1. Background about Oxfam in Uganda

Oxfam is a global movement for change that empowers people to create a secure future, just and free from poverty. We believe that everyone has a right to safety, security, a livelihood, and a say in decisions that affect them. 

In Uganda, our Vision is to see Uganda free of inequality and Injustice: A society where people, particularly women and young people, claim and exercise their rights and responsibilities and influence decisions that affect their lives. Our work is guided by the Country Strategic Framework (CSF) (2021-2030), organized around four themes: Governance and Accountability, Resilient Livelihoods, Humanitarian preparedness and response and Gender Justice and Women's Rights. All the themes work towards influencing policy and practice, youth and women empowerment, inclusive participation in decision-making at various levels, and capacity strengthening of national and local actors.

2. Information about the Project

Description of Project: The DANIDA SPII project holds several components including market system development on the following value chains: piggery, poultry, cassava, maize, and sweet potato. From July 2024 to December 2025, the livelihood component of DANIDA SPII will support farmer groups in host and refugee communities in the following districts: Yumbe, Terego, and Madi Okollo districts. 

Oxfam works in partnership with Agency for Community Empowerment (AFCE), Uganda Refugee Disaster Management Council (URDMC), and African Women Agribusiness Network Uganda (AWAN Uganda) to train and support farmer groups to establish piggery, poultry, cassava, sweet potato, and maize value chains. Our aim is to develop a robust market system in host and refugee contexts to support crisis affected population, in particular women and youth to have increased food security and resilience. 

The project aims to benefit a total of 49,650 individuals, with 70% being refugees and 30% belonging to host communities. Among these beneficiaries, 15% are adolescents under the age of 17, 35% are girls and women of reproductive age, and 850 are vulnerable youth aged between 15 and 35 years old. Additionally, 40 farmer groups, comprising of 1000 households, will receive agricultural extension and entrepreneurship training. To achieve the overall objective of the project, Oxfam will collaborate with the Office of the Prime Minister, UNHCR, District local government technical personnel, and other Livelihoods partners.

3. Purpose and Objectives of the study

  1. Purpose of the study

The purpose of this study is to produce a market system action plan that includes analysis and mapping of the following value chains: piggery, poultry, cassava, maize, and sweet potato. In addition this market system action plan will identify each market linkage along the value chain beginning with input dealers and farmer groups through to end user. 

The market system action plan will cover the following key areas: 

  1. Market feasibility analysis on the identified 5 value chains (piggery, poultry, maize, cassava, and sweet potato). 
    1. Conduct a thorough market feasibility analysis for each value chain, assessing growth potential, profitability, and current market dynamics including cost-benefit analysis and pricing structures across various market segments (e.g., wholesale, restaurant, hotel, butcher, intermediary buyers).
  2. Value chain development strategy to identify potential stakeholders for each market linkage. 
    1. Design a value chain development strategy that identifies key stakeholders at each stage of the value chain, including input dealers, abattoirs, logistics providers, off-takers, and recommended markets. This strategy will outline actionable steps tailored to enhance market linkages for farmer groups involved in the identified value chains. 
  3. Evaluate the feasibility of implementing a digitalization strategy, specifically assessing the potential for establishing e-commerce platforms (e.g., WhatsApp Business) to facilitate direct sales from farmer groups to consumers
  4. Objectives of the study 

This study holds the following objectives: 

  1. To inform partners and farmer groups within the DANIDA SPII project on best practices to establish a sustainable market system for the identified 5 value chains: piggery, poultry, cassava, maize, and sweet potato. 
  2. To strengthen stakeholder engagement in the development of the identified value chains through connecting local actors- input dealers, distributors, market vendors, off takers, abattoirs, etc. 
  3. To substantially increase the share of the agroecological produced agri-food products produced by host/refugee communities. 

4. Scope of Work 

The consultancy aims to develop a comprehensive Market System Action Plan focusing on the piggery, poultry, cassava, maize, and sweet potato value chains in host/refugee communities in Bidibidi, Imvepi, and Rhino refugee settlements. The technical scope involves conducting a rigorous market feasibility analysis to assess growth potential, profitability, and current market dynamics relative to geography, farmer group demographics, and other logistical barriers that may arise. Key research questions include evaluating market feasibility, identifying optimal value chain strategies, and assessing the viability of digitalization options. Key stakeholders encompass input dealers, distributors, market vendors, off-takers, abattoirs, and local farmer groups. The study will be conducted in Yumbe, Terego, and Madi Okollo districts, targeting host and refugee communities. The assessment period spans from August 2024 to September 2024 to support the other components of the DANIDA SPII project's timeline for livelihood support and market system development.

