Coffee Sector Policy Gap Analysis in Kenya and Uganda: Reclaim Sustainability! Project

Preamble

Solidaridad is an international network organization with eight regional expertise centres worldwide. Its mission is to bring together commodity supply chain actors and to engage them to develop innovative solutions to improve production, thereby ensuring the transition to a sustainable and inclusive economy that maximizes the benefit for all. Solidaridad strives to be an organization that understands the signs of modern times, seeking to be a Civil Society Organization (CSO) with its own place and role in society, while simultaneously interacting with Governments and markets. With 50 years of experience Globally in facilitating the development of socially responsible, ecologically sound and profitable supply chains, Solidaridad is a frontrunner in the area of sustainable economic development. Solidaridad envisions a world in which all we produce, and all we consume, can sustain us while respecting the planet, each other and the next generations. Solidaridad embraces the public-private and people partnerships (PPPP) in order to test innovations, speed up change, and take success to scale. Globally, Solidaridad works around coffee and other 12 commodities/sectors (http://www.solidaridadnetwork.org)

Program Summary

RECLAIM SUSTAINABILITY! (RS!) Project is a 5-year program (2021-2025) supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of the Netherlands. The program is implemented through a consortium and in brief it tries to invoke the actual meaning of sustainability both in theory and practice in global commodity supply chains. The programs strategic objective is to contribute to inclusive sustainable value chain and trade in an innovative way, in which the interests, voices and rights of farmers and citizens (both male and female) are represented and heard in decision making for sustainable use of natural resources, decent work, fair value distribution, and sustainable consumption.

The coffee sector has been a significant earner of foreign exchange for the Kenyan and Ugandan economies. Coffee is one of the leading commodities where about five million people are engaged in production and other coffee-associated businesses. Among traded commodities, coffee is the largest contributor to exports, However, the exposure of the industry to the world economy and other emerging challenges at home provide policymakers with a huge task to ensure this sector retains its relevance and importance to the economy. The public sector has put in place regulatory frameworks that present gaps in realizing fair and inclusive trade for all the coffee actors in Kenya and Uganda. Most of the provisions of these policy instruments largely remain unimplemented due to weak enforcement capacities of various stakeholders and lack of monitoring frameworks.

Kenya has a strong policy frameworks, however existing policy frameworks are yet to be translated into sector plans and intervention models by the coffee sector and private sector, a scenario attributed to inadequate coordination across sector players. Uganda’s national coffee bill of 2018 was reviewed to define the specific roles of the stakeholders in a bid to improve transparency and accountability in the value chain. The proposal to establish a voluntary coffee auction system as an alternative platform for selling Uganda’s coffee was meant to improve competitiveness of the sector through increased efficiency. This is however yet to be achieved.Most of the provisions of these policy instruments largely remain unimplemented due to weak enforcement capacities of various stakeholders and lack of monitoring frameworks

To address these systemic challenges; the Reclaim Sustainability Programme seeks to strengthen the interaction between a Responsible Private Sector able to Strengthen the position of farmers and consumers in the coffee supply chain through inclusive innovative digital and fair business models. A Supportive Public Sector that Influences agendas, policy and develop solutions to address issues in the coffee value chain and trade in an inclusive way and A Vibrant and Strong Civil society which will Mobilize, activate and engage citizens & civil society organizations (CSOs) to change norms and influence policy agenda in the coffee sector.

RS! Program expected Outcomes:

  1. Inclusive regulatory frameworks developed, improved and implemented that regulate value distribution, fair and equal access to inputs, land and natural resources, decent working conditions and child labour
  2. New private sector policies developed, that address Decent Work & Child Labour, fair value distribution, Natural Resource Management and women inclusion.
  3. Local and international companies commit to improve transparency in the value chain, animplementingnt fair value distribution models, and improved norms for Decent Working conditions, as sustainable production and trade
  4. Innovative and inclusive technologies and innovations co-designed and implemented to enhance access to innovative solutions and best practices, and market intelligence, and thereby increase bargaining power for at least 2 million farmers and workers in 7 value chains.
  5. Local Multi-stakeholder dialogues initiated and strengthened to engage Civil Society and Civil Society’s agenda in debate with public and private decision-makers.
  6. Civil Society organizations with increased technical, operational, and negotiation skills, more structured consultation with their constituencies and better connection to decision-makers and therefore an improved capacity to raise voice and reach out to policy makers.

