Develop Guidelines and Tools to Support the Implementation of the Livestock Development Strategy for Africa

Background

The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) is a specialized technical office of the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture (DREA) of the African Union Commission (AUC). AU-IBAR is mandated to support and coordinate the sustainable development and utilization of animal resources (livestock, fisheries and wildlife) to enhance nutrition and food security and contribute to the wellbeing and prosperity of the people in the Member States of the African Union. AU-IBAR accomplishes its mandate through supporting and empowering the African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and other sector stakeholders. AU-IBAR’s vision is of an Africa in which animal resources contribute significantly to the reduction of poverty and hunger.

AU-IBAR led a cross section of livestock sector stakeholders to formulate the 20 year (2015 – 2035) Livestock Development Strategy for Africa (LiDeSA) which provides a framework for a collective and coordinated approach to the development of the livestock sector on the continent. The LiDeSA was approved by the African Union (AU) Heads of States and Governments in January 2015. The LiDeSA provides a framework for a shared vision on livestock development moving Africa from short term, fragmented investment in the livestock sector, to longer term strategic goals and actions to transform the sector to deliver on its potential for contributing substantively to economic growth and development targets as espoused in Agenda 2063, Malabo Declaration/Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To date, it is not evident that the LiDeSA has galvanized continental wide momentum needed to enhance increased inclusion of the livestock sector in the CAADP National Agricultural Investment Plans (NAIPs) and nor is there evidence of its attributable contribution to engendering a sustained 6% growth of the livestock sector. The challenges AU Member State animal resources sectors have experienced due to the COVID-19 Pandemic containment measures to curb the spread of disease have underscored the need for longer term planning and investment as promoted by the LiDeSA.

Context of the Consultancies

To initiate the implementation of the LiDeSA, the European Union (EU) and AUC partnered to fund the Sustainable Development of Livestock for Livelihoods in Africa (Live2Africa) Project. The overall objective of the Live2Africa Project is ‘To support transformation of the African livestock sector for enhanced contribution to environmentally sustainable, climate resilient, socio-economic development and equitable growth. The Live2Africa Project’s Specific Objective is ‘The systemic capacity of continental, regional and national Livestock Sector stakeholders for the economically, environmentally and socially sustainable transformation of the livestock sector is strengthened’.

In 2019 the Live2Africa Project undertook focused activities in partnership with the AUC CAADP Team and the Regional Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support System (ReSAKSS) geared towards developing guidelines and tools to fast track adoption of the LiDeSA, advocacy to create greater visibility and awareness of LiDeSA, and capacity building for implementation. An Expert Writeshop held in July 2019 generated the first draft of the sequenced and phased LiDeSA Implementation Plan; a draft tool for alignment of Member State (MS) policies to the LiDeSA; the draft LiDeSA Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, and recommended that a Communication and advocacy Strategy be articulated.

The Expert Workshop framed initial approaches to enhancing inclusion of livestock in National Agricultural Investment Plans (NAIPs). The NAIPs are blue print documents for capturing the public, private sector and development partner commitments to invest in the agriculture sector, drawing on evidence based planning, stakeholder consultation, prioritization of interventions, and allocation of resources. A preliminary assessment of four NAIPS highlighted that the importance and role of livestock in economic development is captured as are sector challenges; and robust evidence is used to guide investment. There was however evidence of lack of coherence and consistency among multiple objectives, prioritization and targeting were inadequate, and although resource allocation was explicit it was not adequate to achieve the desired results. In some cases existing policy, regulatory and institutional frameworks did not support implementation of the priorities.

The Expert Writeshop also generated a concept around strengthening inclusion of livestock in the CAADP mutual accountability framework for results and actions, the Africa Agriculture Transformation Scorecard (AATS), and more meaningful analysis and visibility of livestock in the Biennial Review Report (BR Report). The Biennial Review process tracks, monitors and reports on the Malabo Declaration implementation progress. It fosters alignment, harmonization and coordination among multi-sectorial efforts and strengthens national and regional institutional capacities for knowledge and data generation and management to support evidence based planning. The AATS and BR are critical tools for elevating recognition of the contribution of the livestock sector, and for attracting commensurate public sector, private sector, and development partner support and investment.

