Reference number: 2505
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Consultancy
Duty station: Colombo, Kandy, Matale, and the target communities in the Knuckles region, Sri Lanka
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CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources. CIFOR-ICRAF is looking for a
The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land & Irrigation Sri Lanka (MoALLI), along with ICRAF, is implementing a project titled \"Strengthening Climate Resilience for Subsistence Farmers and Agricultural Plantation Communities Residing in the Vulnerable River Basins, Watershed Areas and Downstream of the Knuckles Mountain Range Catchment of Sri Lanka\". The Green Climate Fund (GCF Knuckles project) is the principal donor of this project.
The project aims to build sustainable land and water management with improved ecosystem services and enhanced economic and livelihood options for the vulnerable communities that will ultimately improve the adaptive capacity to the expected climate change.
Under Component 2.1.1, the project focuses on developing green farming technologies to upgrade existing agricultural value chains and stimulate smallholders and subsistence farmers to adopt sustainable practices. Four priority business models have been identified for development: Kithul, Food Processing, Spice & Herbs, and Tourism.
The Kithul palm (Caryota urens L.) is native to Sri Lanka and thrives in the mid- and up-country wet zones, including the Knuckles project area. Developing it as a climate-resilient agroforestry value chain offers a sustainable income source for local communities, aligning directly with GCF's goals while contributing to co-benefits through nature-based approaches. Kithul cultivation contributes to soil stabilization, carbon sequestration, and climate risk reduction, making it an ideal business model for the project.
The target communities include seven farmer groups: Hunnasgiriya (estate community, Kandy district), Elkaduwa (Sembuwatte Knuckles cooperatives), Selagama (estate workers), Knuckles Forest (specialized farmers' organization), and three Sarvodaya-affiliated groups in Matale district and other potential communities in the Knuckles region.
1. Develop Comprehensive Business Models
Develop comprehensive business models for climate-resilient Kithul value chain development that align with GCF Knuckles project objectives, including:
2. Conduct Detailed Feasibility Analysis
Conduct detailed feasibility analysis, including technical, financial, market, and environmental viability assessments for different scales of operation across naturally harvested, domesticated cultivation, and processing enterprises
3. Product Development and Refinement
Product development and refinement to enhance market positioning, value addition opportunities, and quality standards for different Kithul products, including jaggery, treacle, sap, flour, and syrup
4. Design Implementation Strategies
Design implementation strategies with clear timelines, resource requirements, and partnership frameworks specifically tailored for the seven target farmer groups
5. Develop Financing Mechanisms and Investment Strategies
Develop financing mechanisms and investment strategies, including blended finance approaches and green market opportunities for sustainable Kithul value chain development
SCOPE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The consultant will develop comprehensive business models for Kithul value chain development across individual farmers, farmer groups, cooperatives, and small enterprise levels. This includes technical production protocols for both naturally harvested and domesticated systems, market linkage strategies, financial projections, and implementation roadmaps for naturally harvested Kithul production, domesticated Kithul cultivation (including nursery development and agroforestry integration), and post-harvest processing enterprises.
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DETAILED WORKING PACKAGES
POTENTIAL PARTNERS
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
COORDINATION REQUIREMENTS
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
EXPECTED INTEGRATION
SUCCESS CRITERIA
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