PROVISION OF BSF FARMERS TRAINING CONSULTANCY- INSECT FARMING PROJECT IN DADAAB – RFP 00 307681

Terms of Reference (TOR) for BSF Farmers Training Consultancy- Insect Farming Project-Dadaab

Who is the Danish Refugee Council

Founded in 1956, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading international NGO and one of the few with a specific expertise in forced displacement. Active in 40 countries with 9,000 employees and supported by 7,500 volunteers, DRC protects, advocates, and builds sustainable futures for refugees and other displacement affected people and communities. DRC works during displacement at all stages: In the acute crisis, in displacement, when settling and integrating in a new place, or upon return. DRC provides protection and life-saving humanitarian assistance; supports displaced persons in becoming self-reliant and included into hosting societies; and works with civil society and responsible authorities to promote protection of rights and peaceful coexistence.

Purpose of the consultancy

The Danish Refugee Council based in Kenya seeks proposals from a consultant to conduct the BSF farmer training Consultancy for the Insect Farming Project in Dadaab

Background

DRC has been operating in Kenya since 2005 and has accumulated significant knowledge and experience in supporting refugees, host communities and people who are internally displaced (IDPs) in the country. DRC has been undertaking its operations in Dadaab in partnership with various donors such as UNCHR, EU, UNICEF, SDC and DANIDA to help prepare refugees for ultimate return and ensure equity between refugees and the neighbouring population by funding host community activities. Since 2009, DRC has been implementing activities directly in Dadaab and Fafi Sub-County.

Agriculture serves as a cornerstone for livelihoods in many regions, especially in Africa. However, there’s a critical need for agricultural innovations to bolster resilience, ensure sustainability, and combat food insecurity exacerbated by factors like climate-related shocks and conflict. In Kenya’s Dadaab area, for example, Climate-related shocks such as cyclic droughts and periodic floods have disproportionately affected refugees, exacerbating food insecurity and employment challenges. Insect farming presents a promising circular food economy model that can create jobs, enhance nutrition, and bolster climate resilience.

Kenya: The demand for animal feed in Kenya has surged in recent years due to increased meat consumption. Legal frameworks, such as the national standard for insect-based animal feed, provide guidelines for utilizing insects as a protein source in compound animal feeds. Termites and grasshoppers, featured in Kenya’s national composition database, are recognized as potential protein sources.

Food insecurity is a frequent challenge for many refugees and other forcibly displaced. Cutting food intake is a common response reported by both refugees and nationals alike to cope with the loss of income.

Insect farming is a new circular food economy that will create climate resilience, jobs, and income and improve nutrition. According to a recently launched book- Insect and Hydroponic Farming in Africa- The New Circular Food Economy by the World Bank, more than 75% of surveyed farms in Africa produce insects for human consumption, while 19% produce insects for fish and livestock feed, and 5% for both food and feed (World Bank, 2021). Building on the lessons and opportunities outlined in the aforementioned book, DRC and UNHCR are joining forces to expand insect farming among refugee and host populations with the potential of using insects for feed and fodder.

Insect farming for feed and organic fertilizer production, combined with poultry and vegetable production, critical enterprises in the Dadaab refugee camp, can provide a viable livelihood option for women and youth lacking essential resources such as land and water. Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming using locally available organic waste is a potentially profitable agribusiness enterprise to generate employment and income by producing high-quality feed and fertilizer for animal feed and crop production, respectively.

Organic waste will be a key feedstock for insect farming. Currently, there is no source segregation, nor distinct collection mechanism of organic waste in Dadaab camp. Agriculture in Kenya is suffering from the overuse of chemical fertilizers, and the rising costs of these fertilizers; compost is one of the only solutions for soil restoration and maintaining production yields. There are clear synergies between the composting and insect farming activities, starting with the development of an organic waste supply chain which can feed both activities. For this reason, the consultant is required to look at organic waste sourcing for both these activities, hoping that developing them in parallel will be beneficial to both endeavours and increase sustainability in Dadaab refugee surrounding camp and the host community. Opportunity exists to establish strategic partnerships and capitalize on insect farming, agricultural development and existing organic wastes and potential partners to develop multi-sectoral solutions that can improve livelihoods, nutrition and environmental management.

Therefore, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), in promoting resilience and self-sufficiency to break dependence on external humanitarian assistance and funding among refugees, seeks to promote community-led sustainable & cost-effective black soldier fly larvae (BSF) farming, to enhance the production and utilization of BSF as poultry feed and frass fertilizer.

