Request for Expression of Interests (Consulting Services)

FOR ECONOMIC AND SECTOR WORK ON AGRICULTURAL VALUE CHAIN STUDY IN

Agriculture sector in Uganda is a key sector and also will remain the main economic base of the country. As a result, future rate of poverty reduction, overall economic growth, social development and political stability of the country will depend on the growth trajectory of the sector. The , His Excellency, , has recently called for the transformation of in Uganda from subsistence to a commercial oriented sector. The end result of agricultural transformation in Uganda are millions of would be thriving small-, medium, and large-scale agribusinesses in every segment of agricultural value chains.

In order to better understand the growth potentials and constraints of the agriculture sector and optimize its intervention in the sector, the Bank aims to conduct agricultural value chain study. The main tasks of the study are to prioritize, select and conduct a detailed value chains analysis of priority agricultural commodities. The findings of the study will serve as a guide to design the Ugandan Agricultural Transformation Agenda (UATA), investment direction of the Bank and other development partners. Promoting agriculture and agro-industry/business is recognized as one of the most effective ways to drive inclusive growth and reduce poverty.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) is launching study that will inform the development of competitive regional and global value chains with the potential for advancing Uganda’s economic prosperity, increasing food security, job creation and poverty reduction. The study will also inform the Bank’s public sector operations towards creation of an enabling environment especially relating to land tenure policies and laws, financial inclusion efforts, and Private Public Partnerships in physical infrastructure development. It is expected to provide a sound basis for conducting policy dialogue, developing and implementing country strategies, building institutional and human capacity, and informing the development community on Uganda’s potentials. It will inform the for the generation of viable pipelines of bankable projects for both public and private sector operations that aim to advance agro-industry and agribusiness in value chains.

With an initial pilot programme in Uganda, the Bank’s Agricultural Value Chain Study aims to select, prioritise and conduct a detailed value chains study. The commodities selected for the study will be identified on the basis of stakeholder consultation. The study assesses the status, constraints and economic potential of the selected commodities. Based on the findings of the study, the investment opportunities for the Bank and bankable private sector projects will be identified and the policy and institutional measures that need to be implemented will be delineated. The study will also review farm-level productivity of selected commodities, input and output markets for commodity in question, land tenure, access to finance by agribusinesses, extension, etc

In order to achieve the objectives of the study, the study uses both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The study comprises of desk reviews and field studies. The purpose of the field visits is for data collection, conducting stakeholder consultations and disseminating the study findings. The detailed activities under each components are enumerated below.

The AfDB is seeking to identify suitable firms to conduct the study, facilitate the stakeholder engagement and support the design of projects. The AfDB now invites eligible firms/consultants to indicate their interest in providing these services by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI). Interested firms must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (CVs, brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc.). Consultants may constitute joint-ventures to enhance their chances of qualification.

Eligibility criteria, establishment of the short-list and the selection procedure shall be in accordance with the African Development Bank’s “Rules and Procedures which are available on the Bank’s website at http://www.afdb.org. The African Development Bank is under no obligation to shortlist any consultant who expresses interest. The duration of the study shall be 5 months starting from March, 2016.

Interested consultants may obtain further information at the address below.

Expressions of interest must be delivered to the address below by 20 March, 2016 at 18:00 GMT.

Attn: Dr. Damian Ihedioha, Principal Agro Industry Specialist, Rue Jean Paul II, Plateau, Abidjan Immeuble CCIA, 01 BP 1387 Tel : +22520262212 e-mail: [email protected]