. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
The Micro-Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT) has since the year 2002 developed a niche in supporting the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises by providing integrated business solutions for sustainable development. The Trust is a multi-donor entity jointly founded by the Government of Kenya and the European Union who later relinquished their position to the Royal Danish Embassy in Kenya.
MESPT is anchored on four (4) thematic areas namely:
(i) Market Access & MSME Development whose objective is to support the establishment and growth of sustainable agri-business MSMEs in Kenya towards poverty alleviation, income generation and employment creation, (ii) Food Safety and Agricultural Productivity that aims to capacity build agribusinesses on modern agricultural practices and target county governments on implementation and enforcement of food safety, plant and animal health regulations, (iii) Green Transformation’s objective is to promote energy-efficient practices and natural resource management and (iv) Access to finance which aims to have a KES 4 billion loan portfolio serving agricultural and non-agricultural micro enterprises thereby contribute to sustainable economic development in Kenya..
MESPT interventions has been designed to supplement the efforts of the Government and people of Kenya in implementing their Vision 2030 to create a globally competitive and prosperous country with a high quality of life by 2030, contribute to ‘inclusive greener growth with higher employment in Kenya and contribute to employment creation and improvement of farmer household economic status, through facilitating growth of selected agricultural commodity value chains across the country.
MESPT applies a business model that is based on a three-tier approach that incorporates producers, SMEs and financial intermediaries. Currently, MESPT is implementing a donor- funded programme namely Green Employment in Agriculture Programme funded by DANIDA in 12 Counties (Makueni, Machakos, Kilifi, Kwale, Nyandarua, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Bungoma, Kakamega, Siaya and Kisii) with an aim to promote green, sustainable and inclusive economic growth and decent jobs as well as market opportunities for Danish companies and investors with relevant solutions. GEAP programme has four (4) output areas namely, Market access and MSME development, Improved access to finance/credit, Improved food safety and increased productivity and green transformation. The selected value chains included Dairy, Export Vegetables, Mango, Coconut, Avocado, Aquaculture, Indigenous Poultry and Bananas.
To accelerate outreach and impact, GEAP intends to achieve the following targets:
a) 3,000 jobs created in the prioritized value chains.
b) 40,000 farmers linked to market.
c) KES 6 billion additional sales turnover of value chains produce aggregated by the targeted SMEs.
d) 20,000 farmers have accessed financial services.
II. PURPOSE
The purpose of this consultancy engagement is to provide a roadmap through which MESPT can achieve its green transformation agenda for agriculture value chains for generation of green and decent jobs in line with Green Employment in Agriculture Programme (GEAP). It is expected that a participatory and broad approach will give a baseline and an indication of viable interventions for greening agriculture opportunities along value Chains. The proposed strategy is expected to provide green growth relevance focusing on MSME and SMEs sourcing for affordable, available, durable, and replicable solutions for effective and efficient application to enhance sustainability and adoption of greening technologies.
This has resulted into the need to engage an independent and competent firm/ firm to map out existing green interventions for producer groups, farmer cooperatives and SMEs (Processors and exporters), identify existing green technology adoption gaps and recommend a feasible green transformation strategy and solutions for the programme.
III. OBJECTIVE OF THE CONSULTANCY
The firm will carry out development of green transformation strategy and solutions for MSMEs (producer groups, farmers cooperatives) and SMEs for creation of green employment opportunities in the selected Counties.
Specific objectives
- Assess the green growth / technology interventions penetration levels for producer groups, farmers cooperatives and SMEs with special emphasis to youth and women.
- Identify existing barriers and challenges hindering adoption of green growth initiatives and recommend appropriate interventions that are affordable, adaptable, and replicable by target beneficiaries.
- Identify Value Chain greening opportunities for employment and investment for target beneficiaries including youth and women in farmer cooperatives, producer groups and SMEs for the selected value chains.
- Map and profile service providers, financial institutions and local fabricators engaged and relevant to the GEAP programme.
- Develop a green transformation strategy for greening producer groups and farmers cooperatives.
- Identify existing farmers indigenous technologies that can be replicated across the counties.
IV. SCOPE OF WORK AND METHODOLOGY
The firm is expected to carry out the following task/assignment under the scope of works:
i) Identification of green growth opportunities and solutions for MESPT intervention for producer groups, farmers cooperatives, processors, and exporters.
ii) A comprehensive assessment of status of green technology adoption by producer groups, farmers cooperatives, processors and exporters including gaps and challenges creating hinderances to the target beneficiaries (water, energy, waste management technologies) along selected value chains.
iii) Develop a green transformation strategy and solutions for producer groups, farmers cooperatives and processors per specified anchor and support value chains for each of the 12 counties. The strategy should include assumptions, Gross Margin Analysis of GEAP value chains with and without green interventions and SWOT analysis of various proposed green technology interventions.
