1.     Background and context

People’s Process on Housing and Poverty in Zambia (PPHPZ) is a local NGO with 15 years of experience collaborating with partner organizations, grassroots-led movements, and Informal Settlement Networks (ISNs) in both rural and urban poor communities across all ten provinces of Zambia. PPHPZ works to support federation networks of the rural and urban poor, addressing governance issues at local and national levels to combat inequitable access to essential services crucial for building adaptive capacities among the majority poor in the country, especially in the face of climate impacts.

PPHPZ is implementing several key projects supporting the establishment and operationalization of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) and hydroponics technologies aimed at building community resilience. These initiatives are being supported by the GKG project, implemented in partnership with Care Zambia, CIVSAM project supported by We effect Southern Africa through the Swedish government and the Voices for Just Climate Action project, supported by the Dutch government. These innovations contribute to GKG project area C, which seeks to improve community climate resilience through enhanced infrastructure and training on marine litter reduction, recycling, and sustainable packaging. The innovations also align with the second objective of the VCA project, which aims to amplify citizens’ voices through enhanced participation and civic engagement in climate action.

The BSFL and hydroponics innovations are locally-owned initiatives co-created to address solid waste challenges in informal settlements and food insecurity. Lusaka City is grappling with indiscriminately disposed solid waste, exacerbating climate impacts such as flooding. Out of the 100,000 tons of waste produced daily in Lusaka, only 30,000 tons are properly managed, and approximately 35% of the total waste generated is organic. Similarly, Chongwe has significant quantities of waste not taken to the dumpsite, with an average organic content of about 35%. There is empirical evidence that organic waste can be harnessed for sustainable urban agriculture, providing environmental, social, health, and economic benefits. However, urban agriculture, which has long presented an opportunity to reduce food stress in informal settlements, is limited due to a lack of space for subsistence farming in the city. Therefore, innovations such as hydroponics provide an opportunity for vertical farming that can yield more produce in areas with limited land.

In this regard, the establishment of the two co-created innovations is almost complete. PPHPZ, together with its grassroots movement Zambia Homeless and Poor Peoples Federation, is looking for a consultant to undertake a market and input analysis for the two innovations. This step marks the beginning of the operationalization and commercialization of the innovations at the national and regional levels.

2.     Overall Objective

The primary aim of the proposed research is to assess the present market for Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) and hydroponic products as well as explore alternative localized inputs for the operations and commercialization of established facilities.

3.0 Purpose

The purpose of this assignment is to gather data that will inform PPHPZ and its stakeholders to make informed decisions on operationalizing and commercializing BSFL as well as hydroponics at local and regional level.

4.0 Specific Objectives

1.     To assess the market potential for Black Soldier Fly Larvae and hydroponics produce in Locally and Internationally.

2.     To identify key stakeholders, including potential buyers and sellers, in the market for these products.

3.     To understand the existing supply chain for Black Soldier Fly Larvae and hydroponics produce.

4.     To analyse the factors influencing consumer preferences and purchasing decisions in the context of these products.

5.     To explore local alternatives of inputs required for Black Soldier Fly Larvae and hydroponics farming.

5.0 Scope of Work

The research will be undertaken in Lusaka and Chongwe Districts, but the researcher will be expected to use secondary data to assess market potential across Zambia and regionally. The research will cover, but is not limited to:

i. Market analysis for Black Soldier Fly Larvae and hydroponics produce, including demand and supply dynamics.

ii. Identification and profiling of key stakeholders in the market.

iii. Examination of the existing supply chain and distribution channels.

iv. Identification and profiling of substitutes, complementary and identical goods on the market.

v. Assessment of the availability, cost, and quality of inputs required for Black Soldier Fly Larvae farming and hydroponics production.

6.0 Methodology

The researcher will be responsible for developing a sound and credible methodology that will produce quality results. The proposed methodologies will be part of the section criteria for successful candidates. The research methodology should include a combination of primary data and secondary data.

Secondary data

Literature review will focus on market trends, consumer behaviour, different entry strategies and input requirements at a global, regional and national level.

Primary data

a) In- person surveys and interviews with relevant stakeholders, including farmers, suppliers, and consumers.

b) Field visits to observe farming practices and gather first-hand information.

c) Telephone Interviews with potential national and regional clients where possible.

Sample size

An acceptable sample size that will allow generalization should be adopted and justified.

7.0 Deliverables and Timeframes

The research is expected to be completed within 4 months, with regular check-ins to ensure timely progress.

S/N
Delivery
Timeframe

1.  Inception report outlining the detailed research plan and methodology.
2 weeks

2. Progress reports at agreed-upon intervals.
Fortnight

3. Draft research findings and recommendations for review.
3 months

4. Final comprehensive report including market analysis, stakeholder profiles, supply chain assessment, and recommendations for the Voices for Just Climate Action Programme.
4 months

8.0 Budget

The research budget should include all necessary expenses, such as travel, data collection, analysis, and reporting. A detailed budget proposal is expected before commencement.

9.0 Required profile of the consultant

The consultant/team must demonstrate the following qualifications in order to be eligible for this assignment

• The team lead must hold at least a Masters Degree in a relevant field: Agriculture, Business Management, Marketing communication, development, urban studies, project management, social work etc. Other team members should also hold relevant qualifications in any of these areas.
• A minimum of 5 years of proven experience in the food systems, business development and advocacy
• Experience undertaking such assignments will be an added advantage
• Ability to start immediately and indicate measures to enhance the participation of women, youth and persons with disability.

10.0 Application process

Interested and qualified consultants are required to submit a proposal interpreting these Terms of Reference elaborating the proposed methodology, a detailed work plan and budget in Zambian Kwacha. The same should be accompanied with detailed CV for the lead Consultant including summarized CVs of technical personnel if any proposed for this assignment or comparable consultancies or engagements recently completed and at least 3 work references or links of sample works successfully produced in the last 3 years.

The applications should be submitted via email to pphpz@oulook.com and copied to marshymatimba@gmail.com , chirwamel@gmel.com and nelsonvusa@gmail.com with the subject line clearly marked ‘BSFL & HYDROPONICS – VCA & GKG”.

The deadline for submission of application is Monday 18th December 2023 at 23:59hrs. Only successful applicants will be contacted.