These initial proposals were validated at the inaugural Directors of Animal Production (DAP) Meeting held on the 2^nd to 6^th September 2019, under the theme ‘Enhancing Harmonization and Coordination for Implementation of Key Livestock Policies, Legal and Investment Frameworks. The DAPs provided insightful feedback on the draft LiDeSA Implementation Plan; MS LiDeSA Alignment Tools, the LiDeSA M&E Framework, and the elements for the LiDeSA Communication and Advocacy Strategy. The DAPs also agreed a Road Map for piloting the inclusion of livestock in NAIPs in 10 countries from which best practice and learning would be extracted to inform the refinement of the Guidelines to Mainstream Livestock in the NAIPs. The DAP Meeting highlighted that the rationale for more explicit integration of livestock indicators into the AATS and BR Report is the need for a more inclusive and cohesive agriculture sector-wide development agenda, and the realization that Malabo-CAADP Performance Indicators and AAT Scorecard do not sufficiently capture the LiDeSA vision for transformation of the livestock sector.

The outputs and recommendations from the DAP Meeting fed into a second Expert Writeshop held with participation of AU-IBAR, AUC CAADP Team, ReSAKSS and other livestock sector Experts in January 2020, to strengthen the guidelines and tools for implementation of the LiDeSA. The Expert Workshop refined the transformative elements of the LiDeSA, the drivers of each phase of the LiDeSA, a draft outline for the LiDeSA Implementation Guidelines; and a Road Map for the Inclusion of Livestock in the Biennial Review Process, which were then further compiled and developed by a Consultant. Also following the DAP Meeting, the Live2Africa Project has supported a pilot eleven Member States, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Lesotho and Rwanda, to start to build capacity for enhancing meaningful inclusion of livestock in the National Agriculture Investment Plans and to prepare concept notes and investment seminars for mobilizing resources for developing their Livestock Master Plans (LMPs).

Overall Aim of the Consultancies

AU-IBAR seeks to engage Consultants to finalize the Guidelines and Tools into practical Working Technical Documents, capacity building and advocacy documents for the implementation of the Livestock Development Strategy for Africa, consolidating input from the consultative Expert and Stakeholder Processes (Expert Write Shops, the Directors of Animal Production Meeting, and the initiative to Pilot strengthening inclusion of livestock in the NAIPs in eleven Member States) under the following Lots:

Lot 1: Finalization of the LiDeSA Transformation Agenda and Implementation Plan, and Development of Member State and REC Alignment Tools

Lot 2: Finalization of Guidelines for Mainstreaming Livestock in the National Agricultural Investment Plans

Lot 3: Strengthening Meaningful Inclusion of Livestock in the CAADP Score Card/ Biennial Review Mechanism

Each guideline/ tool will be developed and presented as a standalone Technical document that can enhance practical understanding, adoption, domestication and implementation of the LiDeSA by target public sector audiences and other livestock sector actors to implement the LiDeSA. The guideline/tool will include training manuals to build capacity of stakeholders to utilize the guidelines/tools. The guidelines and tools will be developed in alignment to all relevant African Union and global overarching frameworks for the livestock and agriculture sectors, including but not limited to Agenda 2063, the CAADP, the Malabo Declaration, the Policy Framework for Pastoralism in Africa, the Animal Health Strategy for Africa, the Animal Welfare Strategy for Africa, and the SDG’s.

The Consultant will present the Guidelines and Tools at the 2nd Directors of Animal Production Meeting or any other suitable stakeholder platform for validation and integrate feedback to finalize the guideline/tool. Where specified in the specific objectives, the Consultant will train and support selected MS/RECs or other stakeholders to pilot the guideline or tool, and thereafter refine the guideline or tool accordingly. Accompanying advocacy materials including policy briefs will also be generated.

Specific Objectives of the Consultancies

The Specific Objective for each Lot are as follows:

Lot 1: Finalization of the LiDeSA Transformation Agenda and Implementation Plan, and Development of Member State and REC Alignment Tool