Objective of the consultancy

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) through funding from UNHCR is spearheading an initiative to establish a Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farm in Dagahaley C3, Dadaab, with the dual objectives of addressing waste management challenges and enhancing food security through innovative insect farming. This project is designed to boost food production by providing a sustainable source of protein for poultry feed, thereby increasing community income and reducing production costs. Additionally, the initiative aims to improve entrepreneurial capacity within the community by offering training and mentorship programs.

The project will focus on developing essential infrastructure for the cultivation and production of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL). This includes setting up a BSF production unit equipped with a greenhouse, necessary equipment, and a hygiene facility, all while exploring the market potential of BSF products within the poultry industry. The consultant overseeing this project will ensure that each aspect, from infrastructure development capacity building to market exploration, is implemented effectively. The consultant will play a pivotal role in overseeing all aspects of the BSF farm, from its inception to full operational capacity, ensuring its sustainability and alignment with project goals.

The consultant will be required to: –

1. Design and implement a training program for the independent group operating the BSF farm, focusing on BSF production, farm management, and maintenance.

2. Develop guidelines and manuals on BSF farming techniques, best practices, and safety procedures for the group’s reference.

3. Train staff on BSF production techniques, frass production and utilization, hygiene practices, equipment operation, business management, and marketing.

4. Provide on-the-job training and mentorship to support the sustainability of the BSF farm.

5. Provide hands-on guidance during initial production cycles and establish a mentorship program for ongoing support.

6. Develop training manuals and conduct training programs for farmers on BSF farming and entrepreneurship.

7. Establish optimal conditions for BSF larvae growth, and develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for breeding, feeding, harvesting, and post-harvest handling.

8. Set up monitoring systems for temperature and humidity control, and implement quality control measures.

9. Develop an M&E system to track project progress and impact.

10. Support the program with access to market linkages by identifying potential off-takers for BSF products.

11. Compile a comprehensive report covering all aspects of the project, present findings and recommendations to DRC and UNHCR, and provide guidance on potential expansion or replication of the project.

    Scope of work and Methodology

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks at each stage of the project:

Key deliverables/outputs

Project Planning:

• Conduct a detailed assessment of the site in Dagahaley C3 to determine the optimal layout and design of the BSF farm.
• Assess which scale of operation is required for the insect farming business to be financially sustainable.
• Identify and propose all equipment and materials required for the establishment of one BSF production site in Dagahaley.

Inception and Infrastructure Development:

• Design and layout of the BSF production unit (greenhouse), including specific requirements for the ventilation system. Create detailed specifications for breeding bins, compost feeders, and harvesting units, and provide technical oversight for their construction and installation.
• Provide technical oversight in the construction and installation of the BSF production unit, including greenhouse, equipment, and BSF solar drying facility.
• Establish optimal conditions for BSF larvae growth, develop standard operating procedures for breeding, feeding, and harvesting, set up monitoring systems for temperature and humidity control, and implement quality control measures.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for BSF production, including breeding, feeding, harvesting, and post-harvest handling.

Capacity Building and Training:

• Design and implement a training program for the independent group that will operate the BSF farm, with a focus on BSF production, farm management, and maintenance.
• Develop guidelines and manuals on BSF farming techniques, best practices, and safety procedures for the group’s reference.
• Train staff on BSF production techniques, frass production and utilization, hygiene practices, and equipment operation, including business management and marketing.
• Provide on-the-job training and mentorship to support the sustainability of the BSF farm.
• Provide hands-on guidance during initial production cycles and establish a mentorship program for ongoing support.
• Develop training manuals and conduct training programs for farmers on BSF farming and entrepreneurship.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Develop an M&E system to track project progress and impact.
• Support the program with access to market linkages through identifying potential off-takers for BSF products.
• Compile a comprehensive report covering all aspects of the project, present findings and recommendations to DRC and UNHCR, and provide guidance on potential expansion or replication of the project.

Deliverables

Phase 1

Sourcing, Documentation, collect data, field visit, Project planning 5 working days

Phase 2

Analysis, Intermediate report

Working meetings, discussions, trainings, manuals, SOPs, capacity building, inception and infrastructure development 10 working days

Phase 3

Reporting, Final report

Prepare first draft report and Feedback from DRC to submit the final report, M&E framework 5 working days

Duration, timeline, and payment

The total expected duration to complete the assignment will be no more than 4 weeks

The consultant shall be prepared to complete the assignment no later than 20th September 2024.

