CROP NUTRIENT REQUIREMENT AND FERTILIZATION SCHEDULING CONSULTANT

The Rene Moawad Foundation is seeking a Crop Nutrient Requirement and Fertilization Scheduling consultant.

About Rene Moawad Foundation (RMF)

The Rene Moawad Foundation (RMF) was established in 1991 with the Mission of Promoting social, economic and rural development in Lebanon and the MENA region and contributing in building a responsible civil society that promotes democratic values, justice, pluralism and moderation. RMF works in 5 core areas including Livelihood and Economic Growth, Decentralization and Governance, Health and Social Safety Net, Education and Protection and Agriculture.

About “SADDER”

SADDER - Sustainable Agricultural Development to Diversify and Export Regionally (2023-2027) is a project funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and implemented by the Rene Moawad Foundation (RMF).

"SADDER" will incorporate enhanced methodologies and best practices. It will aim to support Lebanon's economy through the agriculture sector by assisting stakeholders within the selected value chains, Table Grapes, Avocados, Cherries, and Apples, in meeting both local and export market requirements, ultimately leading to increased income, self-sustainability of various agricultural sectors, as well as job creation and retention.

Major Responsibilities:

Under Output 1.3. SADDER will Conduct Capacity Building program to selected farmers on GAP techniques including a Fertilization management, Soil correction and composting chapter for the 900 new farmers across the 4 targeted VCs and an Advanced Fertilization program for the 800 maintained farmers from previous: “Strengthening Exports Project”. The capacity building program will be implemented through a hybrid Training and Extension package tackling technical know-how, field and practical applications based on best practices, tailored personalized coaching, and online continued support by experts.

The fertilization programs per farmer will be generated based on soil tests and tissue analysis as stated under Output 2.3. This will ensure that farmers are applying fertilizers based on scientific methodologies, and not based on traders’ marketing strategies. This results in minimizing the overuse of fertilizers, and decrease pollution of soils and water. The tests will also serve to ensure that the final produce meets the international export and consumption standards and requirements.

Terms of Reference

RMF is seeking Technical and Financial proposals from Advanced Fertilization Consultant for the project SADDER. The consultant will play a vital role in the above-mentioned project. The primary objective of this role is to develop baseline, methodology and training materials; and field interventions in advanced fertilization systems and techniques for farmers across the four value chains.

Technical proposal content

• Develop and propose a full training package for one to one, group and online Capacity building. Include topics, sections and method of delivery in the technical proposal.
• Provide recommendations on adopting the best crop nutrition and fertilization practices minimizing economic losses and groundwater contamination and optimizing the use of organic and mineral fertilizers.
• Provide necessary and external training materials, among these, presentations, exercises, tools and handouts for attendees.
• Support the preparation of knowledge products and develop illustrated brochures or fliers that contain comprehensive information about all topics related to fertilization per value chain.
• Develop methodology (survey, questionnaire, data collection procedure…) to conduct a thorough assessment of the current fertilization practices for the farmers involved in the project.
• Training package/curriculum for trainers (ToT). Conduct the training for up to 20 trainers and deliver the content in an interactive approach by using advanced techniques and methodologies.
• Analysis and evaluation of the assessments results.

• Provide correction measures and recommendations for fertilization practices taking into consideration all aspects (soil fertility, plant nutrients and needs, fertilizers types and availability, different techniques…)
• Develop field guide to help identify nutrient deficiencies per value chain.

• Develop fertilization programs based on value chains and regions; as a result of the service from Sample Handling, Testing and issuing results combined with farmer practices.
• Recommend and draft tenders with specifications and, if necessary, assist in the procurement and installation of advanced technologies.
• Design, advise and participate in establishing demo plots.

• Develop evaluations to assess the base line and improved capabilities of the trainees on Advanced Fertilization before and after training sessions.

Competencies, Skills and Experience

All applicants must have:

• At least 10 years of relevant experience, including experience in capacity building, development and consultancies
• Experience in developing training materials and/or performing coaching
• Experience in project design, implementation, monitoring and reporting
• Good knowledge of the Lebanese climatic and environmental conditions
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills
• Excellent writing and presentation skills in English and/or Arabic
• University degree in environment/soil sciences or water management or Agriculture.
• Master’s degree in Agriculture or PhD will be highly considered.

Submission Part – Requested Document

The Bidder must provide sufficient information in the proposal to demonstrate compliance with the

requirements set out in this proposal. The proposal shall include, as a minimum:

Appendix A – Technical Proposal

• Consultant Resume
• References
• Support Team composition and structure (if any)
• Team Resumes (if any)
• Technical offer / proposal
• Proposed Project Work Plan

Appendix B – Financial Proposal

• Segregation on item level
• Mandays expectations

Failure to provide all the above may result in the disqualification of the proposal.