Central Tree Nurseries (CTN) Consultancy - Request for Proposal at Trees for the Future

The consultancy will be carried out in the following phases:

Phase 1: Research

• Conduct a literature review on best practices for large-scale, low-cost production of high-quality fruit seedlings.
• Identify fruit tree species/varieties with good market potential by agro-ecological zone (AEZ). Map AEZs in the project areas within the study area described above, and determine species suitability by zone.
• Identify and conduct key informant interviews with experts from successful seedling production operations as well as TREES’ CTN managers in the study area.
• Review and assess alternative nursery models, including those run by youth, women’s groups, CBOs, or NGOs.

Phase 2: Technical and Operational Analysis of CTNs

• Visit and analyze current CTN setups, staffing, and operational successes and challenges within TREES projects.
• Identify the expertise and staffing requirements for efficient nursery operations and meeting set targets.
• Recommend appropriate nursery site locations, seedling capacities, and species to balance economies of scale and accessibility.
• Review and assess input sources including scions, seeds, suitable soil amendments (e.g. compost, bagasse, etc).
• Assess and recommend tree sack composition/specifications, options, and suppliers, emphasizing biodegradable materials.
• Review and recommend practical and effective pest management and phytosanitary protocols, with a focus on low-cost, organic solutions.

Phase 3: Strategic Planning and Documentation

• Develop a species-specific production plan and schedule aligned with the agricultural calendar for each country in the study area.
• Outline operational procedures for siting and establishing CTNs.
• Outline operational procedures for seedling production from input sourcing, to propagation, to distribution for outplanting.
• Recommend a staffing structure and training needs to sustain quality production.
• Propose a monitoring and evaluation framework for nursery performance.
• Propose a production timeline that ensures grafted fruit tree seedlings are available at the start of the long rains for farmer outplanting.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all key processes in CTN operations.

DELIVERABLES

• Inception report detailing the study’s plan, approach, timeline, and budget.
• Literature review report on best practices in high-quality fruit tree seedling production.
• Key informant interview summary and insights from Kenya and Uganda.
• Breakdown of AEZs within the project area with suitable species projections and market opportunities.

Analytical report on:

• Challenges and constraints in current CTNs.
• Cost and savings comparison of in-house vs private nursery seedlings.
• Staffing and expertise needs.
• Nursery site selection recommendations, including rationale and capacity estimates.
• Input sourcing plan and supply chain recommendations.
• Technical specifications for appropriate biodegradable tree sacks.
• Species-specific production plan and schedule aligned with the agricultural calendar.
• Draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for CTNs (relevant to CTNs in all country programs).
• Final report synthesizing findings and recommendations, with an actionable roadmap for CTN optimization.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in agricultural science, biology, horticulture, forestry, or a related field or equivalent experience in high-quality fruit tree nusery operations and production.
• Significant experience with fruit tree nursery management, seedling production, grafting, especially for grafted fruit trees and high-value timber species.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct in-depth research and analyses, and strategic planning for agricultural production/agroforestry-based systems.
• Hands-on experience with fruit tree management (and experience working with smallholder farmers.
• Experience working in East Africa.
• Strong analytical, communication, and report writing skills.
• Experience developing actionable SOPs and technical documentation.