Request for Proposals

RFP Title: Feasibility Assessment to Ascertain the Viability of Farmers Service Centers
RFP Number: 2025-TCP/01/01
Date of Solicitation: January 21, 2025
Closing Date and Time: February 3, 2025, 11:30 am (Arusha, Tanzania)
Questions and Clarifications: Due by January 29, 2025

Introduction to TAHA and Tuhifadhi Chakula Project

TAHA (Tanzania Horticulture Association) is an apex, member-based private sector organization advocating for the growth and competitiveness of Tanzania’s horticulture industry. Established in 2004, TAHA serves as a platform for producers, traders, exporters, and processors of horticultural products, including flowers, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and spices. It works to safeguard the interests of industry stakeholders and represent these interests at both national and international levels. Learn more about TAHA at https://www.taha.or.tz/taha/about.

Feed the Future Tanzania (FtF) Tuhifadhi Chakula (Let’s Save Food) is a five-year project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by TAHA. The project’s primary objective is to reduce food loss and waste, address climate change effects, and improve food security and livelihoods. It aims to reduce post-harvest losses in horticulture from 30-40% to 15%, and in cereals from 13% to 7% by the project’s end.

Project Background and Objective

TAHA, through the FtF Tuhifadhi Chakula Project (TCP), has set aside a budget to solicit and engage eligible and qualified consultants to assess the feasibility of Farmers Service Centers (FSCs). The goal is to determine the potential of these centers to meet farmers’ needs effectively while ensuring operational, financial, and social sustainability. Additionally, the project seeks to enhance proper food handling.

Scope of Work

The consultancy will be guided by the following scope of work:

1. Needs Assessment: Identify and analyze the specific needs of farmers in the target region(s), including advisory services and market linkages.
2. Market Analysis: Evaluate demand for agricultural services among farmers and assess competition or gaps in existing service delivery.
3. Location Suitability: Assess potential sites for FSCs based on accessibility, proximity to farming communities, and logistical considerations.
4. Service Portfolio: Define the range of services to be offered, such as post-harvest management (PHM) input supply, training, credit, and market facilitation.
5. Financial Viability: Conduct a cost-benefit analysis, revenue projection, and funding requirement assessment to ensure economic sustainability.
6. Infrastructure and Resource Needs: Identify the physical and technological infrastructure, equipment, and workforce required for FSC operations.
7. Stakeholder Engagement: Consult with farmers, cooperatives, government agencies, the Ministry of Agriculture, local government authorities, and private sector partners to align goals and gather support.
8. Policy and Regulatory Compliance: Evaluate alignment with government policies, legal requirements, and potential incentives for agricultural service centers.
9. Environmental and Social Impact: Assess potential impacts on the environment and community, ensuring adherence to sustainability standards.
10. Risk Analysis: Identify potential risks, including financial, operational, and climate-related, and propose mitigation strategies.
11. Implementation Roadmap: Develop an actionable plan outlining steps for pilot testing, scaling, and long-term operations.
12. Data Collection and Analysis: Collect data on raw materials, market requirements, trends, financial metrics, and operational factors.

Submission Instructions

Interested consultants or firms should download the terms of reference from the following link: https://t.ly/J4YWc.

Clarification on the Advert

• All correspondence related to the RFP shall be made in English.
• Any bidder seeking clarification must submit their inquiry via email to: procurement@taha.or.tz.
• The subject of the email should be titled: “CLARIFICATION-(Insert Consultancy Name).”
• TAHA will only respond to clarification requests received no later than January 29, 2025.
• Copies of TAHA’s responses will be forwarded to all registered participants (registration form in Appendix 1), including a description of the inquiry, but without identifying its source.