-economic studies have established that the majority of the population living in the area depends on agriculture, fishing, livestock rearing, NTFP collection and hunting to meet their daily subsistence needs. .

APDS include dedicated rural development zones, or agricultural zones, which have been established for agriculture and/or livestock. The corresponding boundaries are intended to prevent indiscriminate occupation and intrusion into the reserve. These areas are found around reserve villages and along main roads. The demarcated agricultural zone covers a total of nearly 4,000 ha. However, it was found that only 50% of this area is cultivated. While around the villages of Bayanga, Yandoumbé and Bomanjokou, the areas have been completely depleted, leading to an estimated encroachment of 500 ha into the special reserve and an increase in human-wildlife conflicts (especially with African forest elephants), elsewhere the land is underexploited. The main reasons for continued depletion of natural resources and encroachment on the special reserve are increasing population pressure coupled with unsustainable agricultural practices and land grabbing due to absence of appropriate policy regarding land and property rights. There is also a virtual absence of institutional support for the development of sustainable agriculture in the region.

Within the APDS, we can still distinguish the southern villages (Bomandjoku, Lindjombo), the central villages (Babongo in Yandoumbé) and the northern villages (Yondo, Yobé; creating a socio-ecological continuum with the direct peripheral villages of the north which are still part of the commune of Yobé-Sangha). The southern villages are relatively isolated and have a close border with Cameroon and the Republic of Congo, making them an attractive trading area, as is already the case for cassava production. During the colonial era, the southern villages, particularly Lindjombo, included coffee and cocoa plantations. The central villages are densely populated, partly attracted by government services and the APDS administrative headquarters in Bayanga (and historically by logging), and are located within the territory of forest elephant movement, reducing by significantly the diversity of local cultures. The northern villages are less densely populated and have socio-economic characteristics similar to those of the direct peripheral villages of the APDS, namely relative isolation and low possibilities for rural development. Recently, private commercial crop farms have emerged in the region, due to the available agricultural space and the reduced presence of large wildlife.

La zone d’intervention des APDS en dehors des limites strictes de la zone protégée couvre une surface similaire mais est plus densément peuplée. Comme l’ensemble du paysage forestier dense environnant dans la périphérie des APDS est subdivisé en concessions forestières, les series agricoles et d’occupation humaine (SAOH) à l’intérieur de la zone d’intervention périphérique des APDS sont également délimitées légalement. Des tendances socio-écologiques similaires à celles décrites pour la DSPA prévalent, bien qu’il existe des différences topographiques et pédologiques locales (par exemple, la zone de prairie de Monasao). Cette zone est également beaucoup moins sujette aux conflits homme-faune avec les espèces intégralement protégées (telles que l’éléphant de forêt et le buffle de forêt) en raison de la présence globalement plus faible de la faune. Par conséquent, la zone a été identifiée comme une zone potentielle de développement rural/socio-économique qui peut aider à atténuer les pressions actuellement exercées sur l’environnement de la zone protégée et à approvisionner les marchés des APDS. Les communautés situées à la périphérie directe des APDS ont historiquement moins bénéficié des initiatives de développement rural et sont désormais considérées comme une population cible prioritaire, comme en témoigne le récent déploiement d’un projet agroforestier de 200 hectares dans la région de Monasao.

Comme les APDS étendent leur initiatives de développement rural dans le paysage, le WWF CAR recherche les services d’un expert en agriculture et en développement rural ayant des compétences en agronomie et en développement de chaîne de valeur de produits agricoles et/ou forestiers, afin d’identifier des points d’entrée clairs pour le développement durable d’un ensemble d’options de subsistance pour les PACLs basées sur l’agriculture, l’agroforesterie et la forêt .

