Training of Trainers in Cassava Production and the Farmer Field School Approach

FARM-Africa South Sudan Local Cassava Initiative (SSLCI)

Terms of Reference for Training of Trainers in Cassava Production and the Farmer Field School Approach

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1. Background

The FARM-Africa SSLCI project started in July 2010. It is a partnership between Farm Africa and SAB Miller to increase cassava production in Juba County. SAB Miller through its subsidiary South Sudan Beverages Limited (SSB Ltd) is looking to replace some of the ingredients in the brewing process with cassava starch. Farm Africa’s roles are to increase production and quality through training, provision of inputs and equipping smallholder farmers with business skills to take advantage of this emerging market.

Southern Sudan has just emerged from a 21 year civil war which ran down all sectors of the economy and especially agriculture which was largely affected by displacements. Populations are returning to their homes but are faced with the challenge of rebuilding their livelihoods with limited available resources. This project aims at providing inputs and skills to rebuild the cassava sector, provide a market niche through linking farmers to SSB Miller.

The overall objective of the project is to commercialise cassava production among smallholder farmers, initially within Juba County.

The specific objectives are:

1. To mobilise small holder farmers and increase their engagement in production of cassava as an enterprise;

2. To build the capacity of small holder farmers to produce quality product meeting the demand of the market;

3. To strengthen business and finance skills of small holder farmers with emphasis on collective marketing

In order to achieve these objectives, the project will use the Farmer Field School Approach (FFS) as a means of disseminating the required skills and knowledge.

Consequently, FARM Africa is seeking the services of a consultant to conduct a Training of Trainers (TOT) for selected small holder farmers.

2. The Training of Trainers

The overall objective of the training is to develop the participants’ skills and knowledge in cassava production as well as in FFS approach. It is important to note that the trainees will be smallholder farmers with minimal education.

The specific objectives are to:

1. To undertake both practical and theory training on cassava production (husbandry) from planting to maturity.
2. To introduce FFS as an approach and ensure a practical understanding of the 12 steps in the FFS cycle.

4. Expected outputs

1. A total of 30 selected smallholder farmers will be trained in cassava agronomy and FFS as an extension approach.

2. A training manual developed during the training to be used as a reference by the ToTs when they get back to their respective areas of operation.

3. A final training report with recommendations on the way forward for the trainees.

The proposed consultancy is estimated to take approximately 24 working days, distributed as follows;

#	Tasks	Estimated # of days
1	Preparations	2
2	Training	12
3	Development of Training Manual	4
4	Report Writing	6
	Total	24

6. Time schedule

The proposed training is scheduled to be carried out from 21^st February – 5^th of March, 2011. The training will be residential at CTC in Yei town.

5. The Consultant

The consultant must have;

• Excellent knowledge and experience in participatory training skills,
• Knowledge of cassava production (agronomy) is a must
• In-depth understanding of FFS as a technology dissemination approach. Preferably the trainer should have been trained in the approach and utilised it in their work.
• Ability to speak and write Juba Arabic is a must while ability to communicate in Bari is an added advantage.

Budget

Consultancy Fees: $200 x 24 days = 4,800 USD

Mode of payment and other arrangements.

· The consultancy fees will be paid as follows; 30% of the total consultancy fee upon signing of the contract, 30% upon submission of a draft report and 40% upon submission and acceptance of the final report.

· During training, the project will facilitate the consultant with transport, accommodation and per diem as stipulated in FARM staff hand book.

7.0 How to Apply

Interested consultants who meet the minimum requirements are required to send both technical and financial proposals by 3.00 pm, 10^th February 2011 to:

Stephanie Wachira

SSLCI-Project Coordinator

Email: steffwachira@yahoo.com and stephanie@farm-africa.org