Addendum N°1 👉 Click here 

In West Africa, the consumption of high-quality rice outstrips local supply resulting in continued importation of milled rice from Asia to meet demands.  Increasing population growth, urbanization and changing consumer preferences have further widened the gap in supply, and no country in West Africa has been able to achieve rice self-sufficiency despite having the right agro-climatic conditions and water availability to meet regional demand. In 2014, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission adopted the ECOWAS Rice Offensive, a strategic framework to engender a sustainable and sustained revival of rice cultivation in West Africa and to provide support for the National Rice Development Strategies of Member States towards achieving rice self-sufficiency by 2025. To accelerate the implementation of the Rice Offensive, a Regional Rice Action Plan was developed in 2020 to ensure that the region meets the goal.  To achieve this, ECOWAS has aligned with several development partners including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, GIZ, the African Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, FCDO, AGRA, JICA/CARD, World Bank, and others.

Based on field research and recommendations from public and private sector partners across ECOWAS member states, a regional “ECOWAS Rice Observatory” (ERO) has been jointly created by the ECOWAS Commission and its partners.   ERO Secretariat is housed within the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development at the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja, Nigeria, coordinating rice sector-related programs, public/private investments, and policy recommendations for key decision-makers. At the same time, national rice platforms are being established comprised primarily of private sector stakeholders across the value chain, in addition to representation from research, government, and civil society to coordinate country-specific investments and policies.

Considering the importance of research study, a market research analysis is thus necessary to thoroughly assess the West Africa Rice Value Chain to serve as input in critical decision making and implementation of regional economic market models, to study and analyze the dynamics of the market, such as the volume and value, potential customer segments, buying patterns, competition, trends and other important factors. The ERO technical committee on markets and trade is prioritizing regional market research and analysis to determine individual or aggregate behavior to establish economic facts, real-time information, technological changes, and improved policy.

ERO, therefore, to deliver on its objective, is requesting a consultant/firm that will objectively and systematically collect, record, and analyze data relevant to West Africa RVC. Thus, this process will involve the definition of the problem, determining what approach to take, formulation of research design, field work entailed, primary and secondary data preparation and analysis, the generation of reports, how to present these reports, and overall, how the task can be accomplished working under the supervision of the ERO Technical Committee on Markets, Trade, and Standards, who, out of expertise, have prioritized this research to deliver market information for better decision making.

The specific objectives are as follows:

1. To uncover the market strengths and weaknesses of the various economic segments of the rice value chain. Especially as it regards production, processing, and their markets.
2. To investigate the dynamics of the rice market and trade environment through demographic representations, measuring factors such as competitiveness, product quality, pricing, key actors, trends, opportunities, consumers’ perception, age, and gender.
3. To develop a proper price policy and reduce costs.
4. To have fact-based solutions and recommendations, particularly for the urban markets segment, in order to improve decision-making in the ECOWAS region.

The scope of this market research and analysis is to have an in-depth analysis of rice sector development in the West Africa region and explore the market dynamics of the rice sector, which will help partners and stakeholders in decision making, planning and give direction within the project span.  Despite the challenges preventing the region from attaining rice sufficiency, there is a need to identify gaps limiting its competitiveness and sustainability.

First, providing empirical answers to issues like what informs consumer preference with proven facts, identifying breakeven prices for farmers, meaning the minimum market price needed to meet all production costs and record profit, including land, inputs, and family living expenses; Other important issues to be considered is the enormity of future demand and the possible opportunities in the chain. Determining the impact of extant policies; and, finally, price transparency and value chain economics development as a key factor in driving productivity.

The consultant/firm shall carry out the following tasks:

• Identify the various gaps, capacities, economic booms, and recession experienced at the market level, sampling specific markets for these comparisons.
• Engage with member states of the ECOWAS region for the collection of primary and secondary data from relevant groups, markets, and institutional discussions to achieve the objectives of this research.
• Identify and analyze regional trends with regards to consumers’ preferences and forecast the future demand for rice commodity up till 2030
• Analyze the value chain economics to measure the potential of the entire sector.
• Uncover new markets and products for rice commodity with greater market shares.
• Document farmers' breakeven price, the minimum market price needed to recoup all production costs, including land, inputs, and family living expenses.
• Develop an efficient price control model for the region
• Analyze the potential effect and predictability of trade tools such as the CET, ETLS, and AfCFTA for the region’s rice sector
• Provide key recommendations to the Technical Committee based on empirical evidence to help in making key market decisions and planning.
• Employ a qualitative and quantitative approach to explore the rice sector, with primary, secondary, and group discussion approaches for data collection and analyzed to identify market segments with lags and booms and possibly recommend and give solutions to the identified lags regionally.

