The tendered services concern Axis 1 of the PADSAD-M project, which focuses on innovations along the rice and vegetable value chains through the systematic strengthening of agroecological approaches, with particular attention to gender equality and nutrition-sensitive agriculture. The measures under Axis 1 aim to (i) increase income and contribution margins from agroecological rice production (Result 1) and (ii) diversify the income sources of family farms through agroecological production, processing and marketing systems (Result 2).
The intervention area comprises two zones of the Office du Niger in the Ségou region, namely M'Béwani and Molodo. Axis 1 builds on the achievements of the former PARIZON project and continues its successful approaches at 42 new sites, while strengthening the integration of agroecology, gender and nutrition as cross-cutting priorities.
The contractor will be responsible for the operational implementation of Axis 1 and for contributing to the achievement of Results 1 and 2. To this end, the contractor shall plan and implement a coherent package of activities in close coordination with GIZ and relevant public and private stakeholders, and in line with current agroecological principles and good practices.
With regard to rice value chains, the contractor will support producers and rice processing actors in improving yields and product quality (paddy rice, parboiled rice and milled rice) through agroecological production methods, as well as in strengthening the marketing of rice products in terms of volumes, quality standards and prices. Particular emphasis shall be placed on reducing post-harvest losses and improving processing efficiency and product quality.
With regard to market gardening and diversification, the contractor will support producers and processing units in improving productivity, profitability and market access of agroecologically produced vegetables and complementary crops. Special attention shall be paid to nutrition-relevant crops, in particular legumes and fodder crops, which contribute both to income diversification and to improved household nutrition and resilience.
Across rice production and horticulture, the contractor's services shall cover all stages of the value chains, from production and post-harvest handling to processing and marketing. This includes the provision of selected inputs and small agricultural equipment, transport solutions to markets, and processing equipment, as well as capacity development measures at individual and organisational level using appropriate formats.
Indicative activities include, inter alia:
- establishment and facilitation of Farmer Field Schools and demonstration plots;
- provision of inputs and small-scale agricultural equipment;
- provision and optimisation of rice processing equipment;
- training on operation, maintenance and upkeep of tertiary irrigation infrastructure (AHA);
- dissemination and capitalisation of good agroecological production practices;
- training on good post-harvest, drying, parboiling and milling practices;
- strengthening of agricultural entrepreneurship and farm management capacities;
- peer learning and exchange visits;
- awareness-raising and information campaigns, including on environmental impacts of rice cultivation and corresponding mitigation measures.
The contractor shall actively seek and promote synergies with Axis 2 of the project, which supports the national food systems transformation initiative. This is particularly relevant for the identification, testing and further development of innovative agroecological solutions and pilot approaches in the Office du Niger area, with a view to their potential upscaling and contribution to broader food systems transformation, while reinforcing stakeholder engagement on nutrition, gender and sustainable production systems.