Capacity Building Technical Support Consultant - Feed Fodder Inventories at African Union - InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources

Specific Objectives:

• Support the spatial analysis to estimate feed balances for ruminant livestock for Cameroon and develop final validated technical reports for both Cameroon and Nigeria.
• Identify and prioritize specific applications for the data generated from feed inventory and national feed balance assessments, then develop a plan to implement these uses effectively.
• Conduct national spatial analyses for Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, and Zimbabwe using standardized protocols, and develop a method to transition from manual processes to a spatial modeling approach.
• Carry out national validation exercises for Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, and Zimbabwe by verifying data through desk-based reviews and consulting national stakeholders, using available secondary data sources.
• Facilitate the design and technical framing of a prototype Feed and Fodder Early Warning System (FFEWS), that is integrated with the livestock sector and linked to human nutrition outcomes.
• Jointly with AU-IBAR RAFFS team, develop a comprehensive, fundable concept note to mobilize resources to promote the development and institutionalization of feed inventories and FFEWS.
• Facilitate peer-learning, technical exchanges, and cross-country knowledge consolidation.

Expected Outputs

• Finalized spatial analysis report for Cameroon.
• Final technical reports for Cameroon and Nigeria.
• A comprehensive report and toolkit outlining diverse applications of feed inventory and national feed balance data.
• Completed national spatial analysis reports for Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, and Zimbabwe.
• Country-specific validation reports for Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, and Zimbabwe.
• Prototype framework and roadmap for the Feed and Fodder Early Warning System.
• A fully developed, fundable concept note for resource mobilization towards the development and institutionalization of feed inventories, FFEWS and regional networks.
• Updated technical training modules.
• Revised capacity-building manuals and technical guidelines reflect lessons learned.

Methodology of Conducting the Assignment

The selected institution will work under the technical supervision of AU-IBAR RAFFS and undertake the following tasks:

• Finalize Cameroon’s spatial analysis and develop validated technical reports for both Cameroon and Nigeria.
• Execute full national feed and fodder spatial analyses for Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, and Zimbabwe.
• Conduct national validation workshops and technical desk reviews for Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, and Zimbabwe using available secondary data.
• Support the design of a prototype Feed and Fodder Early Warning System, including system architecture, data flow, and operational protocols.
• Collaborate with AU-IBAR RAFFS to prepare a fundable concept note to advance the full-scale operationalization of the FFEWS.
• Facilitate regional knowledge-sharing sessions to consolidate national experiences, lessons learned, and cross-country capacity harmonization.
• Update existing technical guidelines and training manuals to incorporate new methodologies, validation protocols, and system design outputs.

Deliverables/Outputs

The consultancy is expected to deliver the following outputs:

• Final spatial analysis report for Cameroon.
• Final technical reports for Cameroon and Nigeria.
• National spatial analysis reports for Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, and Zimbabwe.
• Validation reports for Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, and Zimbabwe.
• Prototype Feed and Fodder Early Warning System design framework.
• Fundable concept note for the full operationalization of the early warning system.
• Consolidated knowledge sharing report from regional technical exchanges.
• Updated capacity building manuals and technical guidelines.

Qualifications

• Eligible institutions must demonstrate:
• Substantive experience in livestock systems research and capacity development in Africa.
• Proven expertise in spatial analysis methodologies .
• A multidisciplinary team of qualified experts (preferably at PhD-level) in any of the following areas: rangelands management, animal nutrition, GIS, livestock systems, and related fields.
• Prior experience with African national agricultural and livestock institutions.
• Strong track record in designing and delivering applied technical training programs.
• Experience in designing or supporting early warning or information systems.
• Track record of successful collaboration with national and international agricultural research institutions, as well as policy-making bodies. This should include partnerships with either national agricultural research systems, universities or policy-making bodies across Africa.