5. Study Methodology 

The study will adopt a mixed-methods approach to comprehensively address the objectives of the Market System Action Plan. This approach will combine qualitative and quantitative methods to provide a nuanced understanding of market dynamics and stakeholder interactions within the piggery, poultry, cassava, maize, and sweet potato value chains.

Qualitative Component:

Qualitative methods will be employed to gather in-depth insights from key stakeholders including farmer groups, input dealers, distributors, and market vendors. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) can be utilized to explore perceptions, challenges, and opportunities within each value chain. This qualitative data will enrich understanding of local contexts, stakeholder relationships, and market behaviours.

Quantitative Component:

Quantitative methods will involve conducting surveys with a representative sample of farmers and market actors across Yumbe, Terego, and Madi Okollo districts. Surveys will assess factors such as market participation, income generation, production costs, and market preferences. This data will enable statistical analysis to quantify market feasibility, profitability, and economic impacts of proposed interventions. For each market linkage, at least 2-3 potential actors should be identified to compare costs and fit. 

Quality Assurance and Ethical Considerations:

The study will adhere to ethical guidelines, obtaining informed consent from participants and ensuring confidentiality of collected data. Quality assurance will be maintained through rigorous training of data collectors, continuous supervision, and validation of data through triangulation of methods.

This section should outline how the assignment will be conducted. Make suggestions on the potential design (e.g. cross-sectional study, experimental, case study etc) and approaches (e.g. qualitative or quantitative) to apply. 

6. Study Outputs/Deliverables

  1. List all the outputs/deliverables of the assignment using bullet points e.g inception report, draft report, final report, dataset etc.
  • Market System Action Plan: A detailed document outlining findings from the market feasibility analysis and proposing strategies for enhancing value chain development and stakeholder engagement.
  • Stakeholder Engagement Plan: Recommendations for strengthening collaboration among local actors, including input dealers, distributors, market vendors, off-takers, abattoirs, and other relevant stakeholders.
  • Design data collection tools
  • Digitalization Feasibility Report: Assessment report detailing the viability of digital platforms for improving market access and efficiency within the identified value chains.
  • Each of the Plans and Reports will have a draft to be shared and presented for feedback from Oxfam and implementing partners. 
  • Dataset of all market linkage actors contacted, and information collected for each value chain
    • Price points identified. 
    • Contact information 
    • Recommendation
  • Final report 
    1. Proven track record of producing market feasibility analysis as well as setting up market linkages for successful value chain development, preferably in Uganda or similar East African contexts. 

Note: All clean dataset(s), transcriptions and other study materials MUST be handed over to Oxfam in Uganda at the end of the study]

7. Timeframe and estimated working days

The assignment will be undertaken from August 2024 to September 2024 lasting a total of 30 working days from the date of signing the contract. 

  • Consultant to sign the contract for the assignment for 1 Day on Sept 15
  • Primary data collection (fieldwork) for 15 days (Sept 15 - 30)
  • Data analysis and report writing for 15 days (Oct 1 - 15)
  • Submission of the draft study report to Oxfam in Uganda for 1 day (16 Oct)
  • Presentation of draft study to Oxfam and implementing partners for feedback for 1 Day (Oct 18)
  • Incorporating comments on the draft report for 7 Days (Oct 19 – Oct 26)
  • Submission of the final project study report to Oxfam in Uganda for 1 day (Oct 30)
  • Presentation of study findings/ sharing feedback on the report for 1 day (Nov 5)

8. Qualification and experience of the consultant/team

The consultant will need to demonstrate the following credentials: 

  1. Experience working with the private sector in West Nile. 
  2. Expertise in market system development, value chain analysis, and digitalization strategies within agricultural and refugee contexts. 
  3. In-depth understanding of the markets relevant to the following value chains: piggery, poultry, cassava, maize, and sweet potato. 
  4. Excellent network of contacts to support input on the analysis and market development strategies. 
  5. Strong understanding of enterprise/agribusiness development. 
  6. Strong analytical and report writing skills, with the ability to communicate findings effectively to diverse audiences. 

9. Proposal Study Criteria

The technical proposal will be evaluated based on the technical expertise, relevant experience, the methodology proposed, and cost-effectiveness, and based on Quality Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) Criteria: 

  1. The individual general reliability as well as experience and capacity in carrying out the assignment (30%).
  2. The approach in responding to the TOR and detailed work Oxfam in Uganda (45%).
  3. The qualifications and competencies of the proposed personnel for the assignment (25%).

