Enhancing Resilience through Climate Adaptation: Climate Vulnerability Assessments, Agroforestry, Carbon Farming and EUDR Compliance Capacity Buildin At Solidaridad East & Central Africa

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Solidaridad Network is an international solution-oriented civil society organisation working through eight regional expertise centres to transform markets to make them more sustainable and inclusive. Our eight regional expertise centres include Asia, Eastern and Central Africa, Europe, Latin America, North America, Southern Africa, South America, West Africa and our global Secretariat in the Netherlands. Solidaridad Eastern and Central Africa, one of the regional centres, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya with country offices and programmes in Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda. We bring together supply chain players and engage them with innovative solutions to improve production, ensuring the transition to a sustainable and inclusive economy that maximises the benefit for all. We facilitate strengthening of local capacity in developing countries, support the creation of enabling environments for economies to thrive, and improve market access. Solidaridad embraces the public-private and people partnerships (PPPP) in order to test innovations, speed up change, and take success to scale. Globally, Solidaridad works around Coffee and other 12 commodities/sectors (http://www.solidaridadnetwork.org)

2.0 The Pathways to Prosperity Coffee Project in Kenya Summary

The Pathways to Prosperity (P2P) Coffee Project is a seven-year project funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign affairs supporting smallholder coffee farmers through 3 pathways; (i) creating viable and resilient production systems ii) catalysing inclusive service delivery systems and iii) championing inclusive markets. The programme will co-create and implement tailored interventions to facilitate transformation in the coffee sector contributing to increased sustainable production (productivity and quality) and incomes, enhancing resilience to the impacts of climate change and other shocks and the creation of decent jobs and inclusive supply chains.

The P2P project aims to build the capacity of 101,500 smallholder coffee farmers (30% women and 15% youth) from Nandi, Kericho, Kisii, Nyamira, Bungoma, Transnzoia, West Pokot and Bomet Counties of Kenya to produce good quality coffee. Also, strengthen the leadership and governance of 84 cooperatives and provide a platform for cooperatives to link & interact with over 500 service providers in their respective countries to establish long term relations that go to serve the interests of both.

The intended long-term impact is that small- holder coffee farmers thrive by participating in the supply chain that is economically viable, socially responsible and environmentally sound by 2029. Smallholder coffee farmers will have an opportunity to participate in economically viable value chains by increasing their productivity through adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP’s) for increased incomes. It prioritises the inclusion of women and youth. Environmental conservation is a key element focusing on adoption of climate resilient practices, implementing carbon projects as well as adopting agroforestry.

3.0 The Traceable Organic Coffee from Kenya Project

The shift toward sustainable food consumption patterns and preferences is attributed to the health and environmental risks associated with some harmful farming practises in conventional agriculture, including use of synthetic fertilisers or harmful pesticides. To meet this growing demand for sustainable products and services, more retailers are increasingly sourcing for organic produce. Through the Traceable Organic Coffee from Kenya Project (TRACE Kenya), small-holder farmers (30% women and 10 % youth) in Kericho, Nandi and Bungoma counties are gradually converting into organic coffee production. Our approach is focused on capacity building initiatives and interactive training on innovative farming practices, facilitating access to high yielding and disease resistant coffee varieties and promoting eco-friendly technologies in organic coffee production.

Adoption of organic agricultural practices is slowly stimulating development of organic inputs supply chains and innovations as well as improved coffee quality and volumes increasing farmer incomes and creating new job opportunities. In addition, the youth are being equipped with the right skills to enable them to pursue economic opportunities on and off the farm in relation to coffee production. Within the Kenyan coffee sector, the trend towards organic and sustainable practices is a strategic move that allows more local farmers to access the competitive high value markets while contributing to reduction of the associated health risks and negative environmental impacts and promoting sustainable use of the earth’s resources.