The consultant/firm is required to consider the task to be performed with reference to the objectives However; the following are some steps to be applied in carrying out the study:

• A discussion meeting (documents review) with the ERO technical committee to understand the context of the task properly (measure, categorize, targets and compare)
• The consultant/firm is to develop an inception report to capture the following information:

• Table of Contents of the Report
• Other interview/observation formats include a survey or an interview questionnaire.
• Overall execution strategy, field visit strategy, and human resources strategy
• Discussions and finalization of the inception report with the TC and the secretariat

• Mapping and setting out of regions and institutions to engage in interviews and discussions analyzing, compiling, and drafting technical committee reports
• Incorporation of technical committee and stakeholder comments, and finally submission of the final report.

Based on the scope of the work plan development, it is estimated to 30 working days for the completion of this assignment.

The Timeframe (will cover the following aspects but will not be limited to):

This will include travels for meeting some partners and stakeholders in the region which will be agreed with the consultant.

Expected deliverables are:

• Draft inception report not more than 10 pages.
• Final report both in (English and French) to capture outputs from the various activities.
• Summarized PPT deck for public presentations on the findings.
• Provide key recommendations based on empirical evidence to help in making key market decisions and planning.
• Provide as additional support document, data base used for all analysis both primary and secondary data collected.

1. The cost of the consultant (including fees and reimbursable)

Other costs

2. Visa costs
3. Travel costs
4. The translation costs for the executive summaries of policy briefs and the final report shall be included in the offer.
5. Professional proof-reading and layout of the report shall be included in the offer.

The ECOWAS commission now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications, relevant experience to perform the Services and qualified experts. Consultants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the selection Based on the Consultants’ Qualifications (CQS) following ECOWAS procurement code. The Consultant with the highest ranked score will be invited to submit a full proposal (technical + financial) followed by a negotiation (both technical and financial) to sign a contract.

Eligibility criteria: Any legal entity is eligible subject to the conditions of exclusion from the procurement process as set out in Article 10 of the ECOWAS Procurement Code. The attention of consultants is particularly drawn to Article 118 of the revised ECOWAS Procurement Code ("Offences by candidates, bidders and successful bidders"), which provides information on corrupt or fraudulent practices in the competition or performance of a contract. In addition, please refer to the following specific information on conflicts of interest related to this assignment, in accordance with "Article 119 of the revised ECOWAS Public Procurement Code". The ECOWAS Public Procurement Code is available at https://ecowas.int/nwp_events/resources-offical-documents/ .

Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a sub consultancy to enhance their qualifications.

• Registration: The consulting firm should be legally registered in their respective country of operation. A valid registration number and supporting documents will be required for verification.
• Recognitions/Accreditations: The firm should have recognitions or accreditations from relevant industry or regional bodies, underscoring its credibility in the sector. This may include awards, certifications, or memberships in industry associations.
• Experience: At least seven years of professional experience in the realm of development projects, particularly those centered in the West African region.
• Specialization: Demonstrable exposure and hands-on experience with rice agricultural value chain financing, evidencing a solid understanding of its nuances and intricacies.
• Regional Knowledge: A comprehensive understanding of the socio-economic, cultural, and agricultural landscape of the West African region, focusing on the challenges and opportunities in the rice sector.
• Previous Work: Past engagements with either international agencies, NGOs, or private institutions that focus on agricultural development or financing in West Africa will be highly regarded.
• Reports & Publications: If the consulting firm has published research papers, reports, or has been involved in policy drafting related to the rice agricultural value chain or development projects in West Africa, it would be an added advantage.

Interested Consultant must provide information demonstrating that they are qualified and experienced to perform these services. In this respect, they must provide evidence that they have references for recent and similar services.

