The impacts of implementing free-market convention on the ag...

Terms of Reference

‘Implement 3 evidence-based initiatives to document farmers \ producers abuse”

The impacts of implementing free-market convention on the agriculture inputs and outputs

BACKGROUND & INTRODUCTION:

The Palestinian Farmers Union (PFU) in partnership with OXFAM, are implementing a project titled “Power of Voices Partnership” funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs which aims to increase the accountability of government, responsiveness, fairness, through implementing better mechanisms related to agriculture policies that will achieve farmer aspirations and rights. At the PVP project, we seek to contribute to achieving sustainability for the Palestinian farmers as well as, increase farmers’ awareness of their rights and their right to follow up and track the government’s failures in practicing agricultural policies that will have positive repercussions on the long run.

There are three inter-related outcomes to be met : (1) Strengthened Civil Society (CS)collects evidence of rights abuses/support communities (2) Strengthened CS has capacity to improve (inter)national norms. (3) Strengthened CS mobilized public to influence governments.

CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND

Agriculture is a very important sector in Palestine, as it provides jobs to around 5.9% of the Palestinian labor force and comprises both major and secondary sources of income for many Palestinians. Recently, Palestinian agriculture has contributed to 3.5% of the GDP. Due to its importance, national and international development cooperation actors have recognized the need to reactivate the agricultural sector in Palestine for not only the benefit of the agricultural sector itself but to become a key instrument in transforming the country’s economic development. However, transforming and developing the agricultural sector is challenging given that adequate infrastructure, agricultural in-vestment promoting environment, and risk measures are missing, and in a dire need for a suitable framework of policies that make the process of transmission and development cohesive and harmonious.

Based on the adoption of free-market economic policies as stated in Article (21) of the amended Palestinian Basic Law of 2005, approved by the Legislative Council, that “The economic system in the State of Palestine is based on the principles of a free-market economy. In addition to the extent of the intersection and harmony principles of the free-market economy and social justice, equal opportunities, equity, and social security, and its ability to link between the principles of the free-market economy and social balance, which is involved under the approach of the social market economy.

PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTANCY SERVICES

PFU is seeking a consultant / company to be responsible for capturing and describing the current situation im-pact of economic convention especially free market economy in agriculture products inputs/outputs, and the extent of the intersection and harmony of the free economy with the principles of the free economy, social justice, equal opportunities, equity, and social security, and its ability to link between the principles of the free-market economy and social balance. Also, will highlight the practical recommendations that are applicable and beneficial to farmers in the long term.

• To measure the impact of adopting the convention of free market economy in marketing agriculture products and inputs.
• To describe the relationship and intersection extent between a free market economy with the principles of the free economy, social justice, equal opportunities, equity, and social se-curity. 
• To identify the gaps in the implementation and one what aspects describing the root causes of those gaps.
• To develop e recommendation that makes the free-market economy compatible with Palestinian reality that makes it active and useful and overcome the gaps in implementation 
• To highlight to market protection measures countries can do in leu to open market/ free market policies. Provide examples. 

Please submit the proposal (technical & financial offer) and requested documents in separate and sealed envelopes to the Palestinian Farmers Union Headquarter (al-Bireh, close to the representative office of Netherlands) no later than the end of the day on 05/01/2022. 

For any questions, feel free to contact Abbas Milhem OR Rula Khateeb at PFU’s head office: 02 240 0792, email abbas@[email protected]

For those who are interested, kindly download the following: Tender Document