To undertake the above tasks, the firm(s) is expected to meet/interview representatives of MESPT staff, producer groups, farmers cooperatives, and SMEs, county government, input suppliers service providers among others. The firm may propose his/her own methodology, but it is expected that the exercise will involve application of tested participatory data collection methods, tools and techniques, include participation of key stakeholders, analysis of existing structure and market, review of engagement documents already available and develop a sustainable investment strategy.
The assignment is expected to be executed with 45 working days and in five (5) phases as follows:
Phase 1: Presentation of assignment inception report-road map/Plan of Action
Based on this TORs, the firm will present an inception report with proposed schedule of activities, draft data collection tools, proposed methods of data analysis and budget. It will also explain how and when the involvement of stakeholders will be coordinated as primary information sources. It will also list documents required from MESPT so that they can be mobilized on agreed time.
Phase 2: Desk Review
Existing documents shall be availed by MESPT including NRMP, BSPS II, GEAP Programme documents, and any other document you deem relevant.
Phase 3: Field Data collection and Analysis
The firm will review, and test data collection tools based on desk top review and proceed to collect data as soon the final version is agreed upon/signed off. Field data collection will involve interviews of key producer groups, cooperatives, off-takers, fabricators, suppliers, and other relevant VC actors within value chains supported by MESPT. Key informants will include programme staff, affiliate institutions and other sector players.
Phase 4: Submission of draft and presentation
The firm will deliver and present the revised report to MESPT for internal validation.
Phase 5: Submission and Dissemination of final report
Written and verbal feedback will be provided to the firm to be incorporated into a final version of the report following presentation. The report is expected in Calibri style font 11- soft copy and 2 spirals bound hard copies.
V. EXPECTED CONSULTANCY DELIVERABLES.
The firm is expected to come up with the following document following contractual engagement:
· Inception report, road map/ detailed action plan and data collection tools
· Presentation of preliminary report with the following:
o A detailed report with in-depth analysis of status of green growth interventions and gaps amongst farmer cooperative societies, producer group and SMEs. The analysis must clearly identify existing issues, recommend solutions and greening opportunities.
o A Green transformation strategy for cooperatives, producer groups and SMEs in line with MESPT strategic plan.
o 10- 20 slide PowerPoint presentation on strategy per value chain.
o Raw data collected during the exercise be availed in excel/spss/Stata formats where applicable.
· A comprehensive final assessment report and final green transformation strategy documents with actionable intervention and clear timelines
· The final report and the green transformation strategy document should be presented separately both in soft copy and hard copies.
VI. REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Prospective technical experts must possess wide experience and knowledge the following areas: –
- Green growth concepts in agriculture or principles of circular economy in agriculture related enterprises and / or experience in greening technologies.
- Climate change adaptation and mitigation in agriculture value chain in the region.
- Demonstrated ability and experience in investment analysis, strategy formulation and implementation.
- Demonstrate understanding of value chain concepts and approaches as well as detailed understanding of prioritized value chains.
- Understanding of farmer organizations, cooperatives and group dynamics within rural community context.
- Have ability to mainstream women and youth in the subject matter.
- Experience in finance and credit systems for agricultural financing
VII. QUALIFICATIONS
The firm’s lead technical expert must possess at least the following qualifications:
· A BSc. degree in natural resource management, environmental science, environmental engineering or related courses with a minimum of (7) years demonstrated experience in business research, strategy formulation and/or practice.
· A Master’s degree in environmental science or green growth-related courses is an added advantage.
· At least five (5) years’ experience in undertaking market surveys, value chain(s) analyses, or any other similar assessments.
· Proven experience in programming and conceptualization of development activities and familiarity with the development of investment promotion strategies
· Excellent documentation and communication skills
VIII. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT
The firm will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager in consultation with Natural Resources Management Officer and other programme staff. During this assignment, the firm will be provided with all necessary documents as required. However, the firm will not be provided with transport to the field by MESPT, and therefore shall make its own arrangement for the same.
IX. PAYMENT PLAN
The Firm are requested to quote a fee that will cover all their costs including transport, accommodation where applicable and other incidentals.
The payment plan to the Firm will be as follows: –
a) 30% upon presentation of the inception report with the assignment’s road map/action plan and data collection tools.
b) 30% upon presentation of an acceptable drafts for Green transformation strategy and technology needs assessment report and the power point slides.
c) 40% upon presenting and acceptance of the final green transformation strategy, green technology needs assessment report and power point slides.
X. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Interested applicants should send the following documents:
a) CV(s) of the lead consultant and team members of the firms applying.
b) Provide detailed company profile.
c) Provide a copy of certificate of registration.
d) CR12 Certificate
e) Must provide a copy of valid KRA Tax compliance Certificate.
f) Provide detailed proposal with a detailed Work plan demonstrating the number of man-days to be employed and budget for this work.
g) List of previous relevant assignments should accompany the tender, with a covering letter explaining how their experience addresses the requirements of the TOR.
h) Copy of reference letters or testimonials issued to the applying firm in the last five years.
How to apply
Kindly send your proposals to tender@mespt.org by 06th July 2021 before 17:00 Hrs Kenyan Time.