Our partner African Coffee Roasters EPZ Limited (ACR) is committed to adding value by locally roasting certified organic coffee and producing sustainable coffee brands for their clients in Europe and beyond. The project’s ultimate innovation is not only in the delivery of the first organic certified Kenyan coffee from small-holder farmer cooperatives to global consumers but also to improve their productivity and quality of coffee produced after the transition.

Through a partnership with Rabobank, the project has introduced farmers to carbon trading via the ACORN Platform. Coupled with the implementation of various Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices, these initiatives will enhance circularity and biodiversity while also creating additional revenue streams for thousands of smallholder farmers in Kenya.

4.0 Background

The impacts of climate change are already widespread, with fluctuations in temperature, rainfall, humidity, soil nutrients, moisture, sunlight, aeration, and soil temperature directly affecting coffee plant growth and productivity. Therefore, adopting mitigation strategies to reduce global warming is vital for overcoming the consequences of climate variations on coffee production.

Climate vulnerability assessments serve as essential tools for understanding how communities and ecosystems are affected by climate change. By identifying at-risk populations, key resources, and critical infrastructure, these assessments enable the development of targeted adaptation strategies. Evaluating vulnerabilities allows stakeholders to prioritise actions that enhance community resilience, secure livelihoods, and protect natural resources. This proactive approach informs policy decisions and resource allocation, ultimately promoting sustainable development and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.

Moreover, climate-smart agriculture practices and carbon farming are integral in addressing climate change’s impact on coffee production. These strategies improve resilience by enhancing soil health, optimising water use, and fostering biodiversity, which can lead to increased yields amid climate fluctuations. Additionally, carbon farming captures atmospheric carbon, contributing to greenhouse gas reduction and providing economic benefits to coffee farmers through potential carbon credits. Thus, implementing these practices bolsters sustainable coffee production and strengthens livelihoods and ecosystems vulnerable to climate variability.

Farmer awareness and compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) are also critical for ensuring sustainable agricultural practices. By understanding this regulation, farmers can adopt methods that prevent deforestation and protect ecosystems, thus ensuring their products meet market requirements. Compliance not only facilitates access to international markets and enhances the value chain but also supports eco-friendly farming. Ultimately, by promoting sustainable practices, farmers contribute to climate resilience and biodiversity conservation, securing their livelihoods while adhering to stringent environmental standards in the global marketplace.

Together, these interconnected interventions—mitigation strategies, vulnerability assessments, climate-smart practices, carbon farming, and EUDR regulatory compliance—form a comprehensive approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change on coffee production and agricultural sustainability.

In response, Solidaridad through the Pathways to Prosperity Coffee Programme and TRACE Kenya Projects seek to:

i) Conduct a Climate Vulnerability Assessment (CVA) – This will help identify the degree to which the system is susceptible to, or unable to cope with, adverse effects of climate change including climate variability and extremes. The goal is to reduce vulnerability to the harmful effects of climate change as well as identify the gaps and opportunities for the uptake of Climate Smart Practices in Organic Coffee Farming. This CVA should be finalised by 30th of October 2024.

ii) Train 500 ToTs/lead Farmers on the CSA practises, carbon farming, carbon credits and carbon trading. The delivery of these training will be finalised by 15th of November 2024.

iii) Conduct county/regional based awareness creation forums highlighting the compliance requirements for traceability, the prohibition of products linked to deforestation, the process towards compliance, the importance of sustainable land management practices while exploring partnerships and avenues that lead them to being compliant. Understanding these elements is vital for accessing EU markets and ensuring environmental sustainability in their operations. These should be finalised by 10th December 2024.

4.1 Assignment Objective(s):

The overall objective of the assignment is to enhance the capacity of smallholder coffee farmers to adapt to climatic change through adoption of climate smart practices including carbon farming. Additionally, to sensitise framers on the EUDR regulation its requirements and recommendations on how to comply.

