TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR CONDUCTING FISH VALUE CHAIN & MARKETING STUDY IN SOMALILAND

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR CONDUCTING FISH VALUE CHAIN & MARKETING STUDY IN SOMALILAND.

1.      Introduction and background information

Fisheries play a significant social and nutritional role in Africa. The sector represents a key social safety net, contributes to food and nutrition security, and provides jobs, in particular for rural coastal populations, which are among the poorest and most vulnerable. On average, fish and fish products account for 18% of animal protein intake by African consumers, and the sector provides employment to over 12 million people (58% in the fishing and 42% in the processing sector). While fishing jobs are almost entirely taken by men, 59% of the processing work is done by women.

Somaliland has over 850 km coastal line and among the biggest in East Africa. It is a home to a variety of fish species including tuna, albacore, lobster, swordfish, shark, and many others. However, the sector is still largely artisanal and untapped. There is lack of cold storage facilities and the challenges involved in the proper handling of fish often lead to a high level of spoilage. In addition, the demand side is absorbing quite slowly due to various economic and cultural reasons. Also, youth constitute to more than 70% of the Somaliland population and majority are un-employed.

The fisheries sector is recognized as a vital economic driver for job creation and economic growth in Somaliland if it is well invested in and structured throughout the value chain right from harvesting to consumer. Although Somaliland National Development Plan II (2017 -2021), Somaliland National Vision 2030 and the Ministry of Livestock, Fishery and Marine resources have identified the fisheries as priority area for intervention, the government commitments to regulate and support the fishing sector is constrained by limited resources. To respond to these challenges, this proposed idea touches on creating sustainable jobs through Innovative fishery development.

Specific objectives of the project include:

1) Creating a greater inclusive economic freedom for youth through fishery development interventions.

2) Young men and women are accessing jobs and become self-employed through fishery value chain development interventions

3) Establishment/ strengthening of fisher organization.

Candlelight is therefore seeking to hire a qualified and capable external consultant to undertake a value chain & marketing study according to the terms and conditions detailed below.

Objectives of the study

1. To assess the current status of the sector in terms of employment, production, local consumption and probably export chains
2. Describe the existing domestic and international market channels and assess challenges and opportunities posed by these markets.
3. Identify key market chain actors and analyse the cost, margins and profits of different stakeholders in the marketing chain
4. Identify production and marketing constraints and recommend possible interventions to mitigate the observed constraints
5. Assess mode of transporting fish from landing sites to end markets, the various techniques used in processing and/or preservation fish and the challenges and opportunities related to transportation and processing of fresh fish in Berbera districts and other cities in Somaliland.
6. Identifying and quantifying the fisher folks (by number and gender), their organization, outputs and the opportunities and challenges that they face.
7. Assess enterprises involved in the fish subsector input and output businesses, their different margins, challenges and opportunities in Berbera and other cities in Somaliland
8. Provide substantive analysis on the potential of job creation in the fishery sector and share considerable recommendations on how the sector could have gender sensitive job creation capacities.
9. Provide data that can be used to make decisions on future investment opportunities especially value addition opportunities in the fisheries sector.

SCOPE OF WORK

The study will be conducted in Berbera District, Sahil Region and Hargeisa as one of the market areas.

METHODOLOGY

The -research will use both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques to source for appropriate information from the respondents. In the wake of COVID-19, the adopted approach will follow the do-no-harm principle by ensuring that the methodologies used do not result in increased risk for respondents or for the consultancy team. As the COVID-19 situation unfolds, the consultancy will be conducted through a series of discrete activities beginning with desk reviews before face to face interviews. Depending on the duration and severity of pandemic, the consultancy team will utilize appropriate means and tools to collect information. The districts where the programme will be implemented and Hargeisa will be target areas for this assessment

In their technical proposal, bidders should indicate their sampling plan including how they will select the villages to be assessed and various market players to be interviewed. Bidders may indicate their proposed methodology including aspects of sampling, sample size, tools, design and administration, which will inform the first phase of the selection process. The successful consultancy team will be expected to provide a detailed methodology with tools for field work as part of their inception report.

KEY DELIVERABLES

The deliverables expected from the consultancy firm include the following:

• Prepare and share a study report with Candlelight. The report should include a detailed methodology, including sample size, sampling plan, data collection tools, plan for field work, and data analysis.
• Undertake desk-based review of relevant documentation
• Undertake field data collection and analysis processes
• Conduct FGDs, KIIs and other qualitative pieces from relevant stakeholders
• Make a presentation of findings for feedback from Candlelight team
• Building on the debrief and initial feedback received, the consultancy team will produce a draft report that will be shared with Candlelight
• Based on feedback, prepare a final study report.

The final report is expected to include title page, preliminary pages, Executive summary and the main body. The Executive summary should include– Description of program/project, purpose of the study, methodology, summary of main findings, implications of findings and recommendations/conclusions if appropriate and the main body of the report should include an Introduction and Background, Methodology, Findings, Summary, Conclusion, and Recommendations and Annexes (Tools,). 

QUALIFICATION/EXPERIENCE

The consultancy team is expected to have a mix of skills relevant to the assignment. The required background and experience is as follows:

• Experience in managing similar -researches/assessments specially on value chains (fishery, livestock or agriculture) with demonstrated experience and participatory research methods.
• Strong capacity and experience in planning and organizing research logistics
• Good network of experienced enumerators and data entry clerks.
• Strong capacity in data management and statistics specially presenting both qualitative and quantitative data tabulations
• Strong interpersonal skills and a team-oriented spirit.
• Knowledge on fish value chain, marketing and other related aspects especially in Somaliland.
• Strong writing and analytical skills
• Experience in gender sensitive studies
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and knowledge of the target sites

DURATION.

The below table shows time and activities in the Fish Value chain study

 REMUNERATION, LOGISTICS AND COMMUNICATION AND REPORTING

Remuneration

The budget for this baseline assessment shall include consultant professional fees, enumerators fees and accommodation and shall be distributed as follows.

Logistics

All logistics for the study should be costed as part of the proposal

Communication and reporting

The Consultant will work in close contact with Candlelight Regional Representative, Project Manager and the Program Manager and the MEAL team.

Application Process

Interested Individual Consultant or Consultant Firms are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for delivery of the assignment. The EOI should include:

• Both Technical and Financial proposals
• Detailed technical proposal will include proposed methodology indicating the overall process including sampling, deliverables, quality assurance, time frame, etc. for undertaking the research
• Clear work plan including outputs/deliverables and time frames
• The financial proposal will include detailed budget containing total costs as per man-day rates, work plan and any other costs anticipated in undertaking process of the assignment
• CV of the consultant/firm with full description of the profile and experience
• Sample of relevant studies previously produced if available

Interested Firms/Consultants can submit their application, Technical and Financial proposals together with CVs clearly showing experience in similar assignments and itemised quotation of the study to the email: hr@candlelightsom.org not later than Sunday 2^nd May 2021 at 2:00 PM.

Any inquiries should also be sent to the same email but not later than 26^th April 2021