NB:ENGLISH VERSION BELOW
WWF RCA is looking for an external consultant in agriculture and development of the value chain of agrological and/or non-timber forest products (NTFP) in APDS.
1 CONTEXTE GENERAL
The Dzanga Sangha Protected Areas complex (APDS, Figure 1) is the largest remaining virgin forest in the Central African Republic (CAR). Located in the southwest of the country, it forms the northern limit of the Congo Basin. It covers a multiple-use zone of 4,619 km² including the Dzanga-Sangha Dense Forest Special Reserve (3,359 km²) which supports various community uses and the Dzanga-Ndoki National Park (1,260 km²), subdivided into sectors Dzanga and Ndoki and separated by a Community Hunting Zone (ZCC). The Dzanga-Sangha landscape extends approximately 25 km north of the reserve boundaries, while the western and eastern boundaries are also international borders with Cameroon and the Republic of Congo respectively.
For more than 30 years, WWF, with other partners, has supported the Central African Ministry of Water, Forests, Hunting and Fisheries (MEFCP) in the management of APDS. The objective is to provide technical and financial support, both to conserve its exceptional biodiversity and to promote sustainable management of natural resources. In 2018, a protocol for co-management and financing of the DSPA was signed by the WWF and the MEFCP. The objective of WWF-MEFCP co-management is the protection of natural ecosystems while promoting sustainable development and improving the livelihoods of its indigenous populations and local communities (PACL).
It is estimated that around 13,000 people live within the APDS boundaries. More than 60% of heads of household were identified as coming from outside the area. The population likely increased with the latest waves of displacement caused by the ongoing socio-political crises in CAR. Recent socio-economic studies have established that the majority of the population living in the area depends on agriculture, fishing, livestock rearing, NTFP collection and hunting to meet their daily subsistence needs. .
APDS include dedicated rural development zones, or agricultural zones, which have been established for agriculture and/or livestock. The corresponding boundaries are intended to prevent indiscriminate occupation and intrusion into the reserve. These areas are found around reserve villages and along main roads. The demarcated agricultural zone covers a total of nearly 4,000 ha. However, it was found that only 50% of this area is cultivated. While around the villages of Bayanga, Yandoumbé and Bomanjokou, the areas have been completely depleted, leading to an estimated encroachment of 500 ha into the special reserve and an increase in human-wildlife conflicts (especially with African forest elephants), elsewhere the land is underexploited. The main reasons for continued depletion of natural resources and encroachment on the special reserve are increasing population pressure coupled with unsustainable agricultural practices and land grabbing due to absence of appropriate policy regarding land and property rights. There is also a virtual absence of institutional support for the development of sustainable agriculture in the region.
Within the APDS, we can still distinguish the southern villages (Bomandjoku, Lindjombo), the central villages (Babongo in Yandoumbé) and the northern villages (Yondo, Yobé; creating a socio-ecological continuum with the direct peripheral villages of the north which are still part of the commune of Yobé-Sangha). The southern villages are relatively isolated and have a close border with Cameroon and the Republic of Congo, making them an attractive trading area, as is already the case for cassava production. During the colonial era, the southern villages, particularly Lindjombo, included coffee and cocoa plantations. The central villages are densely populated, partly attracted by government services and the APDS administrative headquarters in Bayanga (and historically by logging), and are located within the territory of forest elephant movement, reducing by significantly the diversity of local cultures. The northern villages are less densely populated and have socio-economic characteristics similar to those of the direct peripheral villages of the APDS, namely relative isolation and low possibilities for rural development. Recently, private commercial crop farms have emerged in the region, due to the available agricultural space and the reduced presence of large wildlife.
The APDS intervention zone outside the strict limits of the protected zone covers a similar surface area but is more densely populated. As the entire surrounding dense forest landscape in the periphery of the APDS is subdivided into forest concessions, the agricultural and human occupation (SAOH) series within the peripheral intervention zone of the APDS are also legally demarcated. Social-ecological trends similar to those described for DSPA prevail, although there are local topographic and soil differences (e.g., Monasao grassland area). This area is also much less prone to human-wildlife conflict with fully protected species (such as forest elephant and forest buffalo) due to the overall lower presence of wildlife. Therefore, the area has been identified as a potential area for rural/socio-economic development that can help alleviate current pressures on the protected area environment and supply APDS markets. Communities located on the direct periphery of APDS have historically benefited less from rural development initiatives and are now considered a priority target population, as evidenced by the recent deployment of a 200-hectare agroforestry project in the Monasao region.
As APDS expand their rural development initiatives across the landscape, WWF CAR is seeking the services of an agriculture and rural development expert with skills in agronomy and agricultural and/or forestry product value chain development, to to identify clear entry points for the sustainable development of a set of livelihood options for IPLCs based on agriculture, agroforestry and forestry.
