Target consultant needs assessment

Under the AFD-funded project, FSF aims to strengthen the technical, economic, and entrepreneurial capacities of farmers, women producers, cooperatives, youth, and MSMEs operating within agricultural and agri-food value chains in Baalbek-Hermel Governorate.

To ensure that the vocational training topics and subsequent interventions genuinely respond to community needs and avoid duplication, FSF will conduct a targeted needs assessment in Baalbek-Hermel Governorate.

This needs assessment will identify priority skill gaps, opportunities in agri-tech and agro-processing, and sector constraints that influence the selection of 100 beneficiaries for the vocational trainings. In addition to informing training content, the assessment is expected to inform the broader Result 3 intervention package, including linkages to youth temporary jobs and internships, start-up support for a subset of trainees, and tailored support to women-led businesses and cooperatives. This activity is fully aligned with Activity 3.1 of the project description.

2. Objective of the Assignment

The primary objective of the needs assessment is to generate evidence that will guide the design of all agricultural vocational training programs and related Result 3 interventions under the project in Baalbek-Hermel Governorate.

Specific objectives include:

Identify the current needs, challenges, and capacity gaps of farmers, women producers, cooperatives, MSMEs, and agricultural students.

Assess opportunities and priority skills relevant to agri-tech, agro-skills, agro-processing, climate-smart practices, market access, business development, and pathways to income generation.

Determine community-level expectations and preferences for vocational training topics, employment opportunities, and enterprise support.

Avoid duplication by documenting existing interventions and training programs in the same geographic area.

3. Scope of Work

The consultant/assessment team will conduct the following tasks:

3.1 Desk Review

Review existing data, FSF assessments, sector reports, and baseline information relevant to Baalbek-Hermel Governorate.

Review existing agriculture and agri-food interventions in the targeted area.

3.2 Stakeholder Consultations

Conduct structured interviews and discussions with:

Municipalities

Agricultural cooperatives

MSMEs and agro-food units

Farmer groups

Women’s community groups

Universities or agriculture students (where relevant)

Each consultation should identify sector gaps, training needs, operational challenges, employment opportunities, and enterprise development potential.

3.3 Field-Level Data Collection

Use qualitative and quantitative tools such as:

Key Informant Interviews (KIIs)

Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)

Observational checklists

Short structured questionnaires when applicable

The data should capture:

Current agricultural practices

Gaps in agro-skills, agri-tech adoption, and processing techniques

Market, employment, and business challenges

Gender-specific barriers for women and youth

Interest and readiness to join training, internships, or job opportunities

Existing knowledge and skill levels

Required support for income generation, start-ups, or cooperative development

3.4 Analysis of Skill Gaps & Training Needs

Identify topics needed in agricultural skills (IPM, soil and water conservation, climate-smart agriculture, harvest/post-harvest).

Identify agri-tech priorities (sensors, basic automation, digital soil tools, irrigation technology, traceability, etc.).

Identify agri-food processing priorities (food safety, preservation, hygiene, quality control, packaging, etc.).

Identify business, marketing, and financial management needs.

Determine gender-specific needs and barriers (mobility, access to resources, time constraints, social roles).

3.5 Recommendations for Training Program Design

Produce a list of priority vocational training topics, classified as:

Agro-skills

Agri-tech

Agro-processing

Business/financial skills

Gender and leadership

Each topic should include a justification based on assessment findings and its relevance to employment, internships, start-up development, or women-led enterprises.

3.7 Needs Assessment Report

A consolidated report including:

Methodology

Stakeholder insights

Sector needs overview in Baalbek-Hermel Governorate

Detailed training and employment-related needs analysis

Beneficiary profiles

Recommendations for VT curriculum, delivery modalities, and linkages to Result 3 interventions

Risks and considerations (including market and employment linkages)

4. Deliverables

DeliverableDescriptionDeadline

Inception ReportMethodology, tools, stakeholder listWeek 1

Data Collection ToolsKII guides, FGD guides, questionnairesWeek 1

Stakeholder Consultation SummaryMeeting notes, mapping of existing actorsWeek 3

Needs Assessment Draft ReportFindings + preliminary training recommendationsWeek 5

Final Needs Assessment ReportFull analysis + prioritized VT topicsWeek 6

5. Duration

Approximately 6 weeks, depending on field accessibility in Baalbek-Hermel Governorate.

6. Required Profile

Experience in agriculture/agri-food value chains

Experience conducting needs assessments and designing training programs

Familiarity with women’s economic empowerment and youth programming

Strong field communication and facilitation skills

Knowledge of Lebanon’s local agriculture context

Strong analytical and reporting skills

7. Management & Coordination

The consultant/team will work under the FSF Program Manager and coordinate closely with SI and JL as required.

FSF will support access to communities, stakeholders, and relevant data.

8. Ethical Considerations

Adherence to FSF policies on safeguarding, PSEA, and confidentiality

Respect for respondents’ consent and privacy

Gender-sensitive approach in all engagements.