2. Objectifs de la mission

L’objectif global de cette mission est d’identifier les points d’entrée clés permettant au WWF et à ses partenaires de s’engager dans des voies de développement durable promouvant l’agriculture, l’agroforesterie et/ou les chaînes de valeur des PFNL pour soutenir les moyens de subsistance des PACL, dans le but d’améliorer la restauration de la nature et la protection des écosystèmes naturels des APDS et de ses limites, et de prévenir les conflits entre l’homme et la faune sauvage. L’identification d’un petit ensemble de points d’entrée devrait être basée sur une analyse solide des preuves existantes et des nouvelles études de terrain, impliquant un engagement important des parties prenantes et des partenaires, guidée par les principes de meilleures pratiques du WWF (Africa Food Future Initiative) et doit être accompagnée par le développement d’un plan de travail actionnable décrivant les activités et les méthodes nécessaires pour atteindre les objectifs décrits ci-dessus.

2.1. Mission spécifique

a) Étude documentaire :

Synthétiser les résultats existants et identifier les points d’entrée pour la promotion de l’agriculture durable, de l’agroforesterie et/ou des chaînes de valeur des PFNL pour soutenir les moyens de subsistance des PACL. Utiliser les résultats des dernières études (voir annexes) menées dans les APDS sur les sources de revenus et les activités agricoles des PACL, ainsi que la littérature scientifique disponible.

Prendre en considération les critères clés suivants :

1) Développement de la chaîne de valeur et génération de revenus

2) Sécurité alimentaire et nutritionnelle des ménages

3) les considérations d’équité au sein des PACL, en mettant l’accent sur les populations autochtones et les femmes

4) Protection des écosystèmes naturels du DSPA et de ses limites

5) WWF Food Practice et WWF Africa Food Future pour les orientations sur les principes et la stratégie de développement de l’agriculture durable du WWF.

b) Étude d’évaluation de la chaîne de valeur : Entreprendre une étude de terrain en collaboration avec les principales parties prenantes afin de collecter les données manquantes et de combler les lacunes en matière de connaissances sur les possibilités de renforcement de chaînes de valeur, dans le but de préparer un plan d’action pour le WWF. Prendre en considération les critères clés suivants :

1) Exploitation de 2 à 3 chaînes de valeur prometteuses et leurs opportunités de développement (production, transformation et développement du potentiel de marché) dans l’ensemble du paysage des APDS pour les options agricoles et agro-forestières énumérées ci-dessous :

a. pratiques agricoles courantes et potentiellement nouvelles (principalement manioc, arachide, maïs, igname, autres) ;

b. Production agroforestière en cours et potentiellement nouvelle (agrumes, avocats, kola, khaya, safou, leucaena, etc.) ;

c. Activités basées sur les cultures de rente en cours et potentiellement alternatives (cacao, café, autres), également liées aux plantations historiques ;

d. Produits PFNL actuels et potentiellement nouveaux (Gnetum ‘koko’, Njansang, Irvingium ‘payo’, champignons, poivre sauvage, ailles sauvage, …), avec une attention particulière aux pratiques de collecte des Ba’Aka indigènes et à l’intégration équitable du marché.

2) Développement d’une méthodologie participative d’étude de terrain pour l’identification et l’exploitation des opportunités de développement des chaînes de valeur qui intègre les connaissances locales, les capacités et les aspirations socio-économiques des communautés ciblées. Les critères de sélection pour des produits/chaînes de valeur spécifiques doivent être définis pour une analyse comparative transparente.

3) Identification des partenaires locaux et internationaux :

L’identification des organisations nationales et/ou régionales de développement rural (dans le cadre de la société civile nationale/ONG) travaillant sur le développement durable de l’agriculture et de l’agroforesterie. Des liens avec des acheteurs/transformateurs/investisseurs nationaux, régionaux ou internationaux intéressés ayant de solides objectifs de durabilité sont également attendus. Ces entités et leur capacité à soutenir le travail de développement de chaines de de valeur du WWF doivent être décrites dans le plan d’action.

c) Plan d’action : Préparation d’un plan d’action qui fournira au WWF des points d’entrée dans le développement de la chaîne de valeur des 2 à 3 produits agricoles et agroforestiers sélectionnés, avec une vision à court et à long terme, incorporant tous les éléments de l’étude.

