Terms of Reference
Market Analysis Study for Uptake of Biogas and Bio-Slurry in Zambia
Consultant
1. Background
AgriProFocus is a partnership which aims to promote farmer entrepreneurship and food security in developing countries. The partnership originated in the Netherlands and has 13 country networks in Africa and Asia. The network in Zambia is a multi-stakeholder network which serves as a neutral marketplace for professionals from agri-businesses, producer organizations, NGOs, government, research institutions to share expertise and do business.
AgriProFocus collaborates with its members to develop innovations in the agriculture sector. In collaboration with SNV we aim to find innovations on how to improve the access to alternative energy sources in Zambia for productive uses in agriculture. SNV partners with the Embassy of Sweden to develop the biogas market in Zambia to increase access of household’s public services and businesses to renewable energy. The project aims to develop viable markers for productive biogas that will lead to improved livelihoods through increased savings on fuel and income generation from the productive use of biogas and bio-slurry, an organic fertiliser which is a by-product of biogas production. In addition to triggering consumer demand through promotion and access to finance, the E4A project will also develop the supply of bio-digesters and productive appliances through skills development and results based finance incentives, and create an enabling environment that supports market development.
It is within this context that AgriProFocus and SNV have commissioned this market analysis study in biogas and bio-slurry to address the challenges, highlight the opportunities and inform on strategies for the successful uptake of biogas and bioslurry in the agriculture sector in Zambia.
2. Problem Statement
Currently the information on the areas of potential market opportunities for biogas and bioslurry is non-existent. Hence there is a need to undertake this scoping study to intelligently inform of gaps, specific strategies and investment opportunities to promote, market and increase demand for biogas and bio-slurry in the targeted areas.
3. Goal
The main objective of this assignment is to do a study on the biogas and bio-slurry market opportunities in the following markets:
Sectors: Dairy, Pig and Poultry
Region: Eastern and Central Provinces
The study has the following objectives:
- Provide summarised industry, market, competitive and customer analysis including; market size, production figures, and basic pricing information of other energy sources (including renewable energy options) available to farmers, in relation to the potential of biogas/bioslurry products, in the targeted sectors and areas.
- Identify and analyse market opportunities; namely preferred uses for biogas and bio-slurry that stakeholders should prioritize in specific markets.
- Identity and analyse (strength, weaknesses and opportunities) the potential of available marketing hubs as channels to market the uptake biogas and bioslurry. This includes potential hubs – entities that work with farmers – such as agro-dealers, cooperatives, and service centres in the target sectors and areas.
- Identify gaps and analyse investment opportunities to improve uptake of biogas and bio-slurry use within Zambia’s energy sector, in relation to the Poultry, Dairy, Pig and Horticulture markets.
- Recommend next steps in the form of solutions, investment areas, possible partnerships required to promote and market productive use of biogas and bio-slurry to increase demand for biogas technology.
4. Methodology and Activities
The consultant (individual or firm) will describe the energy sector in Zambia while being specific to Eastern and Central provinces. They will identify opportunities for biogas and bio-slurry within the energy market, citing specific examples of marketing and promotional strategies, promotion and opportunities for investment.
The consultant will report to the AgriProFocus Coordination and E4A project team who will be responsible to review and approve the report.
The consultant will meet the project team to discuss the assignment and will:
- Present an inception report with specific methodology, selected field areas, and timeframe in writing. The technical review team will give feedback / formal approval within 5 working days.
- He/she will be in charge of organising the field programme and securing meetings with businesses and providing existing research material on the subject matter.
- This first draft will be delivered to the technical team for review. The consultant will also present this first draft study at a validation meeting with renewable energy and private sector stakeholders.
- Final report
Number of days allocated to activities: total of 15 days. 2 days preparation, 12 days field work, 1 day presentation validation event
Location of the activity: The proposed areas are Eastern and Central provinces. The consultant will look at a minimum of 10 districts in the two provinces as a sample size. The consultant is at liberty to counter propose with valid reason.
Number of participants in activity: Consultant and the technical review team.
Expected result of activity: A final report with analysis of requested content as described above.
Time period: 15 days during the period March 14th to April 15th
4. Deliverables for National Consultant
- Incept report presentation of approach and itinerary of meetings with relevant stakeholders to APF, SNV by March 14th.
- Present preliminary results at Validation meeting by April 1st.
- Provide inputs on first draft of the market study latest by April 8th.
- Provide inputs on final draft of the market study latest by April 15th.
5. Qualifications and Submission requirements for consultant
- A degree in marketing, economics or business administration or other relevant degree pertaining to markets, renewable energy and value-chain development.
- Experience in marketing, value chain and/or impact investment analysis;
- Strong networks within the renewable energy sector in Zambia.
- Fluent in speaking, reading, and writing English;
- Good communication, relational and computer literacy skills.
AgriProFocus will prioritize selecting a consultant or consultant team who are knowledgeable in Biogas technology.
A cover letter, a proposal with clear methodology and timeline, and at least one example of work previously undertaken that is similar to the proposed assignment.
The deadline for submission is March 10th, 2016. All proposals must be submitted to rmambali@snvworld.org with cc: cvanderkleij@agriprofocus.com with cc:
Interested consultants should request for the bidding document from the Senior Procurement Officer:
