Livelihoods Market Needs Assessment Consultant - North Akkar

About the Project: 

The Sustainable Fodder Production for Livestock Resilience in Akkar project, funded by the UN World Food Program and implemented by Relief International (RI), aims to enhance the resilience and livelihoods of small-scale livestock farmers in Akkar, North Lebanon. The project focuses on improving fodder production through land reclamation, developing irrigation infrastructure, and introducing high-nutritious animal feed and climate-resilient fodder crops. It also promotes gender equity and economic inclusion.

Objective of the Consultancy:

Relief International will start implementing a project that aims to address one of the key challenges faced the livestock farmers: access to nutritious fodder. RI will support women to cultivate the reclaimed land and support the adaptation of sustainable cost efficiency methods of fodder production. To this end, RI will conduct a deep market assessment at the cluster-of-villages level for the identification of key issues related to market barriers, inefficiencies, and obstacles affecting the process of producing and distributing fodder. The study will assess issue such as the market access by farmers, challenges related to production, availability of necessary inputs, economic feasibility of local production, etc. Gender-specific obstacles and opportunities, particularly those affecting women’s roles in agricultural and fodder value chains, will also be examined. The findings from the study will help in formulating appropriate strategies and interventions to enhance the potential for sustainable fodder production, thereby empowering women within the agriculture sector. RI also seeks to facilitate a roundtable discussion with stakeholders to share the findings and gather additional insights for strategic planning.

The objective of this consultancy is: 

1. Conduct a Cluster-Level Market Assessment:
   • Examine market failures and inefficiencies impacting fodder value chains.
   • Identify barriers to supply, demand, and market access for farmers.
   • Evaluate institutional, social, and economic challenges to sustainable fodder production.
   • Assess the economic feasibility of local fodder production by analyzing associated costs and long-term competitiveness.
   • Analyze gender-specific obstacles and opportunities to enhance women’s participation and leadership in fodder value chains.

2. Facilitate a Roundtable Discussion:
   • Present key findings from the assessment to relevant stakeholders, including farmers, market actors, institutions, and women leaders.
   • Gather feedback and validate findings.
   • Provide actionable recommendations to address identified gaps and promote sustainable solutions.

Scope of Work

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Inception Phase:
   • Conduct a desk review of relevant documents and data.
   • Develop a detailed methodology and work plan, including tools for data collection.
   • Map and identify the list of stakeholders to conduct the assessment and the list of key stakeholders that will be invited for the roundtable.
2. Data Collection and Analysis:
   • Conduct field visits (means of transportation will be provided by RI), interviews, focus group discussions, and surveys with farmers, market actors, and other stakeholders. Note: RI staff will support when needed, include conducting surveys and gathering data.   
   • Collect quantitative and qualitative data on production, distribution, accessibility, and economic feasibility of fodder. (Note: RI will provide the phone and the SIM card).
   • Examine gender roles and barriers in the fodder value chain.
3. Report Preparation:
   • Analyze data and develop a comprehensive report outlining findings, challenges, and recommendations.
   • Include specific recommendations for fostering women’s active participation in fodder value chains and entrepreneurial opportunities.
4. Roundtable Facilitation:
   • Design and facilitate a roundtable with key stakeholders at Akkar/area level to present findings and gather feedback.
   • Summarize discussions and incorporate insights into the final report.

Deliverables:

• • Inception Report (including methodology, work plan, list of key stakeholders, and tools).
  • Final Market Assessment Report (English with summary in Arabic).
  • All collected raw data. 
  • Presentation materials for the roundtable (Arabic).
  • Roundtable Summary Report (in English).

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

     Equal Employment Opportunity

Relief International is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact. We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

     Safeguarding & Ethics

Relief International (RI) is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to RI’s Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct e-learning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

     RI Values

Guided by the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, as well as “Do No Harm,” Relief International Values:

Integrity

Adaptability

Collaboration

Inclusivity

Sustainability