2. Mission objectives
The overall objective of this mission is to identify key entry points allowing WWF and its partners to engage in sustainable development pathways promoting agriculture, agroforestry and/or food value chains. NTFPs to support IPLC livelihoods, with the aim of enhancing nature restoration and protection of natural ecosystems of APDS and its boundaries, and preventing human-wildlife conflicts. The identification of a small set of entry points should be based on a robust analysis of existing evidence and new field studies, involving significant stakeholder and partner engagement, guided by WWF best practice principles ( Africa Food Future Initiative ) and must be accompanied by the development of an actionable work plan describing the activities and methods necessary to achieve the objectives described above.
2.1. Specific mission
a) Documentary study:
Synthesize existing findings and identify entry points for promoting sustainable agriculture, agroforestry and/or NTFP value chains to support IPLC livelihoods. Use the results of the latest studies (see annexes) carried out in the APDS on the sources of income and agricultural activities of the PACL, as well as the available scientific literature.
Consider the following key criteria:
- Value chain development and revenue generation
- Household food and nutritional security
- equity considerations within IPLCs, with a focus on indigenous populations and women
- Protection of the natural ecosystems of the DSPA and its limits
- WWF Food Practice and WWF Africa Food Future for guidance on WWF sustainable agriculture principles and development strategy.
b) Value Chain Assessment Study : Undertake a field study in collaboration with key stakeholders to collect missing data and fill knowledge gaps on opportunities for strengthening value chains, in the aim of preparing an action plan for the WWF. Consider the following key criteria:
- Exploitation of 2 to 3 promising value chains and their development opportunities (production, processing and development of market potential) across the APDS landscape for the agricultural and agro-forestry options listed below:
has. current and potentially new agricultural practices (mainly cassava, peanuts, corn, yams, others);
b. Ongoing and potentially new agroforestry production (citrus, avocado, kola, khaya, safou, leucaena, etc.);
vs. Activities based on current and potentially alternative cash crops (cocoa, coffee, others), also linked to historic plantations;
d. Current and potentially new NTFP products (Gnetum ‘koko’, Njansang, Irvingium ‘payo’, mushrooms, wild pepper, wild garlic, etc.), with particular attention to the collection practices of indigenous Ba’Aka and the equitable integration of walk.
- Development of a participatory field study methodology for the identification and exploitation of value chain development opportunities that integrates local knowledge, capacities and socio-economic aspirations of targeted communities. Selection criteria for specific products/value chains should be defined for transparent benchmarking.
- Identification of local and international partners:
Identification of national and/or regional rural development organizations (within the framework of national civil society/NGOs) working on the sustainable development of agriculture and agroforestry. Linkages with interested national, regional or international buyers/processors/investors with strong sustainability objectives are also expected. These entities and their capacity to support WWF’s value chain development work must be described in the action plan.
c) Action plan : Preparation of an action plan that will provide WWF with entry points into the development of the value chain of the 2 to 3 selected agricultural and agroforestry products, with a short and long vision term, incorporating all elements of the study.
3. Expected results
a) Preparatory desk study identifying entry points for sustainable agriculture, agroforestry and/or NTFP value chains in support of indigenous and local community livelihoods in Dzanga protected areas Sangha and in its area of intervention.
b) Method and approach with timeline and list of individuals and organizations to be included in a value chain assessment study.
c) Field value chain assessment study, including data collection with engagement of communities and relevant stakeholders.
d) Action plan with a list of potential partners for implementation.
4. Duration of the mission
To discuss.
5. Location of the mission
Partly in the Central African Republic, partly remotely
6. Rapport
Attached to WWF RCA
7. Equipment provided by WWF RCA
Logistics (including transport, accommodation and food) and staffing needs identified for field interventions
8. Qualification et expertise
– Advanced university degree in agricultural development, agroforestry, agricultural economics, rural development or other related fields;
– Good understanding of agricultural and rural development, both from the perspective of development cooperation and the management and conservation of natural resources, preferably with in-depth experience in the management and development of the agronomic and value chain natural resources;
– Relevant professional experience (market assessments, local economic development, value chain development, strategic planning, etc.), preferably related to nature conservation objectives;
– Experience working with international and national NGOs and/or government agencies;
– Good understanding of trends and direction of national/regional agro-industries and the agriculture-forestry value chain, including key areas of interest and intervention, as well as interactions with the private sector;
– Fluency in French and preferably English, with excellent written and oral communication skills;
– Fluency in the local language is an advantage.
– Team members from the Central African region are considered an advantage.
