CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST CONSUMER TRENDS SURVEY – FOCUS ON NUS FOODS/PRODUCTS HUBS FOR AGRICULTURAL RESILIENCE, VALUE CHAINS, AND SUSTAINABLE TRANSFORMATION (HARVEST) PROJECT
Consultancy, Research Jobs
- Bio-Innovation Zimbabwe (BIZ)
- Expires 08 Mar 2026
- Harare
- Full Time
Job Description
This is a call to support work under the EU-funded Hubs for Agricultural Resilience, Value Chains, and
Sustainable Transformation (HARVEST) project, implemented by Welthungerhilfe, Bio-Innovation
Zimbabwe, Sustainable Agriculture Technology Zimbabwe and the French Agricultural Research Centre for
International Development (CIRAD).
1. Background
An overreliance on exotic (cash) crops and limited markets for the traditional crops and plants that grow best
for local producers has rendered Zimbabwean farmers very vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
In response, Zimbabwe has embraced Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) as a strategic solution. This
transformation has become crucial given that current farming systems, heavily dependent on maize
cultivation, are no longer sustainable in the face of climate variability. Maize, a water-intensive crop, has
consistently underperformed during recent droughts, underscoring the need to adopt drought-tolerant
crops and diversified farming methods.
Drought-resistant traditional and indigenous crops are better suited to Zimbabwe's shifting climate.
However, the challenges in growing, processing, storing, and marketing these crops remain significant.
Geographically dispersed production areas and inadequate post-harvest infrastructure contribute to
inefficiencies and losses. To address these gaps, there is a focus on developing value chains for these
resilient crops, promoting agro-processing, storage facilities, and market linkages that can add value to
these crops and drive their marketability.
The Zimbabwe National Agricultural Policy Framework (2019-2030) prioritizes the creation of agri-business
hubs, clusters, and corridors that stimulate localized economic development. These hubs are envisioned to
provide essential services such as processing, storage, and market access. The integration of renewable energy
into these hubs is a critical component, given the country's rural electricity shortages, which have historically
hindered agro-processing activities. Solar-powered processing units and energy-efficient equipment are seen as
key investments to ensure greener, more sustainable agricultural value chains.
The European Union availed funding under Greener Futures: Promoting Sustainable Agribusiness and
Climate-Smart Agriculture in Zimbabwe. The overall objective of Greener Futures is to support greener and sustainable agri-business and climate resilience in Zimbabwe's agricultural sector. The specific objectives are 1) to promote climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable value chains by fostering the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices, enhancing market linkages, and developing inclusive agri-business hubs that empower smallholder farmers, especially women and youth; and 2) to “green” agricultural production processes by integrating renewable energy and upgrading infrastructure / equipment to improve the efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness of agri-business hubs, with a focus on drought-resistant crops and climate adaptation.
Bio Innovation Zimbabwe (BIZ) is collaborating with Welthungerhilfe (WHH) Zimbabwe, Sustainable Agriculture Technology (SAT) Zimbabwe and CIRAD in the EU-funded Hubs for Agricultural Resilience, Value Chains, and Sustainable Transformation (HARVEST) project.
BIZ develops business opportunities for smallholder farmers and collectors based on the sustainable harvesting and cultivation of indigenous plants. Goal is to develop markets for indigenous plants that allow households to diversify their production and strengthen their resilience, ensure a more reliable quality ingredients’ supply for their families and consumers in and outside Zimbabwe, and conserve biodiversity.
Whilst the HARVEST project has a national outlook, its district level implementation sites are Murehwa, Mutoko and Mudzi.
Duties and Responsibilities
2. Purpose of the Assignment
Page 1 of 3
The purpose of the assignment is to carry out a consumer trends survey to identify shifts in consumer
behaviour, preferences, and attitudes.
Primary Objective: To identify, analyse, and forecast key local (project districts + Harare) and global
consumer trends, behaviours, and preferences to help businesses anticipate market needs. It’s not just about
what people buy today, but why and how they will buy in the future.
Specific Objectives:
o To understand purchasing drivers (e.g., sustainability, price, quality, convenience)
o To identify unmet consumer needs
3. Scope of Work
Target Audience: differentiated by age (Gen Z vs. Boomers), location (rural vs. urban) and income level.
Key Themes:
o Purchasing Behaviour and Habits
o Convenience
o Sustainability and Ethics: eco-conscious awareness (interest in sustainable or locally
produced) and “buy local” sentiment (prioritizing locally-owned companies and domestic
brands, support local communities)
o Informal Sector Importance: Understanding spending within informal markets (tuckshops,
informal vendors).
o Health and Wellness
o Technology and Digital behaviour
o Budget
A mix of quantitative (e.g., surveys, economic figures) and qualitative (e.g., focus groups) data collection is
required. The consultant(s) will identify appropriate data collection instruments in collaboration with BIZ and
partners.
Secondary data collection: At the beginning of the study, the consultant(s) will carry out a desk review of
relevant research papers and reports. The consultant(s) is/are expected to access and synthesise market
information from trade maps, help desks or market pointers.
Primary data collection: The consultant(s) will collect primary data via Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and
Focus Group Discussions (FDGs) with stakeholders such as farmers, buyers, processors, exporters,
consumers, government, research institutions. The consultant will work with BIZ and partners to develop a list
of key stakeholders.
4. Timeline and Deliverables
The assignment is to be undertaken in March-April 2026.
• Inception Report: Finalized methodology, questionnaire, and work plan
• Draft Report: Preliminary findings for review
• Final Report: Comprehensive analysis, including:
o Executive summary
o Detailed findings
o Actionable insights and recommendations for offtakers and product developers
• Raw Data Files: Cleaned dataset (SPSS, Excel, etc.).
Qualifications and Experience
5. Required Experience and Qualifications
• Minimum 5 years of experience in market research
• Proven track record in designing consumer surveys and trend analysis
➢ Minimum 10 years’ experience managing and organizing and interpreting quantitative and qualitative
data and information
➢ Proven knowledge of the use of quantitative data analysis tools
➢ Excellent communication and writing skills
➢ Master’s degree in agriculture, economics, business studies or similar subject
➢ Proficiency in English and Shona
6. Submission of Proposals
Page 2 of 3
Interested consultant(s) should submit a technical and a financial proposal as separate documents.
The Technical Proposal should consist of the following:
• Their understanding of the Terms of Reference
• A methodology showing how they plan to handle the assignment
• Allocation of consultancy days
• Indicative timetable for completion of the assignment
• Detailed CV(s)
• 2 traceable references of previous supervisors/employers
• 2 reports of previous similar work done
How to Apply
A separate Financial Proposal should consist of a budget for conducting the survey.
All correspondence and all documents related to the tender must be in English.
All prices must be indicated in US$ only.
This procurement process will be conducted exclusively through the EU online e-Tendering system. https://eu.eusupply.com/ctm/supplier/publictenders?B=WELTHUNGERHILFE
RFT No 200412113
Submissions received outside the portal will not be considered.
Important Notes
• Registered bidders should log in using their existing credentials
• Use “Forgotten Password” if login details are forgotten
• Do not create a new profile if already registered
• Unregistered bidders should follow the registration instructions provided on the portal.
7. Deadline for Submission of Proposals:
Proposals must be received by the 8th of March 2026.
8. Enquiries and Technical Support
For enquiries, please contact caroline@bio-innovation.org
For assistance with registration or submission on the e-Tendering system, please contact
fainos.musundire@welthungerhilfe.de
