Terms of Reference (TOR) for Provision of Onion Seeds in Dollow district, Gedo region

1.    Background:

COOPI – Cooperazione Internazionale is a relief and development organization founded in Italy in 1965. COOPI’s envisions a world without poverty where diverse cultures live together sharing equal rights and equal opportunities. COOPI’s mission is to reduce poverty in the global South through interventions of long-term sustainable international cooperation. COOPI also conducts advocacy activities in Italy, to fight the cause of the serious economic gap between the North and South. Since 2001 COOPI has worked in South Central Somalia providing support that is integrated, participatory, and people-centered to disaster risk reduction, emergency relief and resilience. COOPI believes in achieving resilience and creating a more conducive environment for vulnerable populations through support in basic services and establishing realistic economic and sustainable livelihood opportunities COOPI is implementing an ANCP-funded “Somalia Enhanced Resilience through Inclusive Economic/Market Systems Development and Climate Smart Approaches (SERECA)” Project under the SomReP consortium in Dollow, which seeks to promote livelihoods and self-reliance of IDP, Peri-urban and rural communities through increased access to livelihood marketable skills and financial services. Further the project contributes to the development of a favorable environment for the economic / social development that enhances the absorptive capacities of areas of return and improve livelihoods conditions in areas of return.

As such, COOPI would like to engage an Agro-dealer to provide services of onion seeds distribution to farmers in Dollow district, which is an area of focus of the SERECA project. The supply of quality onion seeds is crucial for ensuring successful onion cultivation, which is a significant crop for many farmers and plays a vital role in food security and economic development. This project aims to procure and distribute high-quality onion seeds to farmers, thereby supporting their agricultural activities and contributing to increased productivity and income generation.

2.    Objectives:

This qualified and dynamic Agro-dealer will be tasked to provide the following services:

•       To supply high-quality onion seeds suitable for the local agro-climatic conditions in Dollow.

•       To ensure timely delivery of onion seeds to farmers in designated areas.

•       To promote the adoption of improved onion varieties that are disease-resistant and high-yielding.

•       To provide on-field GAP training on onion value chains for farmers in the areas of distribution.

•       To enhance the availability and accessibility of quality seeds to smallholder farmers.

•       To monitor the distribution and use of onion seeds to evaluate the impact on crop yields and farmer livelihoods.

3.       Scope of Work:

•       Identify the quantity and specifications of onion seeds required based on the demand from farmers and agricultural extension services.

•       Monitor the production, packaging, and transportation of onion seeds to ensure compliance with agreed-upon specifications and timelines.

•       Coordinate with relevant stakeholders, including agricultural extension services, farmer groups, and government agencies, to facilitate the distribution of onion seeds to targeted beneficiaries.

•       Provide technical support and training to farmers on seed sowing techniques, crop management practices, and post-harvest handling to maximize seed germination and crop yields.

•       Establish mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the performance of the supplied onion seeds, collecting feedback from farmers, and documenting the impact on crop production and farmer income.

4.       Qualifications

In the onion value chain, agro-dealers play a critical role in providing farmers with the necessary

inputs, knowledge, and support to enhance onion production. The following qualifications and skills

are required:

Location:

•       Should be located in Dollow town

•       Operate an agro-dealer shop business

•       Must have physical business location Educational Background:

•       In-depth understanding of onion cultivation practices, including planting, spacing, irrigation, fertilization, and pest management specific to onions.

•       Knowledge of onion varieties, their characteristics, and suitability for different growing conditions.

•       Comprehensive knowledge of onion seed varieties, including hybrid and open-pollinated types.

•       Understanding of seed quality standards, germination rates, and seed treatment options. Fertilizer and Soil Management:

•       General familiarity with soil fertility requirements for onions and appropriate fertilizer application methods.

•       Ability to recommend and provide guidance on soil testing, pH adjustment, and nutrient management.

•       Awareness of market trends, prices, and demand for onions in the local and regional markets.

•       Ability to provide market information and advice on market timing for onion sales. Customer Service and Communication:

•       Strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively with onion farmers, understanding their needs and providing appropriate solutions.

•       Ability to communicate technical information in a clear and understandable manner.

•       Ability to develop business plans, set pricing strategies, and manage profit margins.

•       Commitment to ethical business practices, including honesty, transparency, and fair dealings with farmers and suppliers.

•       Adherence to relevant laws and regulations related to agriculture and agricultural inputs. Computer and Technology Skills:

•       Basic computer skills for managing inventory, generating reports, and using agricultural software or apps.

•       Familiarity with mobile technology for accessing market information, weather updates, and agricultural extension services.

•       Prior experience in working with onion farmers or in the onion value chain is highly desirable.

•       Experience in managing an agricultural input store, seed dealership, or agro-dealer outlet is beneficial.

5.       Payment Terms:

Payment terms will be agreed upon before making the purchase. The supplier is required to provide a clear and detailed quote to the organization, including all associated costs, such as taxes, transport, and insurance.

6.    Contract Period:

The contract period will be for one year or as agreed upon by both parties.

7.    Mandatory requirements

•       References including names and contact information from previous clients who can be contacted regarding relevant experience in translation of documents (At least three)

•       Provide a certified copy of business registration (company/organization)

•       Provide a certified copy of tax registration

•       Provide information on ownership structure i.e. name of directors/owners of the company

•       Successful bidder will be required to sign COOPI Supplier Code of Conduct form.

8.         Financial Evaluation

●        A financial proposal with a detailed breakdown of costs quoted in USD. The applicable tax amount must be stipulated and separated from the base costs

●        Payment Terms and credit Period

Tender documents should be submitted in attachments, namely Mandatory Requirements, Support documents and Financial Proposal (Bidders who will combine both technical and financial proposals shall be disqualified) via email marked as ‘Provision of Onion Seeds in Dollow district, Gedo region’ [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected] by 20th March 2024.

Applications received after the deadline shall not be considered.