ENGLISH VERSION:
1 Background
The Dzanga Sangha Protected Area Complex (DSPA, figure 1) is the largest remaining pristine forest of the Central African Republic (CAR). Located in the south-west of the country it forms the northern edge of the Congo Basin. It covers a 4,619 km² multiple-use zone comprising the Dzanga-Sangha Dense Forest Special Reserve (3,359 km²) supporting various community uses and the Dzanga-Ndoki National Park (1,260 km²), subdivided into the sectors Dzanga and Ndoki and separated by a Community Hunting Zone (ZCC). At large, the Dzanga-Sangha landscape extends for approximately 25km north of the reserve’s boundaries, while the western and eastern boundaries are also international borders with Cameroon and the Republic of Congo respectively.
For more than 30 years, WWF, along with other partners, has been supporting the CAR’s Ministry of Water, Forestry, Hunting and Fishing (MEFCP) in the management of the DSPA. The aim is to provide technical and financial support, both to conserve its exceptional biodiversity and to promote sustainable management of the natural resources. In 2018, a protocol for the co-management and financing of the DSPA was signed by the WWF and the MEFCP. The aim of the WWF-MEFCP co-management is the protection of the natural ecosystems while promoting sustainable development and improving the livelihoods of its indigenous people and local communities (IPLC).
It is estimated that there are around 13,000 people living within the DSPA boundaries. More than 60% of the heads of household have been identified as coming from outside the area. The population has also likely increased with the latest waves of displacement caused by on-going socio-political crises in CAR. Recently undertaken socio-economic studies established that the majority of the population living in the area depend on farming, fishing, small livestock, the collection of non-timber forest products (NTFP), and hunting to meet their daily livelihood needs.
The DSPA has dedicated rural development zones, or agricultural zones, which have been established for agriculture and/or livestock farming. Related demarcations are to prevent indiscriminate occupation and eventually intruding into the Reserve. These zones are found around the Reserve’s villages and along the main roads. The delimited agricultural zone covers a total of almost 4,000 ha. However, it was found that only 50% of this area has been cultivated. While around the villages of Bayanga, Yandoumbé and Bomanjokou the zones have been completely exhausted, resulting in an estimated encroachment of 500 ha into the special reserve and increased human-wildlife conflict (most intensely with African forest elephants), elsewhere the land is underutilized. The main reasons for the continuing natural resource depletion and encroachment into the DSPA are the rising demographic pressure coupled with unsustainable agricultural practices and land grabbing due to the lack of an appropriate policy on land and property rights. There is also quasi-absence of institutionalized support for the further development of sustainable agriculture in the region.
Within DSPA we can further distinguish between DSPA southern villages (Bomandjoku, Lindjombo) central villages (Babongo to Yandoumbé) and Northern villages (Yondo, Yobé; creating a socio-ecological continuum with direct northern peripheral villages still within the Yobé-Sangha commune). DSPA southern villages are relatively isolated and border closely to Cameroon and Republic of Congo, which make them an interesting trading area- already the case for its cassava production. In colonial times southern villages, particularly Lindjombo, comprised coffee and cacao plantations. DSPA central villages are densely populated, partly attracted to services from government and DSPA headquarters in Bayanga (and historically logging), and are placed in core African forest elephant movement territory, reducing significantly the local crop diversity. Northern villages are less densely populated and present similar socio-economic characteristics as direct DSPA peripheral villages, of relative isolation and low rural development opportunities. Recently private cash-crop operations have emerged in the area, due to available agricultural space and reduced wildlife presence.
The DSPA intervention zone outside of the strict protected area boundaries covers a similar surface area but is more densely populated. As the entire surrounding dense forest landscape in the periphery of DSPA is subdivided in logging concessions, the agricultural and human development zones within the DSPA peripheral intervention zone are equally legally delimited. Similar socio-ecological tendencies as described for DSPA prevail, however local topographic and pedological differences exist (eg. Monasao grassland area). This zone is also much less subjected to human-wildlife conflict with integrally protected species (such as African forest elephant and forest buffalo) due to overall lower wildlife presence. As a result, the zone has been identified as a potential rural development/socio-economic development area which can help alleviate the pressures currently exerted on the protected area environment and supply DSPA markets. Communities in the direct periphery of DSPA have historically also benefited less from rural development initiatives and are now also considered a priority target population, the recent roll-out of a 200ha agroforestry project in the Monasao area is a testimony to that.
As DSPA is further expanding its rural development initiatives in the landscape, WWF CAR is seeking the services of an agriculture and rural development expert with expertise in agronomic and forest product value chain development, to identify clear entry points for sustainable development of a small intimal set of agriculture , agroforest and forest-based livelihood options at the IPLC level.