1. Literature review on the adoption and implementation of the LiDeSA, and level of attribution of results to the LiDeSA. Assess the extent to which existing programmes implemented at continental, regional and national levels are aligned to the LiDeSA. Compilation and synthesis of a body of information on the LiDeSA to underscore the importance and unique value the Strategy gives for guiding MS and RECs develop a medium to long term approach to prioritization, planning and attracting investment in the livestock sector in alignment to Agenda 2063, the CAADP, the Malabo Declaration and other relevant continental and global frameworks.
2. Expound and refine articulation of the LiDeSA Transformation Agenda for operationalization of the Strategy in the remaining 15 year period (2020 to 2035) including review and consolidation of the LiDeSA Theory of Change, the LiDeSA Principles, the LiDeSA targets within the framework of contributing to the Malabo Declaration, the SDGs and Vision 2063, the investment approach and indicative estimates of the financing needs from the public sector, private sector and strategic partners.
3. Frame the LiDeSA Implementation Plan, consolidating the LiDeSA Phases, Drivers and Results Framework, Implementation Processes and Operational Framework, Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Strategy, LiDeSA M&E Framework, Resource Mobilization Strategy, and LiDeSA Knowledge Management, Information, Communication and Advocacy Strategy.
4. Consolidate the MS and REC Alignment Tool including a MS and REC Self-Assessment Mechanism, a MS and REC Commitment Compact to secure government commitment for implementing the LiDeSA; outlining the LiDeSA processes to develop the MS or REC Results Framework and how the livestock sector can effectively engage; the process for identification of institutional, governance and capacity needs; elaboration of success and critical factors for LiDeSA implementation including definition of a mutual accountability and reporting framework, approach to identification and harmonization of MS and REC priorities, process for developing an investment framework and sustainable financing mechanism, and development of a risk mitigation plan
5. Define a mechanism for operationalization of the LiDeSA partnership forum/livestock sector network as a governance and accountability/peer review mechanism to promote the implementation of the LiDeSA; how Member States and RECs can engage and involve the Private Sector, farmers and civil society; define a multi-stakeholder process for periodic evaluation of implementation of the LiDeSA and update of the LiDeSA as a living document. And definition of key areas of capacity building that are needed to grow a community of Experts that can provide technical backstopping for the livestock sector.
6. Develop a Policy Brief on the LiDeSA Transform Agenda and Implementation Plan and Alignment Tools and an Advocacy Strategy
7. Develop training/ capacity building materials on the LiDeSA, and how to adopt, roll-out, implement the LiDeSA, and track implementation progress

Lot 2: Finalization of Guidelines for Mainstreaming Livestock in the National Agricultural Investment Plans

1. Literature review and synthesis of evidence of the quality of processes and inclusion of livestock in the first and second generation NAIPs and RAIPs: review the quality of participation of livestock sector actors in NAIP/RAIP processes, meaningful inclusion of livestock in the NAIPs/RAIPs against LiDeSA and Malabo Declaration targets, the level of alignment of policy, regulatory and institutional framework to NAIP/RAIP priorities and investment plans, the quality of implementation of the NAIP/RAIPs in relation to the livestock sector and the outcomes from the investment; and a synthesis of best practice, lessons learned, and key issues. Where necessary the Consultant will undertake a mini-survey or key person/ focused group interviews.
2. Synthesis of the information, best practice and learning from the initiative piloting mainstreaming of livestock in the National Agricultural Investment Plans in 11 Member States
3. Development of a NAIP Self-Assessment Tool: to support MS and RECs undertake detailed assessments of the NAIP/RAIP process, implementation and results. Questions will include, but not be limited to: the process of prioritization and targeting, coherence and consistency among multiple results/goals; quality of selected interventions in relation to the desired results; whether or not the existing/proposed policies support the investments and if the required institutions to support implementation are in place.
4. Articulation of the Guidelines to Mainstream Livestock in the NAIP/RAIP: technical, institutional capacity and governance needs; stakeholder identification, capacitation and preparation requirements; framework for interaction with the wider agricultural sector process; data needs and development of approach to building or improving the evidence base; identification of challenges, constraints, opportunities and priorities harmonization of NAIP and RAIP priorities; strategic options for attracting sustainable financing; plan to align the policy, regulatory and institutional frameworks; and an advocacy strategy to sensitize decision makers and political leadership
5. Tracking and Reporting Template for the Livestock/Animal Resources Sector: an M&E framework and Reporting Template to document inclusion of livestock/animal resources in the NAIP/RAIP; and for tracking the implementation.
6. A Policy Brief on Mainstreaming Livestock in the NAIPs/RAIPs, and advocacy strategy
7. Develop training/ capacity building materials on Mainstreaming Livestock in the NAIPs/RAIPs, and how to adopt, roll-out, implement the mainstreaming, and how to track implementation progress

Lot 3: Strengthening Meaningful Inclusion of Livestock in the CAADP Score Card/ Biennial Review Mechanism