The objective of the study

To successfully realize our core objectives, it is imperative we have a clear understanding of the policy environment in the coffee sector in Kenya and Uganda.

It is in this regard, that Solidaridad seeks a consultant to undertake an analysis to identify systemic policy and business bottlenecks affecting the Coffee subsector in Kenya and Uganda, recommendations, and develop advocacy strategies to address them. This will provide information towards improved fair value distribution for the coffee farmers and workers in Kenya and Uganda.

Specifically, the consultant will;

● Carry out a comprehensive review of existing and relevant studies, and reports on coffee related policies and guidelines to identify the key policy issues affecting coffee sub sector development in Kenya and Uganda

● Identify policy Challenges faced by actors along the coffee value chain (emphasis on which actor, whether the producer, trader or buyer, will be dependent on specific country)

● Develop a policy brief and case studies on how coffee smallholder producers and other value chain actors are affected by current policies/practices.

● Propose policy/practice improvements required to enhance coffee sub-sector development.

Methodology:

The analysis will use a diversity of approaches and methods that are relevant to meet the above objectives. However, the study will include both direct and indirect data collection, analysis and cross-referencing, and formulating recommendations thematically and as area/site-specific to adequately meet the objectives of the study. The study will involve a review of existing literature such as a report from the study, assessment on the same assignment, official websites, field visiting the specific areas, and conducting interviews with key stakeholders along the coffee value chain.

Responsibilities of Consultants

The composition of the survey team is left up to the consultant/ organization based on their internal system, ideas, and logic. However, Solidaridad recommends that the team comprise one Team Leader (TL) to coordinate/conduct the overall study and liaise with Solidaridad. To collect information from the field using an adequate number of Field Enumerators (FEs). Supervision of the fieldwork and the quality (reliability and validity) of the data/information collected from the field is the primary responsibility of the TL. The TL will work closely with Solidaridad M&E Officers and the theprograme team. In each step and process, consultation with the Project Manager and the M&E Officer are vital.

The survey will be conducted in Bungoma, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, Machakos, Nyeri, and Kirinyaga counties in Kenya and Mubende, Masaka, Wakiso, Kapchorwa, and Sironko Districts in Uganda.

The consultancy/consultant team will be primarily responsible for:

1. Development/design of the research tools including questionnaires for the research and checklist and tools for group interaction including FGD with target beneficiaries at National/county/ village levels.

2. Share the research design including process, methods, and questionnaires/checklist with the programme team, collect feedback and finalize the research study design.

3. Submit an inception report.

4. Debrief/discuss with the programme team about effectiveness of questionnaires, checklists, and other tools used in the pre‐test, collect feedback and finalize them.

5. Orient, train, and supervise the enumerators.

6. Ensure the quality of information collected from fields, cross-check with the validity of information collected and verify/revise where needed.

7. Update progress of the research study on a weekly basis to the M&E Officer.

8. Analyze data and prepare quality reports.

9. Give a presentation of the draft report to Solidaridad, and;

10. Submit a final report (a compiled version of the report ‐ both hard copy and electronic version in word format) to the project after incorporating the feedback and suggestions from Solidaridad.

Expected Deliverables:

The Consultant should deliver the following:

I. Work plan and expression of interest (EOI) for the research study, outlining;

● A detailed methodology for implementation of the survey, including proposed sample sizes.