2. Objectives of the assignment
The overall objective of this assignment is to identify key entry points for WWF and partners to engage in sustainable development pathways promoting agriculture, agroforest, and/or NTFP value chains in support of IPLC livelihoods, with the aim to reduce illegal poaching, enhance nature restauration and the protection of the DSPA natural ecosystems and its boundaries, and prevent human wildlife conflict. The identification of a small set of entry points is expected to be based on a solid analysis of existing and new field study evidence, involving extensive stakeholder and partner engagement, guided by WWF best-practice principles (Africa Food Future Initiative) and has to be accompanied by the development of an actionable workplan plan describing needed activities and methods to achieve the above-described objectives.
2.1. Specific assignment
a) Desk study:
Synthesize existing findings and identify entry points for promoting sustainable agriculture, agroforest, and/or NTFP value chains in support of IPLC livelihoods. Make use of findings from the latest studies (see annexes) carried out in the DSPA on livelihood sources and farming activities of the IPLC population, as well as available scientific literature.
Take into consideration the following key criteria:
1)Value chain development and income generation
2)Household food and nutrition security
- Equity considerations within the IPLC population with focus on IPs and women
4)Protection of the DSPA natural ecosystems and its boundaries
5)WWF Food Practice and WWF Africa Food Future for orientations on principles and strategy of sustainable agriculture development of WWF
b) Value chain assessment study: Undertake field work study in collaboration with key stakeholders to collect missing data filling remaining knowledge gaps on value chain strengthening opportunities with the objective to prepare an action plan for WWF. Take into consideration the following key criteria:
- Exploitation of 2 to 3 promising value chains and their development opportunities (production, processing and market potential development) throughout DSPA landscape for below listed farming and agro-forest options:
a) ongoing and potentially new agricultural practices (mostly cassava, peanut, maize, yams, others);
b)Ongoing and potentially new agroforest production (citrus, avocado, kola, khaya, safou, leucaena, others );
c)Ongoing and potentially alternative cash-crop based activities (cacao, coffee, others), also linked to historic plantations;
d) Ongoing and potentially new NTFP products (Gnetum ‘koko’, Njansang, Irvingium ‘payo’, mushrooms, wild pepper, wild garlic, …) with specific attention to indigenous Ba’Aka collecting practices and equitable market integration.
2) Development of a participatory field study methodology for the identification and exploitation of value chain development opportunities that integrates local knowledge, capacities and socio-economic aspirations of the targeted communities. The selection criteria for specific products/value chains need to be defined for a transparent comparative analysis.
- Identification of local to international partners:
The identification of national and/or regional rural development organizations (as part of the national civil society/NGOs) working with a focus on sustainable agricultural/agroforest development. Linkages with interested national, regional or international buyers/processors/investors with strong sustainability objectives are also expected. These entities and their ability to support the ongoing value-chain development work of WWF should be outlined in the action plan.
c) Action plan: Preparation of an action plan that will provide WWF with entry points into value chain development of the 2 to 3 selected agricultural and agroforest products with a short and long-term vision, incorporating all study elements.
3 Deliverables
a)Preparatory desk study identifying entry points for sustainable agriculture, agroforest, and/or NTFP value chains in support of IPLC livelihoods in the Dzanga Sangha Protected Areas and its intervention zone.
b) Method and approach with timetable and list of individuals and organizations to include in a value chain assessment study.
c) value chain assessment field work study, including data collection with relevant community and stakeholder engagement.
d) Action plan with a list of potential implementation partners
4. Duration of the assignment
To be discussed.
5. Location of the assignment
Part Central African Republic, part remote
6. Reporting
Reporting to WWF CAR
7. Facilities provided by WWF CAR
Logistics (including transport, lodging and food) and identified personnel needs for field interventions
8. Qualification and expertise
- Advanced university degree in Agricultural Development, Agroforestry, Agricultural Economics, Rural development or other related subject areas;
- Good understanding of agricultural and rural development from both a development cooperation and natural resource management and conservation perspective, preferably with extensive experience in agronomic and natural resource value chain management and development;
- Relevant work experience (market assessments, local economic development, value chain development, strategic planning, etc.), preferably also in connection with nature conservation objectives;
- Experience in working with international and national NGOs and/or with government agencies;
- Good understanding of national/regional agribusinesses and agricultural-forest value chain trends and direction, including major areas of interest and intervention, as well as interactions with the private sector;
- Fluency in French and preferably English, with excellent written and oral communication skills;
- Fluency in local language an advantage
- Team(members) originating from central African region considered an advantage.
How to apply
Application procedure
Interested applicants should send their technical and financial proposal demonstrating how they will carry out the specific tasks, including methodology and detailed timeline, as well as their curriculum vitae by email to sdebethune@wwfcar.org by close of business on the 10th. March 2024.
English version
- Application process
Interested applicants should send their technical and financial proposal demonstrating how they will deliver on the specific assignments, including methodology and detailed time table; and their curriculum vitae via email to sdebethune@wwfcar.org by close of business on March 10, 2024
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