Specific Objectives include;

1. Carry out a Climate Vulnerability Assessment – for 8 counties in Kenya (Bomet, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Nandi, Bungoma and Transnzoia).
2. Train at least 500 ToTs and Lead Farmers on place based climate smart agricultural practices in coffee framing, carbon farming and agroforestry. Trainees are spread across the regions/counties mentioned in 1 above.
3. Organise EUDR awareness forums at county levels to enhance farmers’ understanding of the regulation and its potential impact on their livelihoods. Provide insights into the compliance process, the challenges they may face, and how partnerships can support them in achieving compliance.

4.2 Scope of Work:

This Terms of Reference (TOR) seeks to have the consultant conduct the following;

1. Conduct a desktop review to map out key risks and hazards posed by climate change, the level of susceptibility of different populations and ecosystems (as per regions referenced in 3.2 above), highlighting critical areas needing adaptation.
   1. Conduct the CVA and provide a comprehensive report including gaps and recommendations on best place-based CSA practices for the different regions.
      1. Design a training curriculum for the capacity-building of 500 lead farmers, ToTs and government extension officers, Conduct the training engaging participants to capture key areas of action for post-training monitoring.
      2. Organise EUDR awareness creation forums to sensitise farmers on the requirements for compliance the process and challenges.
      3. Design a training program using performance objectives provided as well as additional material contributed by the consultant out of their previous experience in handling similar assignments.
      4. Develop and avail a tailored Monitoring and Evaluation System to assess training delivery and participants understanding as well as assessing and/or tracking adoption of these practices geared towards achievement of program objectives.
      5. Develop and share training reports after every session.
      6. The consultant will present the manuscript flow for discussions during the inception meeting.

4.3 Methodology.

The consultant will;

1. Together with Solidaridad, map the target groups/cooperatives/ToTs/Lead farmers.
   1. Carry out a desktop review
      1. Develop the training curriculum for review and validation by Solidaridad before commencing physical training of lead farmers, ToTs and Government Extension Officers.
      2. Organise EUDR awareness and sensitisation Forums.

4.4 Deliverables:

1. Work plan and expression of interest (EOI) for the assignment, outlining;
   • A detailed methodology for the implementation of the assignment.
     • A detailed work plan for the work.
     1. An inception report before the commencement of the assignment detailing the approach, methodology and general concept to the entire process.
     2. Detailed report of the CVA’s.
     3. Train 500 ToTs and Lead Farmers on CSA practices including carbon farming and agroforestry, these will cascade the learning to other framers.
     4. Conduct county/regional based EUDR awareness creation Forums.
     5. Final assignment report.

2. Expert/Consultant’s Profile:

Qualified and experienced Consultancy Firms should develop a comprehensive expression of interest (E.O.I) outlining:

• A profile of the firm/consultant

• Firm/Consultants statement on the interpretation of the TOR

• Curriculum Vitaes’ of consultant/firm outlining qualifications and demonstrable experience in training on vermicomposting.

• A description of the methodology

• At least 3 references of similar assignments undertaken in the last 3 years

• Sample of some of the works delivered including but not limited to: reports, presentations and training modules.

• A detailed financial proposal (inclusive of relevant taxes) and a work plan for carrying out the assignment

6.0 Duration of the assignment.

The assignment is expected to take place within a maximum of 75 days after signing the contract. Application process:

The consultancy firms/companies are required to submit an EOI containing a statement on the candidate’s experience with similar assignments, curriculum vitae, financial proposal, and work plan by October 14th, 2024 at 5:00pm (EAT). All applicants must meet the minimum requirements described above, those unable to meet the requirement will not be considered.

Each EOI submission should be not more than 5 pages and include the following:

• A brief proposal for the study with methodology and work plan.
• A sample/samples of previous related work.
• A financial proposal with a budget with breakdowns of different costs involved, to the finer detail. A budget with aggregated figures will not be accepted.
• Updated CVs for the team leader and team members (each CV not more than 2 pages).
• Contact details of 3 references with complete contact information (i.e. name, organisation, title position, address, email, telephone).