Increasing competitiveness of vegetables value chains in Akkar

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The key objectives of the study are to analyze the demand, supply and operational issues related to the markets of selected vegetable value chains operated by the small farmers in Akkar and provide beneficiaries with suggestions to increase their income.

The specific objectives are to:

Market and Stakeholders Mapping

• Map potential markets of each selected vegetables, especially fair trade and organic markets – in Lebanon and abroad
• Analyze current market trends in terms of market demand and supply, price-scheduling mechanisms, market determinant factors, supply chains and government market regulatory and control mechanisms
• Review and assess the existing literature on the mentioned topics in collaboration with Fair Trade Lebanon and its partners, namely a value chain assessment (currently under development)
• Conduct an assessment on production, products and sales for each beneficiary (10 production units – farmers’ groups, post-harvest facility and food processing cooperatives)
• Analyze possible potential risks the project beneficiaries may face in market and suggest possible mitigation measures

Market analysis of Selected Vegetables

• Assess market requirements for local and export markets, and suggest required steps in terms of production, organization and equipment
• Assess the potential marketable by-products for each value chain
• Understand the existing market situation and nature of bargain taking place between different market players in the study area (relationships, attitudes and behaviors).

• Suggest improvements to ensure direct linkages of the farmers with the major markets and increased incomes from their produces
• Suggest innovative and possibly market accepted packing and packaging and marketing models that the producer organizations can adopt
• Propose a market strategy for each beneficiary

DELIVERABLES & SCHEDULE

The consultant(s) should present the proposal, the methodology, the detailed schedule and team of work one week after the signature of the contract in Hazmieh.

A draft Market study should be sent and presented to FTL team one month after the signature of the contract. The draft should include the outline of the paper as well as the main findings mentioned above (specific objectives of the research). It should be presented to the team and take into consideration the comments and recommendations of the team for the final paper.

The Consultant(s) will also have a preliminary presentation of the findings one week prior delivery date for review.

The expected outputs include:

1. Questionnaire

2. Information from the local and export markets

3. Detailed market research including an executive summary, the methodology used for conducting the study, findings to have a better understanding of the market supply and demand for the five selected vegetables and processed products in Lebanon and for the export market, suggestions of a strategy to increase beneficiaries’ revenues

4. Presentation (PPT format) to be presented for the beneficiaries (in Arabic)

TIME SCHEDULE

Based on the proposed Terms of Reference, the consultant(s) shall prepare a brief work plan. The work plan should set out the Consultant approach for conducting research activities. The period for the consultancy should not exceed 40 working days starting the day of signing the agreement.