• To identify gaps in the current AAT Scorecard and provide a justification for the need of a more substantive inclusion of livestock specific indicators in the AATS and the CAADP Biennial Report: Literature review on the inclusion and visibility of livestock/ animal resources in the two rounds of reporting on the progress of implementation of the Malabo Declaration through the Biennial Review Mechanism i.e., the AAT Scorecard and the BM Report. Include but not limited to the evolution of the AATS, linkage of the AATS thematic areas, performance categories and LiDeSA Strategic objectives, and identification of gaps; the visibility of livestock/animal resources in the AATS and the BR processes and outputs, highlighting the key messages that refer to the livestock sector; the ways the AATS and BR have influenced livestock sector investment and reporting. Synthesis of the core issues for inclusion of livestock specific indicators in the AATS and BR.
• Review and refine the draft Issues Paper to identify a set of livestock specific indicators/composite indices for inclusion in the CAADP AAT Scorecard/ Biennial Review Mechanism to elevate the inclusion and visibility of livestock. The Issues Paper should also outline the envisioned impact of integrating livestock sector specific indicators on underscoring the importance and contribution of the livestock sector to achievement of the Malabo Declaration goals and targets, and how the livestock indicators will be used to attract increased and more meaningful investment in the sector.
• Propose and engage strategic partners who can provide technical input for the process: public sector, private sector, development actors and civil society to critically review the Issues Paper and partner in development of the livestock specific indicators. In consultation with the identified actors, including the AUC CAADP Team update the Roadmap for development of the livestock indicators including processes to validate and weight the selected indicators, development of strategic guidelines for reporting against the indicators and their integration in the AAT Scorecard and BR Mechanisms, for Training of Trainers (a pool of Technical Experts) and supporting selected Member States report against the livestock indicators
• Led an Expert Write-shop to generate consensus on building on the livestock sector specific indicators/ indices, and thereafter finalization of the Issues Paper.
• Generation of the Livestock Indices and proposal of modalities for its integration into the AAT Scorecard and the BR. This will include development of the Indices, and digital data collection and analysis templates that will allow MS and RECs to automatically generate Country and Regional scores with guidelines on the calculation and computation methodologies; and Country and Regional Performance Reporting Template with technical notes to enhance tracking of progress.
• Development of a policy brief and advocacy strategy to build awareness and political will and support for inclusion and tracking livestock sector specific indicators/indices in the AAT Scorecard and Biennial Report
• Develop training/ capacity building materials on the livestock indices and the Country and Regional Performance Reporting Template
• Support for 5 Member States and 2 RECs to produce dummy reports as a trial of the livestock indices and generation of reports for integration in the Biennial Report
• Facilitate a capacity building exercise with the Directors of Animal Production, other Technocrats and stakeholders on the livestock specific indicators and Reporting on them in the BR to establish a pool of technical experts to lead the mutual accountability in the livestock sector
• Finalization of the livestock specific indicators and reporting template

Expected Deliverables of the Consultancies

The outputs from the three Consultancies are expected to contribute to enhancing capacity of MS, RECs and other stakeholders adopt the LiDeSA, harnessing it for more strategic contribution for achieving the Malabo Declaration targets; enhance inclusion in the NAIPs for increased investment in the livestock sector, and enhance tracking of investment and mutual accountability.

Lot 1: Finalization of the LiDeSA Transformation Agenda and Implementation Plan, and Development of Member State and REC Alignment Tool

• Background Paper on the LiDeSA Transformation Agenda
• The LiDeSA Implementation Plan
• Member State and Regional Economic Community LiDeSA Alignment Tool
• Mechanism for Operationalization the LiDeSA Partnership Forum
• Report of the Validation of the LiDeSA Transformation Agenda and Implementation Plan and MS and REC Alignment Tool
• A Policy Brief on the LiDeSA Transform Agenda, LiDeSA Implementation Plan and Alignment Tools and importance of the LiDeSA Partnership Forum for operationalization of the LiDeSA
• Capacity building and advocacy materials

Lot 2: Finalization of Guidelines for Mainstreaming Livestock in the National Agricultural Investment Plans

• A Technical Paper on quality of the Inclusion of Livestock in the first and second generation National Agricultural Investment Plans and Regional Agricultural Investment Plans.
• A Self-Assessment Tool to support MS and RECs detailed assessments of NAIP/RAIP processes, implementation and results
• Guidelines for Mainstreaming Livestock in NAIPs and RAIPs
• A Policy Brief on Mainstreaming Livestock in the NAIPs/RAIPs
• Capacity building and advocacy materials

Lot 3: Strengthening Meaningful Inclusion of Livestock in the CAADP Score Card/ Biennial Review Mechanism