● Draft data collection tools (The Consultant shall refine proposed standard indicators in reference to the proposed program indicators and other guidelines provided by Solidaridad)

● A detailed work plan for the research study

II. Inception Report:

  1. Draft Report: A draft report on the research study, present to key staff of Solidaridad and partners of initial findings. The consultant will address the feedback from Solidaridad and the partners involved.

IV. Presentation on the main findings of the study for validation involving project teams, and other stakeholders as agreed with the project team.

V. A policy brief

VI. Final Report: in English incorporating all the comments received from Solidaridad staff and partners with a maximum of not more than 40 pages, excluding annexes and consisting both hard and soft (CD ROM/USB) copies. The consultant will be provided with the report template for the final report.

VII. Raw Data and Study Resources: The consultant shall annex any relevant documents related to the assessment. He/she will also submit raw data of the assessment to Solidaridad. The consultant should respect the property right of all primary data/information generated as a result of this.

Experts/Consultant’s Profile:

Consultancy firms/companies with verifiable research work in the coffee sector and who fulfil the following requirements are encouraged to express their interests.

● Relevant degree(s) in social sciences or development studies,

● Strong experience with and knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods and sampling strategies

● Experience in designing and conducting studies using experimental or quasi-experimental techniques.

● Statistical analysis skills and strong proficiency with data analysis packages.

● Proven experience in conducting baseline study surveys, impact studies and evaluations, preferably on the coffee industry

● Excellent communication and written skills in English

● Demonstrated experience in analytical research in the fields of policy, industry, agriculture and environment.

● The consultant with a better understanding of the coffee value chain, or other relevant crops

Preamble

Solidaridad is an international network organization with eight regional expertise centres worldwide. Its mission is to bring together commodity supply chain actors and to engage them to develop innovative solutions to improve production, thereby ensuring the transition to a sustainable and inclusive economy that maximizes the benefit for all. Solidaridad strives to be an organization that understands the signs of modern times, seeking to be a Civil Society Organization (CSO) with its own place and role in society, while simultaneously interacting with Governments and markets. With 50 years of experience Globally in facilitating the development of socially responsible, ecologically sound and profitable supply chains, Solidaridad is a frontrunner in the area of sustainable economic development. Solidaridad envisions a world in which all we produce, and all we consume, can sustain us while respecting the planet, each other and the next generations. Solidaridad embraces the public-private and people partnerships (PPPP) in order to test innovations, speed up change, and take success to scale. Globally, Solidaridad works around coffee and other 12 commodities/sectors (http://www.solidaridadnetwork.org)

Program Summary

RECLAIM SUSTAINABILITY! (RS!) Project is a 5-year program (2021-2025) supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of the Netherlands. The program is implemented through a consortium and in brief it tries to invoke the actual meaning of sustainability both in theory and practice in global commodity supply chains. The programs strategic objective is to contribute to inclusive sustainable value chain and trade in an innovative way, in which the interests, voices and rights of farmers and citizens (both male and female) are represented and heard in decision making for sustainable use of natural resources, decent work, fair value distribution, and sustainable consumption.

The coffee sector has been a significant earner of foreign exchange for the Kenyan and Ugandan economies. Coffee is one of the leading commodities where about five million people are engaged in production and other coffee-associated businesses. Among traded commodities, coffee is the largest contributor to exports, However, the exposure of the industry to the world economy and other emerging challenges at home provide policymakers with a huge task to ensure this sector retains its relevance and importance to the economy. The public sector has put in place regulatory frameworks that present gaps in realizing fair and inclusive trade for all the coffee actors in Kenya and Uganda. Most of the provisions of these policy instruments largely remain unimplemented due to weak enforcement capacities of various stakeholders and lack of monitoring frameworks.

