81307657-Promoting climate resilience in food security in Jubaland

The objective of the project is to improve food security for selected target groups in Jubaland, with a focus on climate adaptation strategies.

The services to be provided contribute to outcome indicator 1: 300 beneficiary smallholder farmers (90 of them women) apply 3 climate-resilient and 3 disaster-resilient practices in food production. The contractor is responsible for contributing to output A and achieving output indicator A1 under this outcome. Output A: The vulnerable target group's capacities in producing nutrient-rich food and in nutrition are improved. Output indicator A1: 300 smallholder farmers, 90 of them women, in the target communities grow nutrient-rich and climate-adapted crop varieties.

Additionally, the contractor is responsible for capacity building of relevant staff in the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation in Jubaland (JMoAI) as detailed in the work packages. All work packages are to be designed and implemented in close consultation with local farmers/farmer groups/cooperatives (target group) and the JMoAI. All procurements across all work packages need prior consultation with the GIZ project.

Work package 1: Implementation of nutrition-sensitive and climate-smart agricultural activities: - Assess capacity needs of extension workers and farmers with JMoAI. - Develop detailed training manuals (English and Somali) for extension workers, covering context-adapted nutrition-sensitive and climate-resilient agriculture activities, including disaster risk management. Develop these manuals in close coordination with the GIZ project. - Train extension workers with the manuals, simulate training situations, and ensure knowledge retention. - Pilot the training manual and train 300 farmers in the GIZ projects target area, providing suitable seeds, tools, and materials for the extension workers. - Conduct regular visits to monitor training content and address emerging challenges. - Identify farmer groups or cooperatives and assess the potential for a farmer field or business school approach. - Conduct barriers and enablers analysis for agroforestry, using bushes/trees as protective fences and planting of fruit trees, considering the arid context and water limitations. Implement the identified measures, including provision of agricultural inputs, training, maintenance, and information material.

Work package 2: Introduction of farming equipment to local farmers: - Assess local farming practices considering crop types, cultivation methods, land size, and workforce availability in Gobweyn/Luglow region. Recommend suitable machinery such as tractors and tools. - Develop and share a procurement plan with the GIZ project. - Design and implement an operation and maintenance framework in consultation with the GIZ project, including the Ministry of Public Works and JMoAI. - Procure and distribute the agreed machinery and implement the operation and maintenance framework.

Work package 3: Introduction of a sustainable irrigation scheme: - Assess existing irrigation practices and recommend suitable systems for farmers in Gobweyn/Luglow region, focusing on sustainability and maintenance. - Design and construct suitable irrigation systems with qualified experts, incorporating water conservation measures like drip irrigation, micro-sprinklers, and lined canals. Discuss the design with the GIZ project, Ministry of Public Works (JMoPW), and JMoAI. - Design and implement an operation and maintenance framework with the GIZ project, including the Ministry of Public Works and JMoAI. - Develop an additional operation and maintenance framework for the Food and Agriculture Organizsation (FAO/WB) planned irrigation scheme in the target region. - Train farmers on efficient water management techniques, crop selection, irrigation scheduling, and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure.

Work package 4: Sustainable post-harvest handling: Work package 4 contributes to Output A, focusing on providing post-harvest handling for the 300 farmers in Gobweyn and Luglow. Baseline assessment indicated no access to post-harvest handling services, leading to loss of seeds and vegetables. Currently, FAO is constructing storage facilities in the project area. Synergies and lessons learned will be included in work package 4. Following an assessment of typical post-harvest handling challenges, design activities to address these, including training on low-tech post-harvest techniques, constructing drying facilities, and establishing storage structures. Develop an operation and maintenance framework with training, maintenance schedules, inventory management, troubleshooting protocols, and a revenue generation plan.

Work package 5: Capacity Building and equipment support for the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation of Jubaland: - Identify capacity building needs with JMoAI and the GIZ project and develop a detailed capacity building strategy and equipment requirements. - Strengthen organizational capacities and transfer thematic (agriculture, climate, nutrition) knowledge. - Implement trainings, short courses, exchange/exposure visits, and on-the-job training. Conduct at least one training, one exposure visit, and one on-the-job training. - Provide equipment based on JMoAI needs after discussion with the GIZ project. - Establish a farm database with JMoAI, using GIS software to visualize farm locations and spatial data. Ensure adequate training and ownership for sustainability. - Design, construct, and equip a field laboratory for basic agricultural tests. Develop an operation and maintenance framework in consultation with the GIZ project. - Design, construct, and equip a seed bank at a selected site (foreseen in the JMoAI compound) to collect and catalogue seeds from diverse plant species, prioritizing locally adapted varieties. Develop an operation and maintenance framework with consideration for private service providers to ensure continuous delivery of products and services.