The similarity of the references will be analyzed on the basis of:

• • The scale of assignment performed: (country/regional wide);
  • The nature of the Services: market research country/regional wide, microeconomic analysis,
  • Field and technical expertise: trade development, rice value chain, agricultural sector development, market trend and analysis, market forecast,
  • Geographical context: experience in West Africa with the various stakeholders working on value chain issues, agricultural, rice sector, intra-regional rice trade

Qualifications, Experience, and Skills Required for the Rice Market Research Team

1. Team Leader (Consultant/Firm Key Personnel):

Education:

• Must possess a Masters or Doctorate degree (Master or PhD) in agricultural economics, economics, marketing, or a related field.

Experience:

• A minimum of 15 years in agricultural developmental services.
• Proven experience in leading agricultural or market research teams.

Skills:

• Strong analytical abilities with the capacity to lead the team and address procurement issues both creatively and independently.
• Demonstrated communication excellence in conveying a common vision to diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Superior reports and documents preparation with the ability to defend.
• Strong organizational prowess, with an emphasis on multitasking and detail-orientation.
• Uphold and exemplify integrity, objectivity, and confidentiality.

Other members of the team will have similar backgrounds, with professional qualifications and experience to complement the team leader. Data acquisition and analysis skills will be important. Moreover, the consulting firm should include the following personnel:

2. Market Development Sector Expert:

Education:

• Bachelor’s or higher in agricultural economics, economics, marketing, or a related field.

Experience:

• 7 years experience with expertise in rice or related agricultural market development.
• Familiarity with global market trends and development strategies.

Skills:

• Ability to analyze market patterns, needs, and opportunities.
• Effective communication in both English and French, with the capability to clearly convey information.

3. Finance Expert (Specializing in Agriculture Economy and Finance):

Education:

• Bachelor’s or higher in Finance, Agricultural Economics, or related fields.

Experience:

• 7 years experience in the agricultural finance sector.
• Understanding of financial mechanisms and models in agriculture.

Skills:

• Financial data analysis and interpretation.
• Detailed knowledge of financial regulations in the agricultural sector.
• Strong communication skills, especially in financial reporting.

4. Value Chain Expert:

Education:

• Bachelor’s or higher in Agricultural Business, Economics, or a related field.

Experience:

• 7 years’ experience in analysing and developing agricultural value chains, preferably in the rice sector.

Skills:

• Comprehensive understanding of agricultural value chains from production to market.
• Ability to identify and leverage potential value chain optimization points.

Other proven competencies required for the key staff:

• Mastery in oral and written English and French communication; fluency in an additional ECOWAS official language is a plus.
• institution's ability to effectively communicate a common vision to diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Uphold and exemplify integrity, objectivity, and confidentiality.

The application must include the following documents:

• - A letter of expression of interest;
• - a copy of the consortium agreement or a letter of intent to form a consortium;
• - a brochure presenting the firm; - are qualified and experienced to carry out the present services. As such, they will justify that they are qualified and experienced to perform the services. As such, they must provide references for recent and similar services. In order to meet the qualification criteria listed above, these consultants must provide tangible evidence and detailed references for all statements made in terms of experience and capabilities, similar assignments, availability of appropriate skills experience and capabilities, similar assignments, availability of appropriate skills within their staff, etc. –
• The application must be summarized on a project sheet, and will only be considered and accepted if the applicant encloses supporting documents indicating the contact details of the contracting authorities, in order to facilitate verification of the information provided, or copies of the certificate(s) of satisfactory performance for each contract submitted, as issued and signed by the Customer;

CVs of each member of the de- be presented in of table with the following information (assignment, period of performance, client conrs academic and professional curricula, (ii) their technical skills, (iii) the list of similar work carried out, as well as the contact details of the reference persons for each of the assignments indicated.

Applications must be submitted no later than: November 4^th 2023 through the following file request link : https://bit.ly/4eY7VaV

All the documents must be included in single PDF file named as follows: “DP007-Candidate Name.”

Interested consultants can obtain further information by writing to the following e-mail addresses: procurement@araa.org cc: ctienon@araa.org , mnakorba@araa.org , badebowale@ecowas.int with the subject "DP007- ERO-Market research".