Proposals obtaining more than 70% of the technical points will be considered technically suitable and qualify for financial assessment.

10. Supervision/management of the assignment

The consultant engaged for the Market System Action Plan study will be supervised by the Lead Person from Oxfam in Uganda, who will serve as the primary point of contact and oversee the consultancy’s progress and deliverables. The Lead Person will ensure that the consultant aligns with project objectives, methodology guidelines, and ethical standards throughout the study duration. Regular meetings and check-ins will be scheduled to monitor progress, provide feedback, and address any challenges encountered during fieldwork and analysis.

Oxfam in Uganda advocates for a participatory approach in conducting the study, fostering open communication and collaboration between the consultant and project stakeholders. This approach encourages active engagement in decision-making processes, validation of findings, and joint planning of dissemination strategies. Oxfam emphasizes the importance of timely reporting and feedback loops to ensure transparency and accountability in project management.

Responsibilities

Oxfam in Uganda Responsibilities:

  • Provide detailed orientation and contextual background on the DANIDA SPII project, including specific objectives and expected outcomes of the Market System Action Plan study.
  • Facilitate access to relevant stakeholders, communities, and project resources necessary for data collection and validation.
  • Review and approve study methodologies, tools, and preliminary findings to ensure alignment with project goals.
  • Ensure compliance with ethical standards and regulatory requirements throughout the study process.
  • Monitor progress, provide technical guidance, and evaluate deliverables against agreed timelines and quality benchmarks.

Consultant’s Responsibilities:

  • Develop a detailed work plan and methodology proposal, subject to approval by Oxfam in Uganda, outlining specific tasks, timelines, and deliverables.
  • Conduct thorough and unbiased data collection using agreed-upon methodologies, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and ethical standards.
  • Analyze data collected using appropriate techniques and frameworks, producing comprehensive reports and presentations as per agreed formats.
  • Participate actively in scheduled meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagements facilitated by Oxfam in Uganda.
  • Submit interim progress reports, draft deliverables, and final outputs within stipulated deadlines, adhering to quality standards and contractual obligations.

Contractual Obligations

To uphold contractual obligations, including time management and deliverable timelines, penalties for non-compliance will be clearly stipulated in the consultancy agreement. These penalties may include financial deductions or termination of the contract based on the severity and impact of the delay or non-performance. Both parties commit to proactive communication and collaborative problem-solving to mitigate risks and ensure successful project outcomes.

11. Payment

  • Professional fee: Though the interested consultant/s are expected to provide a budget for the exercise, Oxfam will consider proposals that are within the available budget and approved rates as per its policy on professional fees. 
  • Tax and insurance: The consultant/s shall be responsible for his/her income tax and/or insurance during the assignment. 
  • Code of conduct: Oxfam's work is based on deeply held values and principles, it is essential that our commitment to humanitarian principles is supported and demonstrated by all members of staff. Oxfam Code of Conduct sets out the standards which all staff members must adhere to. The consultant is bound by the principles and conditions of Oxfam Code of Conduct. 
  • A contract will be signed by the consultant upon commencement of the assessment which will detail additional terms and conditions of service, aspects on inputs and deliverables. 
  • 25% of payment will be delivered at the beginning of the assessment and 75% paid with all completed milestones and deliverables.

12. Submission of Technical and Financial Proposal: 

Applications should be submitted to Procurement Committee, Oxfam Uganda via ugandalogistics@oxfam.org with the subject line “Market Systems Development Strategy focusing on piggery, poultry, cassava, maize, and sweet potato in Rhino, Imvepi, and Bidibidi Settlement and surrounding targeted host communities.” no later than 27th August 2024. The selection committee will review applications on a rolling basis. Applications should be made in soft copy and with the following included: 

  • Profile of the service provider and the team composed for this task.
  •   A technical proposal detailing your understanding of the TOR, Previous/current experience in supporting a similar kind of work, including examples of organizations supported in similar tasks.
  •  Financial proposal outlining overall quotation of Uganda Shillings (UGX) for all the services to be provided and must be itemize as follows: 
  • An all-inclusive day rate for each team member (professional and administrative)
  • Any other costs (e.g. incidentals) (indicate nature and justification for such costs)
  • Taxes
  •  Summary of the total costs for the services proposed. 
  • Contact details for three references OXFAM can contact.