Proposed Composition of Team

• Project Lead
• BSF Specialists

Eligibility, qualification, and experience required

• Eligibility:

  • The consultant has the authorisation to work in Kenya

• Qualification:

  • At least Degree/diploma in Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, waste management, agriculture, sustainable development, or a related field.

• Experience:

  • Proven experience in agricultural project management, preferably in insect farming or similar fields.
  • Strong understanding of BSF farming techniques, infrastructure development, and capacity building.
  • Experience working in refugee or low-resource settings is an advantage.
  • Excellent project management, communication, and reporting skills
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience proven in waste management project development and implementation.
  • Proven experience in organic waste management systems, preferably including composting.

• Skills and knowledge:

  • Demonstrated knowledge of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) production and its role in waste valorization and production of frass.
  • Demonstrated expertise in conducting assessments, developing strategies, and implementing projects related to Insect farming, BSFL production and marketing of BSF products and byproducts.
  • Knowledge of financial modeling and business planning to assess and ensure the sustainability of the BSF farming operation.
  • Proficiency in designing and specifying technical requirements for BSF equipment and infrastructure
  • Skills in market analysis and establishing linkages with potential buyers and market actors for BSF products.
  • Ability to develop clear, detailed manuals and guidelines on BSF farming practices, including safety procedures and best practices.
  • Skills in designing and implementing comprehensive training programs tailored to different audiences, including practical farming techniques and business management.
  • Knowledge of waste management and circular economy principles
  • In-depth understanding of insect biology, particularly Black Soldier Flies (BSF), their life cycle, optimal growth conditions and their nutritional value.
  • Experience in BSF farm design and setup

• Language requirements:

  • Written and spoken fluency in English, Swahili
  • Working knowledge of Somali Language is an advantage
  • Adaptability and Cultural Sensitivity.
  • Evidence of past performance on relevant projects, including examples of successful BSF production interventions, sustainable agriculture initiatives, or community development programs
  • Familiarity with humanitarian or global development settings, preferably with experience working for UN agencies.
  • Excellent project management and communication skills, fluency in English and local dialects.
  • Must be willing to travel to the field (Dadaab host community)
  • Possess sound technical competence in the subject matter (insect farming/BSF waste stream)
  • Effective communication with diverse stakeholders, including refugees and local communities.

  Key competencies.

1. Technical supervision

The selected consultant will work under the supervision of:

• The Insect Farming Officer
• Technical oversight by Economic Recovery Team leader
• Overall oversight by the Area manager

1. Location and support

The consultancy will be conducted in Dadaab Complex

The Consultant will provide her/his own computer and mobile telephone

• DRC shall provide daily consultancy rates during the engagement period as stipulated in the contract document, including.
• DRC shall cater for accommodations and meals during the engagement period.

Travel

• DRC shall cater for flight costs from Nairobi to Dadaab and back.
• DRC shall provide transport from DRC Dadaab compound to the training/ insect demo sites in the Dadaab camps.

Terms and Conditions

• The technical staff is expected to adhere to the UNHCR and DRC security guidelines
• The technical staff shall provide the above services to the highest professional and quality standards as deemed by DRC.
• The technical staff shall not assign or transfer any of the obligations or benefits of the engagement to 3rd parties without prior notification and consent of the client (DRC) in writing.
• The technical staff must possess the necessary experience, qualifications and certifications for the execution of the tasks assigned.
• The technical staff shall be solely responsible for execution of the tasks stipulated in the contract document.
• The technical staff shall have clear personnel management guidelines that are in tandem with the provisions of the Labour Laws of Kenya.
• The technical staff must operate within the budget allocated and agreed upon.
• Submission process

Insurance and Liabilities:

• DRC will not provide insurance cover, and holds no legal obligations, for 2nd or 3rd party employees at any time. DRC will not be liable for any costs related to accidents, physical harm, kidnappings, medical evacuation and/or professional negligence, third party law suits or any other liabilities from entering into contract with second party or from any hosting or transporting its employees.
• Second party employees will adhere to all DRC safety protocols and the DRC Code of Conduct if hosted by DRC for any activity.

Please find complete Bidding document in the following link: RFP 307681 – PROVISION OF BSF FARMERS TRAINING CONSULTANCY