CONSULTANTS TO CONDUCT AGRI-FOOD VALUE CHAIN MARKET ASSESSMENT IN AGRI-PASTORALISM, DAIRY, AND FISHERIES IN SOMALIA

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is a global humanitarian organization with a mission to work with people in poverty and distress to create just and positive changes. ADRA Somalia belongs to the worldwide network, comprised of more than 130 supporting and implementing country offices. ADRA Somalia is seeking to recruit a consultant to conduct agri-food value chain market assessment in agri-pastoralism dairy and fisheries in Somalia. 1.0 Rationale for the Study Somalia’s agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors form the backbone of the country’s economy, supporting livelihoods, food security, and export earnings. However, these sectors face numerous constraints including inefficient production systems, post-harvest losses, poor infrastructure, and weak market linkages. Limited access to reliable data further exacerbates these challenges, making it difficult for policymakers, private sector actors, and development partners to design effective and targeted interventions. This study will serve as a comprehensive market assessment, offering critical insights into the demand and supply dynamics of agri-food products across ten selected communities in Somalia. By mapping market trends, production capacity, trade flows, and value chain bottlenecks, the study will provide a data-driven foundation to guide future investments, strengthen value chains, and enhance the competitiveness of the agri-food sector. The assessment will identify commercially viable agri-food products, evaluate local and regional demand patterns, and highlight constraints in processing, storage, and distribution. In doing so, it will support the development of interventions that improve market access, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase income generation for producers and value chain actors. Furthermore, the study will explore the enabling environment for agribusiness development, including investment trends, financing options, and private sector engagement. It will highlight barriers and opportunities that influence growth in the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors. The resulting evidence will help shape integrated solutions that address both supply- and demand-side challenges, enhance food systems, and support inclusive economic development in Somalia. 1.2.2 Key Research Questions The market assessment will answer: Agri-Food Demand and Supply What are the most traded agri-food products in Somalia’s key markets? What are the supply chain constraints preventing market expansion? Market Infrastructure and Processing Gaps What is the status of cold storage, warehousing, and processing facilities? How do infrastructure limitations impact post-harvest losses? What opportunities exist to scale infrastructure solutions for efficient processing and distribution? 2. Objectives of the Market Assessment 2.1 Overall Objective The main objective of the market assessment is to generate evidence-based insights into the demand and supply dynamics of Somali agri-food products and identify opportunities for strengthening agri-food value chains through improved market access, infrastructure, and investment. 2.2 Specific Objectives The study will: Map the demand and supply landscape for key agri-food products in Somalia. Identify infrastructure gaps and logistical bottlenecks affecting production, processing, storage, and distribution. Analyze investment trends, financial accessibility, and private sector engagement in the agri-food sector. Examine key constraints limiting market performance and value chain competitiveness. Provide actionable recommendations to enhance productivity, market linkages, and inclusive growth in the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors. 3. Scope of Work 3.1 Thematic Areas of Assessment The study will assess a wide range of critical thematic areas related to agri-food markets and investment opportunities. These areas of focus will enable a holistic understanding of the key challenges and opportunities across Somalia’s agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors. The assessment will cover market demand and supply dynamics, value chain constraints, infrastructure gaps, private sector engagement, and the enabling environment for agribusiness development. 3.2 Agri-Food Demand and Supply One of the primary objectives of the study is to map the demand and supply dynamics of various agri-food products in the ten selected communities. The study will analyze market size, seasonal fluctuations, trade patterns, and production capacities, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of current and emerging market trends. By engaging with producers, processors, traders, and consumers, the study will identify bottlenecks in the supply chain, including logistics challenges, price volatility, and infrastructure deficiencies that hinder market efficiency. This analysis will be instrumental in determining which agri-food products are best suited for investment in efficient production and processing technologies. Additionally, the study will assess the role of domestic and regional trade networks in shaping agri-food market trends, examining import and export dependencies to highlight opportunities for strengthening Somalia’s food production sector. The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining: Quantitative surveys for statistical analysis of market trends. Key informant interviews (KIIs) with industry experts and policymakers. Focus group discussions (FGDs) with community representatives. Observational field assessments to evaluate infrastructure gaps. This comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategy will ensure that the study captures a holistic view of Somalia’s agri-food markets and investment landscape, leading to robust, evidence-based recommendations for project implementation. 4. Methodology The methodology for this assessment is designed to ensure that the data collected is comprehensive, reliable, and actionable for informing market development strategies in Somalia’s agri-food sector. A mixed-methods approach will be used, integrating both quantitative and qualitative research techniques to provide a well-rounded understanding of the demand and supply of agri-food products and the broader investment climate. The study will employ a multi-stakeholder engagement strategy, ensuring the inclusion of smallholder farmers, producers, traders, agribusinesses, investors, government officials, and development partners. This inclusive approach will ensure that the findings reflect on-the-ground realities and are responsive to both market and policy priorities. 5. Key Deliverables and Timeline Deliverable Timeline Inception Report Week 1 Survey Tools Development Week 2 Enumerator Training Week 3 Field Data Collection Weeks 4-6 Draft Report & Validation Workshop Week 7 Final Report Submission Week 8 6.1 Core Expertise Required The consulting firm or individual must have expertise in the following areas: 6.1.1 Agricultural and Agri-Food Market Analysis Experience in demand and supply assessments for agri-food products. Knowledge of value chains, trade policies, and market linkages. Ability to assess processing, storage, and transport constraints. 6.1.3 Investment Climate and Financial Sector Analysis Understanding of financing mechanisms for agribusiness. Experience working with banks, microfinance, and investors. Ability to identify barriers to private sector investment in infrastructure. 6.1.4 Technical Research and Data Analysis Proficiency in SPSS, STATA, R, or NVivo for statistical and qualitative analysis. Experience in large-scale surveys, sampling strategies, and econometric modelling. Ability to conduct geospatial analysis (GIS mapping) for infrastructure planning. 6.1.5 Policy and Regulatory Knowledge Understanding of Somalia’s agriculture, and investment policies. Experience in engaging with government agencies and private sector actors. 6.1.6 Private Sector Engagement and Business Development Experience working with agribusinesses, SMEs, and investors. Knowledge of value chain financing and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). Ability to facilitate investment forums and business matchmaking. 6.1.7 Experience in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Settings Ability to conduct research in fragile environments with security risks. Experience working with local enumerators and managing field logistics. Understanding of resilience-building initiatives in post-conflict economies. 6.1.8 Gender and Social Inclusion Expertise Experience in gender-responsive research methodologies. Knowledge of barriers faced by women and youth in agribusiness. Ability to design inclusive financing models and social impact assessments. 7. Application Process Interested applicants must submit: Cover Letter (max 3 pages) outlining relevant experience. Curriculum Vitae (CV) demonstrating expertise to conduct the assignment Technical Proposal (max 7 pages) outlining methodology and work plan. Financial Proposal detailing consultancy fees and other costs.

For the full Terms of Reference (TOR) please visit ADRA Somalia website [www.adrasom.org](http://www.adrasom.org). Interested consultants/firms that meet the requirements should submit their applications not later than 25th August 2025 via email to [email protected] with Subject line: Subject line: Application for Market Assessment Study ADRA Somalia is committed to upholding the rights of all children and vulnerable adults that we serve and those we interact with in the course of our work. We endevour to protect all from all forms of abuse and exploitation as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and Inter Agency Standing Committee (IASC) six core principles on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA). ADRA Somalia has zero tolerance to abuse and exploitation of beneficiaries and staff.’’