Request for Proposal: Development of agroforestry designs, Kenya
Background Cereals Growers Association (CGA) is a national non-profit member-based farmer organization incorporated in August 1996. Its main purpose is to bring together commercial cereal farmers to promote collective action to sustain their farming enterprises and address industry challenges in Kenya. CGA has a network of over 300,000 farmers spread over 26 counties in Kenya. CGA works with industry stakeholders such as agricultural input suppliers, government bodies, financial institutions, insurance companies, output buyers, development partners, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and others to provide services to its members.
CGA has done some work in agroforestry; however, they want to take this to the next level by supporting thousands of farmers in transitioning to agroforestry-based farming systems. As such, we are looking for an experienced agronomist/forestry/agroforestry expert who knows the Kenya context very well and who can support CGA in creating region-specific agroforestry models (ideally in 2023 still).
Many farmers in the CGA crop cereals (e.g., maize, barley, millet), though some also cultivate fruit trees such as mango and avocado. As agroforestry with cereals is a not-so-much-explored area, the consultant is expected to come to careful and apt agroforestry designs and integration of tree species that ensure/improve cereal yields, integrating cereal agroforestry experiences. Input provided by farmers is essential.
General objective
We are looking for an agronomist/forestry/agroforestry expert who can elaborate a comprehensive Agroforestry design(s) for CGA that will form the basis for a large-scale agroforestry implementation as a project to be certified under Acorn.
Specific objectives
• Site visit to understand environmental conditions, social context, and direct alignment with CGA and its farmers.
• Determination of several agroforestry designs required, based on ecoregions, geography, climates, soils, actual cropping systems, and farmer’s interest.
• Selection and justification of trees and crops for each agroforestry design, taking into account: o Climatic conditions o Farmer interest o Farmer knowledge & capacities for implementation o Farm yields o Tree traits and compatibility o Carbon uptake of the systems o Markets for tree produce o Biodiversity and environmental benefits o Seedling availability and requirements o Fitness for large-scale implementation
• Filled in Agroforestry design templates (provided by Acorn)
• Agroforestry layout (image visualization of the system)
• Recommended fertilizer inputs
• Cost estimation of implementation and maintenance
• Experience in training and other capacity-building strategies for farmers and related actors
• Available on short notice.
Qualifications and skills
• An advanced degree in any one of the following areas: agroforestry, climate change, agronomy, and environmental science. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential. At least seven years of progressive experience working with smallholder farmers will be an added advantage.
Proposal
1-2 page proposal for the assignment, including:
• Budget
• Time schedule + first moment of availability
• Track record.
Please submit your proposal before 04/12/2023 with julia.peters@rabobank.com.