CONTEXT TO THE ASSIGINMENT

New international market regulations, particularly the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), have immediate implications for smallholder cocoa and coffee producers. Starting from 31st December 2024, companies doing business in the EU will need to comply with the requirements of the EUDR, which aims to prevent agricultural products causing deforestation or forest degradation from being sold in the EU. In countries with inadequate infrastructure, limited traceability and a significant number of small-scale farmers, the industry is expected to face great challenges in meeting the requirements of EUDR. Without proactive buyers’ support, smallholders lacking resources to provide the necessary data for EUDR compliance face potential market exclusion, and thus resulting in poverty and economic migration risks. To ensure the inclusion of smallholder farmers, companies must focus on actively forming partnerships and providing financial investments and support on the ground.

Within the framework of the European Union’s Green Deal, sweeping regulatory shifts are currently underway. For instance, as part of this overarching commitment, the EU has introduced the EU Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR). The EUDR, effective since the 29th of June 2023, and mandatory from the 31st of December 2024, aims to curb the EU market’s impact on deforestation, forest degradation, and biodiversity loss. It targets seven key commodities — cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soya, and wood — to ensure they do not originate from recently deforested areas or contribute to forest degradation. The legislation adopts the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) definition of a forest, which encompasses land exceeding 0.5 hectares with trees surpassing 5 meters in height and a canopy cover exceeding 10 percent. Deforestation, as outlined in the legislation, is delineated as “the transformation of forested areas into agricultural land, whether initiated by human activity or occurring naturally.” Furthermore, it stipulates that product originating from land converted from forests to agricultural use after the 31st of December 2020, are prohibited from entering the market. Within this framework, agroforestry systems are classified as agricultural land use.It is on this basis that Fairtrade Africa has committed to supporting its coffee and cocoa producer organizations in East Africa to comply with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) requirements. In line with this initiative, FTA seeks to enhance the capacity of its coffee program team in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

SCOPE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

1) Training Program Development: Develop a customized training program covering cartography basics, spatial analysis, mapping, practical GIS application for EUDR compliance, land use monitoring, deforestation tracking, and GPS/mobile application data collection.

2) Training Provision: deliver a 4-day training sessions using practical examples relevant to the coffee and cocoa sectors. This will include interactive sessions with case studies and simulations. Provide training materials, documentation, and post-training support.

3) Support and Mentoring: Offer post-training support and technical assistance for a preagreed duration to address any challenges in applying GIS tools.

4) Evaluation and Assessment: Conduct an evaluation using appropriate tools to assess the effectiveness of the training program.

DELIVERABLES

1. Training curriculum, materials, and documentation.
2. Completion of training sessions.

3) Post-training report, including participant feedback and recommendations.

TIMELINES

1) Inception and Planning: 2 weeks for detailed planning and preparation.

2) GIS Training: 1 week for delivery and skills building.

CONSULTANT QUALIFICATIONS

1) Technical Expertise: Demonstrable expertise in GIS technology particularly in agricultural contexts.

2) Experience: Proven track record in delivering GIS training and mapping processes. Experience with sustainability or deforestation monitoring projects is highly desirable. The overall experience of the Consultant(s) or firm should be more than 5 years

3) Knowledge: Strong knowledge of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) especially on geo data collection and polygon mapping requirements.

4) Communication: Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical staff.

5) Regional Experience: Experience working in East Africa is highly desirable.

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Interested GIS firms are requested to submit:

1) Technical Proposal: A detailed work plan and methodology for GIS training including the team composition and CVs of key personnel.

2) Financial Proposal: A breakdown of costs, including training fees, and post-implementation support.

3) Cover Letter: A letter outlining qualifications and expertise, signed and stamped.

4) consultant Profile: Evidence of tax compliance, company website, and experience in similar assignments.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

1) Understanding of project objectives.

1. Relevant experience and qualifications of personnel.

3) Expertise in GIS or applicable digital solutions for EUDR compliance.

4) Ability to meet specified timelines.