CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST VALUE CHAIN ASSESSMENTS NEGLECTED & UNDERUTILISED CROPS: TRADITIONAL GRAINS, LOCAL LEGUMES, LOCAL SEEDS, LOCAL ROOTS & TUBERS HUBS FOR AGRICULTURAL RESILIENCE, VALUE CH
Consultancy, Research Jobs
- Bio-Innovation Zimbabwe (BIZ)
- Expires 08 Mar 2026
- Harare
- Full Time
Job Description
CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
VALUE CHAIN ASSESSMENTS NEGLECTED & UNDERUTILISED CROPS: TRADITIONAL GRAINS, LOCAL LEGUMES, LOCAL SEEDS, LOCAL ROOTS & TUBERS HUBS FOR AGRICULTURAL RESILIENCE, VALUE CHAINS, AND SUSTAINABLE TRANSFORMATION (HARVEST) PROJECT
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
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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.
2. Purpose of the Assignment
The purpose of the assignment is to carry out value chain assessments for 1) traditional grains (sorghum, pearl and
finger millet), 2) local legumes (bambara nut, cowpea, pigeon pea, lablab), 3) local seeds (sunflower, sesame), 4)
local roots and tubers (sweet potato, yam, taro, cocoyam) for the HARVEST project with the aim of identifying
market opportunities and incentives as well as limitations and constraints for actors all along the chains.
Duties and Responsibilities
3. Methodology and Consultancy Tasks
The detailed methodology for the assessments should follow accepted practices of value chain analyses and will be
approved by BIZ. The assessments will examine, at a minimum, the following key elements of NUS value chains in
Zimbabwe, SADC region and international markets:
• Production – area under cultivation, average yields, average scale of production at household level,
geographical locations, recommended varieties and where to source seed, practices, opportunities and
barriers to entry, trends, profile of producers and/or MSMEs engaged in production
• Post-production – processing, possible applications, equipment needs and where to source, transport,
packaging
• Markets – domestic and export trends, potential private sector partners, variability of pricing, market size
(supply versus demand), seasonality of supply, capacity and trends of different channels to meet market
requirements
• Information on MSMEs participation and opportunities for linking them to buyers in these different
markets.
• Value chain support services and their role at different points along the value chain – i.e. finance, input
supply, extension/training, business support
The analyses reports must include:
• A standard value chain map indicating product flow (volume and value) from input supply up to
consumption
• Viability (Gross Margin) analyses of different market channels in the value chains
• Recommend value chain upgrading strategies for local and export markets
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 for the value chains.
Primary data collection: The consultant(s) will collect primary data via Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) 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.
Information gathered will also feed into the development of production manuals (not part of this VCA assignment)
for selected crops to be used by project staff, AGRITEX officers and lead farmers.
4. Time Frame for the Assignment
The assignment is to be undertaken in March-April 2026.
5. Deliverables
timelines;
Upon being awarded the consultancy, the consultant(s) is/are expected to provide the following at scheduled
➢ Finalize survey methodology including interview guides, list of respondents and work schedule
➢ Conduct value chain assessment
➢ Draft report for review by the consortium
➢ Validation workshop presentation
➢ Final report incorporating all comments and corrections
Qualifications and Experience
6. Qualification and Experience of the Consultant(s)
➢ Minimum 7 years’ experience carrying out enterprise development, economic growth or livelihoods
related surveys. Specific experience conducting VCAs or Market Systems Development Assessments using
globally accepted methodology/approach, strongly preferred.
➢ Relevant value chain experience
➢ 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
How to Apply
7. Submission of Proposals
Prospective consultant(s) are to submit a technical and a financial proposal.
The Technical Proposal should consist of:
• Their understanding of the Terms of Reference
• A methodology showing how they plan to handle the assignment
• Indicative timetable for completion of the assignment
• Detailed CV(s)
• 2 traceable references of previous supervisors/employers
• 2 reports of previous similar work done
A separate Financial Proposal should be submitted.
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.
8. Deadline for Submission of Proposals:
Proposals must be received by the 8th of March 2026.
9. 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
