Value Chain Assessment for Vegetables and Dates

Near East Foundation UK

Value Chain Assessment for Vegetables and Dates

Terms of Reference

Date Prepared:

Part II - Introduction and Objectives

The Overall Objective (OO) of the project is to reduce fear and mistrust between Palestinian and Israeli farmers, industry leaders and government officials through two Specific Objectives/Outcomes: (SO1) Improve conditions for cross-border cooperation and confidence building in agribusiness development; and (SO2) Improve grassroots joint work in value chain development for olive, date and vegetable production in Israeli and Palestinian communities. The project aims to build lasting economic cooperation and trust through a core group of 25 youth agronomists who will facilitate cross-border value chain development for dates, olives and vegetables. Through single-group and cross-border events, NEF UK and its partner, the Palestinian Centre for Agricultural Research and Development (PCARD) will team up with local universities to introduce improved production, processing and marketing to at least 2,400 farmers. The Cross-Border Agriculture Partnerships Project (C-BAP) will engage at least 30 policymakers and industry leaders, and 25 young agronomists to create conditions conducive to value chain growth and the delivery of more equitable benefits that enable lasting cross-border relationships among target groups and final beneficiaries.

Building on the success and momentum of past projects, NEF UK will strengthen linkages between Israeli and Palestinian youth, farmers, industry leaders and government officials through cross-border agricultural cooperation and mutual benefit. The project engages young male and female Palestinian and Israeli agronomists, farmers, influential leaders and other value chain stakeholders in cross-border development of the date, olive and vegetable value chains where there is demonstrated opportunity to improve productivity and cross-border market linkages. These value chains provide a means to reach large numbers of Palestinians and Israelis, because they: (1) involve many people across the West Bank and Israel not previously involved in cross-border or peacebuilding activities; (2) are crucial to local economies on both sides, with significant potential for growth; and (3) experience technology gaps which offer a unique opportunity for cross-border exchange. Engagement of government and technical experts provides a platform to connect institutional actors, to build institutional support and capacities for cross-border negotiations, and to reduce barriers to cross-border cooperation.

Part III - Technical Direction, Management and Communication

The consultant will report to Salah Abu Eisheh ([email protected]), NEF-UK West Bank Country Director. For reporting and deliverables the consultant will include Jonathan Peters, Programme Officer [email protected] on all correspondence. For administrative matters, the consultant will report to Hala Yaish ([email protected]) and Salah Abu Eisheh.

Part IV - Statement of Work

Conduct a participatory cross-border value chain assessment of vegetable and date sub-sectors in Israel and the West Bank

A robust understanding of entire value chains – built through gender-aware participatory assessment – enables practical, collective action on matters of mutual interest and strengthens networks of individuals and firms across borders. Drawing on the leadership of agronomists and an expert consultant, NEF UK and PCARD will employ a participatory, cross-border process to identify opportunities to strengthen the date and vegetable value chains and increase benefits derived on both sides of the border. The assessment process will intentionally integrate basic principles, practical techniques and best practices in conflict mitigation and reconciliation, with careful analysis of conflict and other risks. Assessments will include analysis of regulatory and structural barriers to cross-border economic cooperation as well as gaps, opportunities and constraints in production, processing, packaging, transport, marketing and trade. Further, C-BAP will review and update the findings from a NEF UK-led assessment of the olive value chain that was conducted with USAID support in 2015. Participatory analysis of value chain dynamics and trade policy and practice will guide and inform the scope of technical and policy interventions and support identification and engagement of additional influential stakeholders for equitable development of cross-border value chains.

Working with project staff and partners, the consultant will guide the development of two assessments that:

• assesses the economic potential of the targeted geographic areas;
• provides strategies for how to mobilize and unlock this potential and outlines solutions to overcoming obstacles; and
• encourages collaborating and consultation between local stakeholders.

The assessment will focus on opportunities for youth in the targeted areas and agribusiness sector; it will also place an emphasis on considering opportunities for young women. The methodology uses participatory approaches that will encourage interaction, develop mutual understanding, and build relationships.  The assessment will also consider the unique challenges and opportunities in different project locations.

The outputs and outcomes of this consultancy include the following:

• Two completed assessment reports . These professional reports should highlight the main relevant growth sectors in the economy, as well as specific opportunities and challenges for project participants and staff to guide business selection and development. They will use detailed information to identify promising opportunities, provide strategies for unlocking potential, and serve as a tool to engage local stakeholders.
• Two summary policy memos report (2 pages maximum). These will be action-oriented documents that summarize findings from assessment reports to be presented to partners and stakeholders for consultation and approval.
• Presentation to partners and stakeholders.  At the conclusion of the consultancy, the consultant will provide a brief presentation on his/her research and analysis.

Part V - Schedule of Deliverables / Milestones

Interested applicants should send: 1) a copy of their CV /profile including 2) two contact details of reference,
3) their proposed methodologies 4) and financial offers no later than 10:00 am Tuesday March 5th, 2019.
It should be addressed to the following e-mail: [email protected] with reference to the title of the service mentioned above in the subject line of your email.