1. Introduction
Overview of Fairtrade Africa (FTA)
Fairtrade Africa (FTA) is the umbrella network organization representing Fairtrade-certified producers and workers in Africa and the Middle East. It has four (4) regional networks – Eastern & Central Africa; Southern Africa; West Africa; and the Middle East & North Africa. Established in 2005, FTA is a member of Fairtrade International and currently represents over one million farmers and workers in over 500 Producer Organizations (POs) spread across 33 countries in Africa by providing services to them that contribute to the improvement of their livelihoods. Fairtrade Africa’s interventions are guided by the Fairtrade Theory of Change which visually expresses how these ultimately lead to global Fairtrade Goals www.fairtradeafrica.net.
About FTA’s Finnish-funded Dignity for All (D4A) Impact Programme 2018-2021
This is a four-year Development Cooperation Programme funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland (MFA-Finland) with further support from National Fairtrade Organizations (NFOs) and Commercial partners.
Underpinned by the Fairtrade Theory of Change (ToC), the D4A Impact Programme seeks justice and fairness through exercising rights and freedoms, empowerment through strengthening the assets and capabilities of the most marginalized farmers and workers, and the attainment of sustainable livelihoods through building resilient agro-based trade systems and societies. The Programme aims at capturing and assessing simultaneous change in four areas (spheres of change): Small producer & worker organizations; Supply chain business practices; Consumer behaviour and Civil society action.
The Programme has eight different projects that are currently being implemented in five countries across Africa i.e., Ghana, Ethiopia, Malawi, South Africa and Kenya focusing on Fairtrade-certified Banana, Flowers, Wine, Tea (Hired Labour), Coffee and Cocoa (Smallholder Producers) value chains.
The goal of the Programme is to safeguard the rights of the producers and workers to a dignified life. The overarching objectives of the Programme are:
(i) Realizing the right to a sustainable livelihood of producer households
(ii) Realizing the right to a sustainable livelihood of worker households
(iii) Advancing fair and sustainable trade
The Programme also has 3 cross-cutting objectives applicable to each of the eight projects as follows: Gender Equality; Inclusion of vulnerable persons and Environmental sustainability.
The baseline study will focus on the newest project – The Kenya Roses Project, funded by Aldi Supermarket in Switzerland (Aldi -Suisse) and MFA from 2021-2025.
2. About the D4A Programme Kenya Roses Project: ‘Promoting Sustainable & Clean Energy options among Flower Farm Workers in Kenya’
57% of Kenyans have no access to electricity and 81% are cooking with wood or charcoal. This leads to heavy deforestation (Kenya has only 7.4% forest cover, the global minimum should be 10%). Besides energy access challenges, flower farms workers also suffer limited livelihood opportunities and gender inequality.
Whilst some of these energy challenges have been addressed by way of distribution of clean energy
solutions to Fairtrade certified flower farm workers through their Fairtrade Premium projects, charcoal with all its dangers and inefficiencies remains a primary source of fuel, Traditional cookstoves and open wood fuel fires are still in use. This lack of an energy switch is influenced by 4 factors namely; Affordability and accessibility of the clean energy option, Perception and Cultures/traditions.
The Kenya Roses Project is one of 8 projects in 6 countries in Africa under the Fairtrade Africa programme known as Dignity for All (D4A). The project long term objective (impact) is *to improve the overall socio-economic well-being of flower farmworkers and their households; while the intermediate outcome is**; ‘workers and POs adapt and mitigate effects of climate change by accelerating the use of clean and sustainable energy solutions*** in 4 Fairtrade certified producer organisations that are part of the Aldi Suisse supply chain.
The Kenya Roses project targets 4,500 direct rightsholders and over 20,000 indirect beneficiaries in Nakuru County (Aquila Development Co. Ltd, Sian Agriflora Ltd (Njoro farm)) and Murang’a County (Penta Flowers Ltd and Simbi Roses Ltd). A combination of financial incentives, capacity building and advisory services as well as advocacy will allow all the stakeholders to actively contribute to their own improvement and enhancement.