3. Résultats attendus

a) Étude documentaire préparatoire identifiant les points d’entrée pour les chaînes de valeur de l’agriculture durable, de l’agroforesterie et/ou des PFNL à l’appui des moyens de subsistance des communautés autochtones et locales dans les aires protégées de Dzanga Sangha et dans sa zone d’intervention.

b) Méthode et approche avec calendrier et liste des individus et organisations à inclure dans une étude d’évaluation de la chaîne de valeur.

c) L’étude d’évaluation de la chaîne de valeur sur le terrain, y compris la collecte de données avec l’engagement des communautés et des parties prenantes concernées.

d) Plan d’action avec une liste de partenaires potentiels pour la mise en œuvre.

4. Durée de la mission

A discuter.

5. Lieu de la mission

En partie en République centrafricaine, en partie à distance

6. Rapport

Rattaché au WWF RCA

7. Equipements fournies par le WWF RCA

Logistique (y compris le transport, l’hébergement et la nourriture) et besoins en personnel identifiés pour les interventions sur le terrain

8. Qualification et expertise

– Diplôme universitaire supérieur en développement agricole, en agroforesterie, en économie agricole, en développement rural ou dans d’autres domaines connexes ;

– Bonne compréhension du développement agricole et rural, tant du point de vue de la coopération au développement que de la gestion et de la conservation des ressources naturelles, avec de préférence une expérience approfondie de la gestion et du développement de la chaîne de valeur agronomique et des ressources naturelles ;

– Expérience professionnelle pertinente (évaluations de marché, développement économique local, développement de la chaîne de valeur, planification stratégique, etc.), de préférence en rapport avec des objectifs de conservation de la nature ;

– Expérience de travail avec des ONG internationales et nationales et/ou avec des agences gouvernementales ;

– Bonne compréhension des tendances et de l’orientation des agro-industries nationales/régionales et de la chaîne de valeur agriculture-forêt, y compris des principaux domaines d’intérêt et d’intervention, ainsi que des interactions avec le secteur privé ;

– Maîtrise du français et de préférence de l’anglais, avec d’excellentes compétences en communication écrite et orale ;

– La maîtrise de la langue locale est un avantage.

– Les membres de l’équipe originaires de la région d’Afrique centrale sont considérés comme un avantage.

ENGLISH VERSION:

1. Background

The Dzanga Sangha Protected Area Complex (DSPA, figure 1) is the largest remaining pristine forest of the Central African Republic (CAR). Located in the south-west of the country it forms the northern edge of the Congo Basin. It covers a 4,619 km² multiple-use zone comprising the Dzanga-Sangha Dense Forest Special Reserve (3,359 km²) supporting various community uses and the Dzanga-Ndoki National Park (1,260 km²), subdivided into the sectors Dzanga and Ndoki and separated by a Community Hunting Zone (ZCC). At large, the Dzanga-Sangha landscape extends for approximately 25km north of the reserve’s boundaries, while the western and eastern boundaries are also international borders with Cameroon and the Republic of Congo respectively.

For more than 30 years, WWF, along with other partners, has been supporting the CAR’s Ministry of Water, Forestry, Hunting and Fishing (MEFCP) in the management of the DSPA. The aim is to provide technical and financial support, both to conserve its exceptional biodiversity and to promote sustainable management of the natural resources. In 2018, a protocol for the co-management and financing of the DSPA was signed by the WWF and the MEFCP. The aim of the WWF-MEFCP co-management is the protection of the natural ecosystems while promoting sustainable development and improving the livelihoods of its indigenous people and local communities (IPLC).