Kenya has a strong policy frameworks, however existing policy frameworks are yet to be translated into sector plans and intervention models by the coffee sector and private sector, a scenario attributed to inadequate coordination across sector players. Uganda’s national coffee bill of 2018 was reviewed to define the specific roles of the stakeholders in a bid to improve transparency and accountability in the value chain. The proposal to establish a voluntary coffee auction system as an alternative platform for selling Uganda’s coffee was meant to improve competitiveness of the sector through increased efficiency. This is however yet to be achieved.Most of the provisions of these policy instruments largely remain unimplemented due to weak enforcement capacities of various stakeholders and lack of monitoring frameworks

To address these systemic challenges; the Reclaim Sustainability Programme seeks to strengthen the interaction between a Responsible Private Sector able to Strengthen the position of farmers and consumers in the coffee supply chain through inclusive innovative digital and fair business models. A Supportive Public Sector that Influences agendas, policy and develop solutions to address issues in the coffee value chain and trade in an inclusive way and A Vibrant and Strong Civil society which will Mobilize, activate and engage citizens & civil society organizations (CSOs) to change norms and influence policy agenda in the coffee sector.

RS! Program expected Outcomes:

  1. Inclusive regulatory frameworks developed, improved and implemented that regulate value distribution, fair and equal access to inputs, land and natural resources, decent working conditions and child labour
  2. New private sector policies developed, that address Decent Work & Child Labour, fair value distribution, Natural Resource Management and women inclusion.
  3. Local and international companies commit to improve transparency in the value chain, animplementingnt fair value distribution models, and improved norms for Decent Working conditions, as sustainable production and trade
  4. Innovative and inclusive technologies and innovations co-designed and implemented to enhance access to innovative solutions and best practices, and market intelligence, and thereby increase bargaining power for at least 2 million farmers and workers in 7 value chains.
  5. Local Multi-stakeholder dialogues initiated and strengthened to engage Civil Society and Civil Society’s agenda in debate with public and private decision-makers.
  6. Civil Society organizations with increased technical, operational, and negotiation skills, more structured consultation with their constituencies and better connection to decision-makers and therefore an improved capacity to raise voice and reach out to policy makers.

The objective of the study

To successfully realize our core objectives, it is imperative we have a clear understanding of the policy environment in the coffee sector in Kenya and Uganda.

It is in this regard, that Solidaridad seeks a consultant to undertake an analysis to identify systemic policy and business bottlenecks affecting the Coffee subsector in Kenya and Uganda, recommendations, and develop advocacy strategies to address them. This will provide information towards improved fair value distribution for the coffee farmers and workers in Kenya and Uganda.

Specifically, the consultant will;

● Carry out a comprehensive review of existing and relevant studies, and reports on coffee related policies and guidelines to identify the key policy issues affecting coffee sub sector development in Kenya and Uganda

● Identify policy Challenges faced by actors along the coffee value chain (emphasis on which actor, whether the producer, trader or buyer, will be dependent on specific country)

● Develop a policy brief and case studies on how coffee smallholder producers and other value chain actors are affected by current policies/practices.

● Propose policy/practice improvements required to enhance coffee sub-sector development.

Methodology:

The analysis will use a diversity of approaches and methods that are relevant to meet the above objectives. However, the study will include both direct and indirect data collection, analysis and cross-referencing, and formulating recommendations thematically and as area/site-specific to adequately meet the objectives of the study. The study will involve a review of existing literature such as a report from the study, assessment on the same assignment, official websites, field visiting the specific areas, and conducting interviews with key stakeholders along the coffee value chain.

Responsibilities of Consultants

The composition of the survey team is left up to the consultant/ organization based on their internal system, ideas, and logic. However, Solidaridad recommends that the team comprise one Team Leader (TL) to coordinate/conduct the overall study and liaise with Solidaridad. To collect information from the field using an adequate number of Field Enumerators (FEs). Supervision of the fieldwork and the quality (reliability and validity) of the data/information collected from the field is the primary responsibility of the TL. The TL will work closely with Solidaridad M&E Officers and the theprograme team. In each step and process, consultation with the Project Manager and the M&E Officer are vital.

