NU-TEC MD (Northern Uganda – Transforming the Economy through Climate Smart Agri Business Market Development) is a component of a seven-year DFID-funded programme that aims to increase the incomes and climate change resilience of poor men and women in Northern Uganda (NU) by (a) stimulating sustainable, pro-poor growth in selected agricultural markets and (b) improving the position of poor men and women within these market systems by making the market systems more inclusive for poor people. Funded by the UK Government, and implemented by Palladium, NU-TEC Market Development (MD) provides expertise and consulting services to innovative businesses and shifts agricultural market dynamics in a way that supports triple bottom line; economic, social and environmental improvements; in firms and market performance.
NU-TEC MD brokers relationships and works with private sector firms in agricultural markets to identify, attract and support investments that drive growth and support increases in income and climate resilience for smallholders in Northern Uganda. We apply a particular focus to catalyze change for women and vulnerable groups; youth, people with disabilities (PWDs) and the very poor. Utilizing the ‘making markets work for the poor’, or ‘M4P’ framework, NU-TEC MD will support pioneering firms to navigate the constraints of operating in the agri-economy of Northern Uganda and co-develop and pilot inclusive business models that generate economic, social and environmental returns. M4P is an economic development approach that works with local partners (including businesses, government agencies, public associations and universities), to identify and overcome key constraints that limit inclusive growth within a target market.
Objective of the assignment
- Establish the level of awareness of inorganic fertilizer (types, costs, benefits and appropriate usage versus existing practices/no fertilizer use) among commercial and smallholder farmers in Lango, Acholi and West Nile regions
- Establish the various types/brands of inorganic fertilizers and suppliers at regional (northern) and national level- Uganda.
- Identify and profile the current market players (businesses) reaching northern Uganda (Lango, Acholi and West Nile regions), their networks, business models and inorganic fertilizers types.
- Estimate current and potential demand for inorganic fertilizer use – crop production in the northern Uganda based on data from points of sales
- Provide a profile of the inorganic fertiliser value chain (both domestic and regional exports) – indicating margins at various points with aim of identifying opportunities for improving efficiency.
- Assess the willingness of farmers to buy inorganic fertilizers and related assistance.
- Provide information on any market distortionary actions by other players (NGOs/Government) in the inorganic fertilizer market and its impact.
- Assess existing and potential strategies for growing inorganic fertilizer market in Northern Uganda.
Scope of Work
- Collect and document information on the main inorganic fertilizer dealers/distributors in the country with networks in the north, briefly assessing their profiles, capabilities, their challenges and opportunities on running a successful fertilizer trade in the region.
- Collect and document information on financial returns of inorganic fertilizer, giving the yield difference between farmer gardens with and without fertilizers, profitability margins at the input dealers, the fertilizer distributors/dealers, and fertilizer importers of at least 4 key crops (Maize, Rice, Sorghum, Sunflower) grown in Northern Uganda
- Document key institutions/government (including operation wealth creation) units, their roles and their level of involvement in the inorganic fertilizer sector in Northern Uganda
- Describe briefly the existing business model of the inorganic fertilizer dealers/ distributors, and their present or any recent developments/changes networks in Lango, Acholi and West Nile region
- Collect data on the sales of inorganic fertilizers for last two years and project potential demand for next two years in northern Uganda. Clearly indication of the sale splits to commercial and smallholder farmers by importers/distributors
Expected Deliverables The following are the expected deliverables expected to be produced a report and analyzed in detail;
- A short report highlighting findings of desk review on inorganic fertilizer market within 5 days of assignment.
- A well laid out diagram of inorganic fertilizer value chain in Uganda especially that serving the North.
- A 25 page report that
- Quantifies information on the actual utilization/consumption and supply of inorganic fertilizer in northern Uganda market share of different fertilizer types, in the last two years.
- Highlights financial return of inorganic fertilizers (potential profitability of fertilizers for farmers growing the crops, agro-input dealers, and importers/distributors)
- Indicates potential demand for inorganic fertilizer amongst the smallholder and commercializing farmers.
- Proposes opportunities and strategic business models for scaling up inorganic fertilizer uptake
The assignment last take not more than 35 days. The contracted consultant is expected to deliver the final report by the 30th November 2017 day after contract signing.
More Information
- Job City Kampala