It is estimated that there are around 13,000 people living within the DSPA boundaries. More than 60% of the heads of household have been identified as coming from outside the area. The population has also likely increased with the latest waves of displacement caused by on-going socio-political crises in CAR. Recently undertaken socio-economic studies established that the majority of the population living in the area depend on farming, fishing, small livestock, the collection of non-timber forest products (NTFP), and hunting to meet their daily livelihood needs.

The DSPA has dedicated rural development zones, or agricultural zones, which have been established for agriculture and/or livestock farming. Related demarcations are to prevent indiscriminate occupation and eventually intruding into the Reserve. These zones are found around the Reserve’s villages and along the main roads. The delimited agricultural zone covers a total of almost 4,000 ha. However, it was found that only 50% of this area has been cultivated. While around the villages of Bayanga, Yandoumbé and Bomanjokou the zones have been completely exhausted, resulting in an estimated encroachment of 500 ha into the special reserve and increased human-wildlife conflict (most intensely with African forest elephants), elsewhere the land is underutilized. The main reasons for the continuing natural resource depletion and encroachment into the DSPA are the rising demographic pressure coupled with unsustainable agricultural practices and land grabbing due to the lack of an appropriate policy on land and property rights. There is also quasi-absence of institutionalized support for the further development of sustainable agriculture in the region.

Within DSPA we can further distinguish between DSPA southern villages (Bomandjoku, Lindjombo) central villages (Babongo to Yandoumbé) and Northern villages (Yondo, Yobé; creating a socio-ecological continuum with direct northern peripheral villages still within the Yobé-Sangha commune). DSPA southern villages are relatively isolated and border closely to Cameroon and Republic of Congo, which make them an interesting trading area- already the case for its cassava production. In colonial times southern villages, particularly Lindjombo, comprised coffee and cacao plantations. DSPA central villages are densely populated, partly attracted to services from government and DSPA headquarters in Bayanga (and historically logging), and are placed in core African forest elephant movement territory, reducing significantly the local crop diversity. Northern villages are less densely populated and present similar socio-economic characteristics as direct DSPA peripheral villages, of relative isolation and low rural development opportunities. Recently private cash-crop operations have emerged in the area, due to available agricultural space and reduced wildlife presence.

The DSPA intervention zone outside of the strict protected area boundaries covers a similar surface area but is more densely populated. As the entire surrounding dense forest landscape in the periphery of DSPA is subdivided in logging concessions, the agricultural and human development zones within the DSPA peripheral intervention zone are equally legally delimited. Similar socio-ecological tendencies as described for DSPA prevail, however local topographic and pedological differences exist (eg. Monasao grassland area). This zone is also much less subjected to human-wildlife conflict with integrally protected species (such as African forest elephant and forest buffalo) due to overall lower wildlife presence. As a result, the zone has been identified as a potential rural development/socio-economic development area which can help alleviate the pressures currently exerted on the protected area environment and supply DSPA markets. Communities in the direct periphery of DSPA have historically also benefited less from rural development initiatives and are now also considered a priority target population, the recent roll-out of a 200ha agroforestry project in the Monasao area is a testimony to that.

As DSPA is further expanding its rural development initiatives in the landscape, WWF CAR is seeking the services of an agriculture and rural development expert with expertise in agronomic and forest product value chain development, to identify clear entry points for sustainable development of a small intimal set of agriculture , agroforest and forest-based livelihood options at the IPLC level.

1. Objectives of the assignment

The overall objective of this assignment is to identify key entry points for WWF and partners to engage in sustainable development pathways promoting agriculture, agroforest, and/or NTFP value chains in support of IPLC livelihoods, with the aim to reduce illegal poaching, enhance nature restauration and the protection of the DSPA natural ecosystems and its boundaries, and prevent human wildlife conflict. The identification of a small set of entry points is expected to be based on a solid analysis of existing and new field study evidence, involving extensive stakeholder and partner engagement, guided by WWF best-practice principles (Africa Food Future Initiative) and has to be accompanied by the development of an actionable workplan plan describing needed activities and methods to achieve the above-described objectives.