The survey will be conducted in Bungoma, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, Machakos, Nyeri, and Kirinyaga counties in Kenya and Mubende, Masaka, Wakiso, Kapchorwa, and Sironko Districts in Uganda.

The consultancy/consultant team will be primarily responsible for:

1. Development/design of the research tools including questionnaires for the research and checklist and tools for group interaction including FGD with target beneficiaries at National/county/ village levels.

2. Share the research design including process, methods, and questionnaires/checklist with the programme team, collect feedback and finalize the research study design.

3. Submit an inception report.

4. Debrief/discuss with the programme team about effectiveness of questionnaires, checklists, and other tools used in the pre‐test, collect feedback and finalize them.

5. Orient, train, and supervise the enumerators.

6. Ensure the quality of information collected from fields, cross-check with the validity of information collected and verify/revise where needed.

7. Update progress of the research study on a weekly basis to the M&E Officer.

8. Analyze data and prepare quality reports.

9. Give a presentation of the draft report to Solidaridad, and;

10. Submit a final report (a compiled version of the report ‐ both hard copy and electronic version in word format) to the project after incorporating the feedback and suggestions from Solidaridad.

Expected Deliverables:

The Consultant should deliver the following:

I. Work plan and expression of interest (EOI) for the research study, outlining;

● A detailed methodology for implementation of the survey, including proposed sample sizes.

● Draft data collection tools (The Consultant shall refine proposed standard indicators in reference to the proposed program indicators and other guidelines provided by Solidaridad)

● A detailed work plan for the research study

II. Inception Report:

  1. Draft Report: A draft report on the research study, present to key staff of Solidaridad and partners of initial findings. The consultant will address the feedback from Solidaridad and the partners involved.

IV. Presentation on the main findings of the study for validation involving project teams, and other stakeholders as agreed with the project team.

V. A policy brief

VI. Final Report: in English incorporating all the comments received from Solidaridad staff and partners with a maximum of not more than 40 pages, excluding annexes and consisting both hard and soft (CD ROM/USB) copies. The consultant will be provided with the report template for the final report.

VII. Raw Data and Study Resources: The consultant shall annex any relevant documents related to the assessment. He/she will also submit raw data of the assessment to Solidaridad. The consultant should respect the property right of all primary data/information generated as a result of this.

Experts/Consultant’s Profile:

Consultancy firms/companies with verifiable research work in the coffee sector and who fulfil the following requirements are encouraged to express their interests.

● Relevant degree(s) in social sciences or development studies,

● Strong experience with and knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods and sampling strategies

● Experience in designing and conducting studies using experimental or quasi-experimental techniques.

● Statistical analysis skills and strong proficiency with data analysis packages.

● Proven experience in conducting baseline study surveys, impact studies and evaluations, preferably on the coffee industry

● Excellent communication and written skills in English

● Demonstrated experience in analytical research in the fields of policy, industry, agriculture and environment.

● The consultant with a better understanding of the coffee value chain, or other relevant crops

How to apply

Application process:

Applications should be submitted by 18/07/2022. All applicants must meet the minimum requirements described above, those unable to meet the requirement will not be considered. Remember that Solidaridad is an equal opportunity employer. Each application package should include the following:

● A brief proposal for the study with methodology and work plan (not more than 15 pages). The financial proposal should have a budget with breakdowns of different costs involved, to the finer detail. Budget with aggregated figures will not be accepted.

● A sample/samples of previous related work.

● Updated CVs for the team leader and team members

● Contact details of 3 references with complete contact information.

Consultancy Period:

The overall time frame of the survey will be around 30 working days, which will include inception meetings, finalizing the survey methodology, training of enumerators, data collection, data analysis, report writing, and presenting findings of the survey.

The completed proposal together with a budget and work plan (inclusive of relevant taxes), should be submitted to;

procurement.eca@solidaridadnetwork.org

With the subject below;

Expression of Interest to conduct a coffee sector policy gap analysis in Kenya and Uganda

NB; the Only successful candidate will be contacted.