Consultancy- Situation Analysis of South Sudan Plant Health System At Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International

By sharing knowledge and science, CABI tackles global issues like poverty, hunger, education, equality, sustainability, climate change and biodiversity. We do this by helping farmers grow more and lose less of what they produce, combating threats to agriculture and the environment from pests and diseases, protecting natural habitats from invasive species, and improving access to scientific knowledge.

CABI is an international, inter-governmental, not-for-profit organization that improves people’s lives worldwide by providing information and applying scientific expertise to solve problems in agriculture and the environment. Our approach involves putting information, skills and tools into people’s hands. CABI’s 49 Member Countries guide and influence our work which is delivered by scientific staff based in our global network of centres.

CABI is committed to making a difference, playing its part in creating a brighter, more equitable and sustainable future.

You can learn more at:www.cabi.org

Background

Plantwise to Support Smallholder Farmers in South Sudan

Plantwise is a global program led by CABI that aims to increase food security, alleviate poverty and improve livelihoods by enabling male and female smallholder farmers around the world to lose less of what they grow, produce more and improve the quality of their crops. Since its inception in 2011, Plantwise has been introduced into 36 countries, working in partnership with over 175 partners, including governments, NGOs, civil societies and farmers’ associations

The Plantwise Program Approach

Plantwise defines a plant health system by four key components: (1) extension, which delivers available knowledge to improve plant health; (2) research, which develops new knowledge about plant health and is often linked to higher institutions of learning; (3) input suppliers, who deliver knowledge and agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, biological and other crop protection products; and (4) regulation and institutions (organizations and rules), which govern the sale and use of agricultural inputs, protect countries from new and emerging pests, including invasive species, and regulate produce trade requirements. The key premise of the Plantwise Theory of Change (ToC) is that plant health systems function to reduce crop losses and promote plant health. The entire Plantwise approach focuses on providing knowledge to farmers through plant clinics and complementary methods of outreach, such as plant health rallies (PHRs) and mass extension campaigns (MECs).

Plantwise in South Sudan will contribute to addressing some of the challenges identified in the agricultural sector, such as diseases and pests.

Objective of introducing Plantwise in South Sudan

The overall objective of introducing Plantwise in South Sudan is to strengthen the capacity of agricultural advisory systems in the country to support farmers in managing plant health challenges through an environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner, using practices that promote integrated crop management.

Plantwise in South Sudan will aim to help achieve the following:

1. Improved farmers’ knowledge on effective and practical methods of managing plant health with measurable outcomes to be demonstrated through monitoring and evaluation
2. Developing the skills capacities of farmers’ advisors through innovative training to serve as plant doctors, operate plant clinics and embed good practices in their advice to farmers
3. Develop skills of local experts to develop extension information material for the country.
4. Adopt the use of ICT-based processes to make advisory services more efficient, with data-driven decision making on prioritization of actions to manage plant health, to help farmers achieve household food security and crops-based income.

Situation Analysis

Within the overall objective of strengthening the capacity of agricultural advisory systems in the country to support farmers in managing plant health challenges, the objectives of the assignment would be to:

1. Develop a comprehensive situation analysis document on PHS in South Sudan and based on this,
2. Develop a document
   1. Identifying options and strategies for consideration by Plantwise program, the development of the country’s PHS; and
   2. Preparing a prioritized PHS development plan for South Sudan highlighting the areas of focus in consultation with the Government, the development partners, and the private sector.

The consultant will produce a document containing a comprehensive situation analysis of the PHS of South Sudan highlighting:

1. Policy and institutional framework of the PHS of South Sudan
2. Functions of the PHS of South Sudan
3. Stakeholders involved in the PHS of South Sudan
4. Strengths and weaknesses of the PHS of South Sudan

The consultant will facilitate a national level consultation/workshop with the relevant stakeholders to obtain feedback on the draft report when it is ready. The feedback to be received in the consultation/workshop will be taken into consideration for the finalization of the situation analysis report.

In addition to the above-mentioned consultation, the consultant will have individual consultations with the relevant stakeholders for collecting data and information.

Approach and Methodology

1. Desk research and interviews.
2. Literature review including review of the relevant documents relating to other Plantwise countries.
3. A national level consultation/workshop with relevant stakeholders to obtain the feedbacks and inputs from the stakeholders on the draft situation analysis for finalization of the report.
4. Bilateral consultations with selected stakeholders for obtaining information/inputs and views preparatory to situation analysis.
5. Compilation and submission of the final report to CABI.

Expected Deliverables and Timelines

All written documentation is to be submitted in English using Microsoft Word in both soft and hard copy. The main body of all reports should be written in simple, non-technical language, with any technical material to be presented in annexes.

The study shall begin no later than December 2022, with the Consultant expected to take a total of 35 working days over the period of two months (from the day of contracting to completion of the assignment).

The Consultant(s) shall provide the following deliverables to the project team led by CABI within the timeframe stated:

1. Inception report with the design of the methodologies and a work plan with time schedules to conduct the situation analysis- 5 days

2. Stakeholder’s consultations, meetings and simultaneous desk review of literature, reports, data, documents etc. preparatory to the analysis- 13 days

3. Drafting report- 5 days

4. Obtaining feedback on the draft report from the stakeholders’ consultation/workshop- 4 days

5. Draft report revised based on the feedback and inputs received from the consultation/workshop- 3 days

6. Final report incorporating CABI’s feedback- 5 days

Management and Implementation Responsibilities

The Consultant shall be responsible for:

• Design and implementation plan, including developing a detailed methodology.
• Developing study tools- checklists.
• Conducting all desk reviews and data collection.
• Organizing (working with CABI) the validation workshop.
• Catering for all their expenses.
• Regular progress reporting to CABI, including responding to any comments or technical inputs within the agreed timeframe.
• Producing deliverables within agreed timelines, and in accordance with quality requirements from the project management team.
• Seeking comments and feedback from CABI.
• Producing the final report.

CABI shall provide:

• Guidance and technical support as required throughout the analysis.
• Review, comments and feedback on, and approval of all deliverables, within agreed timelines.

Requirements

• Advanced University degree; Masters/M. Phil or PhD in the relevant field.
• At least six years of experience in policy development/ policy research, conducting policy reviews and/or review of crop protection projects and any mix of these.
• Experience working in the area of sector wide approach; writing situation analysis/program document will be an added value.
• Familiarity with the working of the government partners, especially agricultural sector partners, Development Partners, Private sector, NGO and Civil societies. Experience of working with these partners as a consultant, or staff directly or through development partners will be an advantage.
• Technical expertise in conducting research, designing questionnaires, analytical skills and writing skills evident by high quality publication in agriculture.
• Abilities to conduct stakeholders’ workshops/interviews at national and sub-national levels.
• Experience of working on agricultural sector policies/situation analysis in South Sudan will be an added advantage.
• Excellent oral and written communication and writing skills in English.
• Knowledge and ability to use computer for research and report writing.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• Must display a high standard of ethical conduct and exhibit honesty and integrity.