2.1. Specific assignment

1. Desk study:

Synthesize existing findings and identify entry points for promoting sustainable agriculture, agroforest, and/or NTFP value chains in support of IPLC livelihoods. Make use of findings from the latest studies (see annexes) carried out in the DSPA on livelihood sources and farming activities of the IPLC population, as well as available scientific literature.

Take into consideration the following key criteria:

1. Value chain development and income generation
2. Household food and nutrition security
3. Equity considerations within the IPLC population with focus on IPs and women
4. Protection of the DSPA natural ecosystems and its boundaries
5. WWF Food Practice and WWF Africa Food Future for orientations on principles and strategy of sustainable agriculture development of WWF
6. Value chain assessment study: Undertake field work study in collaboration with key stakeholders to collect missing data filling remaining knowledge gaps on value chain strengthening opportunities with the objective to prepare an action plan for WWF. Take into consideration the following key criteria:
7. Exploitation of 2 to 3 promising value chains and their development opportunities (production, processing and market potential development) throughout DSPA landscape for below listed farming and agro-forest options:
8. ongoing and potentially new agricultural practices (mostly cassava, peanut, maize, yams, others);
9. Ongoing and potentially new agroforest production (citrus, avocado, kola, khaya, safou, leucaena, others );
10. Ongoing and potentially alternative cash-crop based activities (cacao, coffee, others), also linked to historic plantations;
11. Ongoing and potentially new NTFP products (Gnetum ‘koko’, Njansang, Irvingium ‘payo’, mushrooms, wild pepper, wild garlic, …) with specific attention to indigenous Ba’Aka collecting practices and equitable market integration.
12. Development of a participatory field study methodology for the identification and exploitation of value chain development opportunities that integrates local knowledge, capacities and socio-economic aspirations of the targeted communities. The selection criteria for specific products/value chains need to be defined for a transparent comparative analysis.
13. Identification of local to international partners:

The identification of national and/or regional rural development organizations (as part of the national civil society/NGOs) working with a focus on sustainable agricultural/agroforest development. Linkages with interested national, regional or international buyers/processors/investors with strong sustainability objectives are also expected. These entities and their ability to support the ongoing value-chain development work of WWF should be outlined in the action plan.

1. Action plan: Preparation of an action plan that will provide WWF with entry points into value chain development of the 2 to 3 selected agricultural and agroforest products with a short and long-term vision, incorporating all study elements.
2. Deliverables
3. Preparatory desk study identifying entry points for sustainable agriculture, agroforest, and/or NTFP value chains in support of IPLC livelihoods in the Dzanga Sangha Protected Areas and its intervention zone.
4. Method and approach with timetable and list of individuals and organizations to include in a value chain assessment study.
5. value chain assessment field work study, including data collection with relevant community and stakeholder engagement.
6. Action plan with a list of potential implementation partners
7. Duration of the assignment

To be discussed.

1. Location of the assignment

Part Central African Republic, part remote

1. Reporting

Reporting to WWF CAR

1. Facilities provided by WWF CAR

Logistics (including transport, lodging and food) and identified personnel needs for field interventions

1. Qualification and expertise

• Advanced university degree in Agricultural Development, Agroforestry, Agricultural Economics, Rural development or other related subject areas;
• Good understanding of agricultural and rural development from both a development cooperation and natural resource management and conservation perspective, preferably with extensive experience in agronomic and natural resource value chain management and development;
• Relevant work experience (market assessments, local economic development, value chain development, strategic planning, etc.), preferably also in connection with nature conservation objectives;
• Experience in working with international and national NGOs and/or with government agencies;
• Good understanding of national/regional agribusinesses and agricultural-forest value chain trends and direction, including major areas of interest and intervention, as well as interactions with the private sector;
• Fluency in French and preferably English, with excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Fluency in local language an advantage
• Team(members) originating from central African region considered an advantage.