• A well research Issues Paper justifying the need for a more substantive inclusion of livestock in the AATS and BR
• A refined Concept Note and Road Map agreed by all relevant Stakeholders for inclusion of Livestock Indicators in the AATS and BR
• An Expert Livestock Sector Working Group to support the process and validate the indices
• Livestock Indices and Supporting Data Input, Analysis and Reporting Template for Strengthening Meaningful Inclusion of Livestock in the AATS and Biennial Report
• A pool of Experts capacitated to Report on the Livestock Indices and in the Biennial Report
• Five Member State Dummy/ Pilot Reports against the Livestock Indices
• A Policy Brief, advocacy and Training Materials on inclusion of Livestock Indices in the AATS and BR

Consultancy Modalities

Duration of the Assignments and Duty Station

The consultancies will be home based, with Consultants expected to access literature, conduct mini-surveys or administer other data and information collection tools and correspond with AU-IBAR, Member States, RECs and other partners electronically. The Consultants will lead/ contribute to (as specified in the Specific Objectives) Expert Write Shop/Trainings/and a continental validation Workshop.

Activities under each lot should be conducted for a period of no more than 30 (thirty) working days spread over 60 days. The Consultants/Consultancy Firms are expected to provide a roadmap in their proposal. The assignment will start immediately after signature of the contract by both parties.

Academic Qualifications and Expertise

The Consultant/ Consultancy Firms should have the following expertise:

• Advanced university degree (Masters or Doctorate) in animal science, agricultural sciences, public policy, economics
• Expertise in livestock production systems, policy and development issues on the African continent
• Proven record of familiarity with, and providing support to the livestock sector in adoption or implementing the LiDeSA, and or engaging with the CAADP, NAIP and or CAADP Score Card and Biennial Report processes
• Working knowledge on livestock investment analysis
• Demonstrated capacity to lead conceptualization, strategy and analytical processes in development sectors
• Excellent drafting and Technical Report writing skills

Experience and Core Competencies

• At least 15 years leading strategic processes in the livestock/animal resources sector
• Demonstrated capacity to build and lead multi-stakeholder partnerships for engagement on technical issues in the livestock sector
• Strong data and information analysis and synthesis skills and capacity to work with interactive electronic platforms for data input and report generation
• Demonstrated capacity to deliver high quality peer reviewed technical documents and to develop Policy Briefs
• Native or bilingual level proficiency (verbal and written) English is essential. Knowledge of a second African Union official language (French, Arabic or Portuguese) is desirable.

Medical Cover

The consultant/Firm will be responsible for his/her medical and life covers during the assignment.

Gender Mainstreaming

The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Payment

Each Lot attracts a maximum payment of $ 9000 (Nine Thousand USD). The payment will be in two phases. The first payment (30%) will be made upon receipt of a satisfactory Inception Report. The second payment (70%) will be made upon satisfactory completion of the assignment. This consultancy assignment does not carry any expectation of employment, extension or conversion to another type of contract with AU-IBAR.

Costs of Electronic Communication or Any Other Cost Incurred in the Course of Undertaking the Consultancy

All costs related to internet/phone or other electronic means that the Consultant may use to collect the necessary information/ conduct interviews, or undertake any other tasks related to the Consultancy are consolidated within the payment for this Consultancy, and must be bore fully by the Consultant

Supervision

The successful consultant will work under the supervision of the Director AU-IBAR and the Project Officer Live2Africa Project.

Application Instructions

Applicants are required to include a separate Technical Proposal for each Lot applied for.

The Technical Proposal

The Technical Proposal should include, but not be limited to the interpretation of the TORs, objectives, the approach to the assignment, the proposed methodology and work plan, activities to be carried out, expected outputs, an outline of the Report content page, a clear timeframe to carry out the assignment, and three references for similar assignments undertaken with email and phone contacts.

Technical Scoring

The evaluation of the Minimum Academic Qualifications and Expertise, Experience and Core Competencies and the Technical Proposal will be used to weigh the quality of the Application.

How to apply:

How to Submit Applications

Consultants may apply for one or more Lots, but will be required to prepare separate bids for each Lot. The entire proposal, including all supporting documentation should not be no longer than 8 A4 pages in length, and should be emailed as a single document to: procurement@au-ibar.org, with a copy to Khalid.seid@au-ibar.org, and alexander.eyong@au-ibar.org by no later than 12.00 noon East African Time on 23^rd October, 2020.

Queries on this call may be emailed to: procurement@au-ibar.org not later than 7^th October.