Assessing the Viability of High Value Crops, Livestock Breeds and Soil Suitability for crop farming in Rumuruti area of Kandutura and Nanyuki

Habitat for Humanity Kenya (HFHK) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to facilitating access to decent and affordable shelter for low-income families. HFHK has been actively involved in various development programs in Laikipia County and other regions in Kenya since 2016. These programs encompass home construction, water sanitation and hygiene (WASH), school infrastructure, access to finance through savings groups, land rights advocacy, cash transfer initiatives, and more. HFHK is currently implementing a 21-month food security, livelihood and resilience building project focused on SMART agriculture, safe drinking water access, income generation, emergency assistance through cash transfers, school feeding programs, and Participatory Approaches for Save Shelter Awareness (PASSA) in Kandutura and Naibor villages, Sossian, and Segera wards in Laikipia County.

Laikipia County faces significant challenges in farming and food security due to its semi-arid nature. The region’s limited access to safe drinking water, hygiene, and sanitation hampers agricultural productivity and public health. Indigenous crops may struggle to thrive in these conditions, affecting local food availability. To address food security concerns, there’s a pressing need to diversify and promote the cultivation of high-value crops that can thrive in Laikipia’s environment. This shift can enhance both agricultural sustainability and economic prospects for smallholder farmers, contributing to improved food security while bolstering the county’s resilience against climate-related challenges.

The terms of reference present a brief description of the expected outcomes of the study, the scope; and key questions, deliverables, consultant qualifications, and the projected level of effort.

Scope

Habitat for Humanity Kenya intends to conduct a comprehensive market research study to gain insights into the agricultural landscape, specifically focusing on the viability of high value crops and vegetables in Kandutura and Naibor villages in Laikipia County. The primary objectives of this research are as follows:

• To assess the farming history of Naibor and Kandutura villages, including the types of crops cultivated (indigenous or exotic) and their economic significance.
• To assess and evaluate the viability of cultivating high-value crops in Kandutura and Naibor villages.
• To conduct soil analysis in order to determine whether the soil conditions in these villages are conducive to high-value crop production.
• To assess the capacity of smallholder farmers in the two villages to engage in high-value crop production, identifying existing needs and gaps in production capabilities.
• To explore smallholders’ recommendations on the most viable high value crops and vegetables for the areas.
• To Explore the most adaptable and high value livestock breeds in the region.
• To explore suitable arable sites and develop arable site selection criteria.

Therefore, the market research project should include, but not be limited to, the following tasks:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of existing agricultural practices and crop history in Kandutura and Naibor villages.
• Identify and analyze high value crops currently grown by smallholder farmers in the target villages.
• Evaluate the viability for cultivating high-value crops and assess their market demand and profitability.
• Perform soil analysis to determine soil suitability for high-value crop production.
• Assess the knowledge, skills, and resources of smallholder farmers in Kandutura and Naibor villages with regard to high-value crop cultivation.
• Identify and analyze livestock breeds of high economic importance in Naibor and Kandutura.
• Develop and validate arable site identification and selection criteria.
• Identify the existing production needs and gaps in terms of infrastructure, resources, and training required for successful high-value crop farming.

Deliverables and Timelines

The selected research agency or consultant(s) will be responsible for delivering the following:

• Submission of a detailed work plan for this assignment during an inception meeting.
• A comprehensive market research report detailing the findings, insights, and recommendations based on the research objectives.
• Data and analysis of current farming practices, crop economics, and soil suitability and analysis.
• Recommendations for potential high-value crops and strategies for smallholder engagement.
• Recommendation on the soil conditions in terms of nutrients and minerals availability and deficiency and soil corrective measures.
• Detailed criteria on identification and selection of arable sites in the region.
• An assessment of existing production needs and gaps.
• Presentation of findings and recommendations to HFHK. The market research project is expected to be completed within 10 working days (with specific milestones and deadlines to be agreed upon during the contract negotiation phase).

Qualifications and experience

The potential Consultant should have the following qualifications.

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Agriculture Economics, Marketing, Business, Economics, Statistics, or a related discipline. A master’s degree in Agro-Economics, Markets and Value Chains Analysis, Business Management, or a related field can be an advantage.
• Research Skills: Strong analytical and quantitative skills for data analysis and interpretation.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R) and data visualization tools.
• Qualitative research skills, including conducting KI interviews and focus groups.
• Market Research Experience: Proven experience in designing and conducting market research studies in Agricultural value chains.
• Knowledge of various research methodologies, both quantitative and qualitative.
• Familiarity with primary and secondary research techniques.
• Industry Knowledge: Understanding of the specific industry or sector in which the research will be conducted.