Local STTA to conduct the Green Economy training for farmers/businesses

Information

Common information

USAID KYRGYZ REPUBLIC AGRO TRADE ACTIVITY (ATA)

Project background:

The USAID Kyrgyz Republic Agro Trade Activity (ATA, The Activity) aims to promote job creation and increase the incomes of Kyrgyz farmers and agribusinesses by strengthening value chains, improving regional and cross-border trade, particularly with the Fergana Valley, and improving the business-enabling environment. The Activity will support or create interventions that boost productivity, upgrade processing capabilities, build international business-to-business linkages, facilitate access to finance, unlock opportunities for women, youth, and marginalized groups, and support private sector-informed policy reform. These activities will reinforce efforts to build a democratic, well-governed, and prosperous Kyrgyz Republic.

The Kyrgyz Republic’s agricultural sector is poised for a transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly model. The concept of a Green Economy is gaining traction worldwide, offering a pathway to sustainable development that can bring about multiple benefits, including economic prosperity, social equity, and environmental sustainability. However, the adoption of green practices among farmers in Kyrgyzstan remains limited, largely due to a lack of awareness and technical knowledge.

Purpose of Assignment:

The objective of this consultancy is to provide training on the principles and practices of the green economy for agricultural experts and farmers. The aim is to equip experts and farmers with the necessary knowledge and tools to adopt sustainable farming practices that can enhance productivity, improve resilience to climate change, and contribute to environmental conservation. This will be achieved through a series of training sessions covering various aspects of the Green Economy, including sustainable agriculture, resource efficiency, waste management, and renewable energy.

Level of Effort:

A total of 20 days of LOE will be required for the activities listed above.

Period of Performance:

The period of performance for this assignment will be on or about: September 30, 2024 – October 25, 2024

Place of Performance:

The assignment will take place in Osh and Jalal-Abad & Batken oblasts, Kyrgyz Republic.

Qualification requirements

Required experiences and qualifications under this assignment are as follows:

-        Advanced (graduate) degree in agriculture and economy

-        Must have a minimum of seven years experience  

-        Field experience in participation at USAID-funded projects preferred

-        Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing

-        Must have an in-depth knowledge of principal agrotechnology in green economy. Knowledge and experience in dealing with farmers

-        Strong written communication skills, including demonstrated ability to write required documents in a clear, concise, well-organized manner

-        Strong computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, e-mail)

-        Fluency in Kyrgyz, Russian, both oral and written

Duties

Detailed Tasks:

-        Study the relevance of planning and decision support tools by identifying and evaluating the most effective ones.

-        Engage with agricultural extensionists and practitioners to discuss and select appropriate tools for use by Kyrgyz farmers.

-        Create a comprehensive training program focused on the green economy, sustainable agriculture, and the application of relevant planning and decision support tools. The materials should be focused on improving farmers' understanding and adoption of Green Economy principles in their businesses in several ways:

            o   Farmers will learn about the Green Economy and its relevance to the agricultural sector and understand the benefits of transitioning towards a Green Economy, such as improved productivity, enhanced resilience to climate change, and potential access to new markets.

           o   Farmers will adopt sustainable farming tools and techniques that enhance productivity, improve soil health, and reduce environmental impact. This includes practices like organic farming.

          o   Farmers will use resources more efficiently in their operations. This includes adopting water-saving irrigation techniques, using energy-efficient machinery, and managing inputs sustainably.

          o   Farmers will implement effective waste management practices. This includes composting, recycling, and utilizing agricultural waste efficiently.

         o   Farmers will adopt renewable energy technologies in their operations. This includes using solar-powered irrigation systems and producing biogas from agricultural waste.

        o   Farmers can diversify their income by providing ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration or biodiversity conservation.

        o   Farmers will reduce waste in their operations through efficient use of inputs and recycling of outputs

-        Identify regions, crops, and farmers most likely to adopt the recommended tools and sustainable agriculture practices.

-        Reach out to the target group of farmers to select training participants who are likely to implement the tools and practices.

-        Deliver the training sessions to the identified participants, ensuring practical application of the tools and practices.

-        Compile and submit a detailed report on the assignment, including outcomes, participant feedback, and recommendations for future actions.

 Deliverables:

-        A report detailing the evaluation of various planning and decision support tools, summary of discussions with agricultural extensionists and practitioners and recommended tools appropriate for Kyrgyz farmers.

-        A detailed training program, including session topics, objectives, learning outcomes for participants and timelines.

-        Training materials (e.g., presentations, handouts, manuals or guides for farmers) focused on the Green Economy, sustainable agriculture, and the application of planning and decision support tools.

-        A list of selected training participants, attendance sheets, session agendas, participant feedback and photos from the training.

-        report on the assignment, including recommendations for further actions or follow-up support needed for the farmers and businesses.

Conditions

Please submit a resume and cover letter to KyrgyzstanRecruitment@acdivoca.org no later than September 30, 2024. Please include the position title in the subject line.

Due to the high volume of applications we are not able to respond to inquiries via phone or email. Only shortlisted candidates considered for an interview will be contacted.

ACDI/VOCA is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities and people from diverse groups are encouraged to apply.