Consultant for capacity needs assessment

1. Objective

AFDAL phase IV financed by WFP and implemented by Care International Lebanon and Fair Trade Lebanon, aims to enhance resilience to climate change/shocks, increase productivity, access to market, and overall improve employability and income generation opportunities within the food system in Akkar Lebanon.

FTL is seeking a consultant to conduct a capacity needs assessment in order to pinpoint specific gaps, challenges, and requirements faced by greenhouse and livestock farmers. Based on the comprehensive findings of this assessment, tailored support will be provided to each farmer, to enhance their knowledge in agriculture, finance, and marketing to ultimately boost their income and net profit.

2. Duration and mission

The expert responsible for conducting the capacity needs assessment will commence activities in April by formulating the tool to be utilized. Subsequently, they will proceed with conducting the assessment involving 50 greenhouse farmers and 10 livestock farmers in Akkar area, during May 2024. The expert will report to the project coordinator at FTL and provide regular updates on progress, challenges, and achievements

3. Deliverables

The main responsibility for an expert tasked with developing a capacity needs assessment for farmers would be to conduct thorough and detailed assessments of each greenhouse’s farmer and livestock farmer's specific requirements. This would involve:

• Coordinating with AFDAL team to develop a unified approach for needs assessments. This collaboration guarantees concise and standardized assessments through the project.

• Drafting two comprehensive needs assessments, one for greenhouse farmers and the other for livestock farmers.

• Contacting farmers to set a schedule to visit the 50 greenhouses and 10 livestock farmers to collect relevant data and information through KOBO from farmers through on-site visits and surveys.

• Analyzing the collected data along with the soi and water analysis tests provided by FTL, to identify the unique challenges, gaps, and requirements of each farmer.

• Preparing a comprehensive report of the findings such as follows:
  • Farmer profiles with their information and land details.
  • Crops or livestock owned by each farmer.
  • Analysis of their needs, weaknesses, and strengths.
  • Recommended tailored topics for coaching sessions based on the assessment findings with specifying the number of sessions required for each need (Business, Technical, Marketing…)

• Ensuring that the assessment process is conducted efficiently and effectively, meeting project timelines and objectives.

4. Qualifications

The expert should have the following qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in agriculture, agribusiness, livestock or related field.
• Expertise in conducting needs assessments and developing work plans.
• Knowledge of innovative agricultural techniques and practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

5. Skills

He or she must have the following qualities and skills:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in greenhouse and livestock farming.
• Experience in providing technical support to farmers (greenhouses and livestock).
• Strong pedagogical and synthesis skills.
• Proficiency in the English and Arabic languages as the assessment will take place in Arabic and the reporting in English.

6. Payment terms

• Payments will be made bank fresh cheques
• The price will be paid in USD while the VAT will be paid in LBP based on the official exchange rate on the date of the invoice.
• Payment will be made within 15 business days of invoice receipt.