The project will use a phased approach to achieve intended impact and outcomes through 3 major components (key intervention areas) namely:
i. Sustainable Clean Energy Fund
ii. Advisory & Capacity Building Services
iii. Advocacy & Community Engagement
Expected outputs of the project are:
i. Functional sustainable and clean energy fund
ii. Workers’ enhanced knowledge and skills on sustainable energy, climate change & environmental stewardship
iii. Activated community involvement in sustainable and clean energy solutions
3. Objective and Scope of the Study
The purpose of the D4A Kenya Roses project baseline study is to determine and document reference data and information on:
i. Social and economic status of Flower farmworkers and their households
ii. Adaptive and mitigation mechanisms to the effects of climate change by flower farmworkers
iii. The use of sustainable and clean energy solutions
iv. Current level of skills and knowledge on sustainable energy, climate change & environmental stewardship
v. Community involvement in advocacy for sustainable and clean energy solutions
4. Scope of the study
The study will utilize standard UN definitions and metrics for measuring the social-economic status of workers. This information is considered critical in setting targets for each project indicator measurement.
Besides the main expected output areas outlined above, this study will d**etermine** baseline data and information related to the project’s cross-cutting objectives i.e.,
a. Gender equality and empowerment
b. Youth inclusion and empowerment
c. Inclusion of vulnerable persons (Persons living with disabilities, migrant workers etc)
The study will also assess the capacity of existing partners to support the POs with a view to making recommendations on identified needs and ways of working.
5. Methodology and Approach to the baseline study
The applicant is expected to develop a suitable methodology, appropriate study design and data collection instruments for use in the study. These will be approved by FTA before use.
The study will utilize mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative approaches) For triangulation and data/information verification/validation purposes.
The study will focus on two flower farms – Sian and Aquila in Nakuru County.
6. Deliverables of the Assignment
The successful consultant/firm will be required to produce the following outputs:**
i. An inception report with a complete narrative in line with the ToR, Data collection tools, timeframe/workplan among other sections.
ii. Phased draft reports submission complete with both literature data/information, desk reviews and primary data from sampled right holders.
iii. Final baseline study report
iv. A baseline presentation ideally in PowerPoint (A slide show that summarizes the baseline findings using standard FTA corporate templates).
7. Consultancy Timeframe
The consultant is expected to submit ALL deliverables outlined above within 30 days in the month of October/November 2021. The preferred start date for this role is 18th October 2021.
8. Consultant Specifications
Fairtrade Africa seeks an experienced, proactive and dedicated consultant to carry out this assignment. We welcome applications that meet the following criteria:
• Graduate qualifications/expertise in Agricultural Sciences, International Development, Community Development, Anthropology or related field
• Over 5 year’s relevant experience in conducting baseline surveys and formative studies preferably in the agricultural sector.
• Professional qualifications in Project Management and/or Operations Research will be an added advantage
• Advanced skills and experience in computer applications
• Strong interpersonal, communication and reporting skills
How to apply
Submission guidelines
Technical and Financial proposals from interested consultants or consultancy firms should include as a minimum the following elements:
i. An introduction letter on the assignment
ii. A complete CV of the consultant outlining the relevant skills and experience
iii. Three references from organizations with whom similar assignments have been undertaken outlining the consultant’s role, performance and the project deliverables
iv. Technical proposal detailing consultant’s proposed methodology and workplan
v. Financial proposal with a detailed budget for the assignment (inclusive of tax)
NB: Consultant(s) are encouraged to include any additional information they believe demonstrates added value for Fairtrade Africa within the scope of this assignment.
In-country applicant nationals will be given preference.
To apply please submit a technical and financial proposal with the above specifications to recruitments@fairtradeafrica.net by 11th October 2021.
Indicate in the email subject line D4A Programme – Kenya Roses Project Baseline Study.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Fairtrade Africa reserves the right to interview and appoint applicants prior to the closing date of this consultancy.
