Background

This activity contributes to the larger SweetGAINS project, which aims to modernize breeding and seed systems in Africa, by collating information from various studies conducted within the project to understand sweet potato variety traits prioritized by various segments of the end-users.

The consultant will conduct literature reviews for countries where similar studies were not conducted within the project to understand preferred traits by various market segments in those countries. The consultant will assist project national partners in finalizing product profile survey reports with the aim of understanding sweet potato trait preferences in respective project partner countries. Collated information through these various approaches will culminate in coming up with gender- and demand-responsive product profiles for various SweetGAINS countries of study.

Objective

• Synthesize information on sweet potato trait preferences from SweetGAINS CIP-led studies carried out in Uganda, Tanzania, and Mozambique.
• Literature review on sweet potato trait preferences in Ethiopia.
• Finalization of NARIs-led product profile survey reports in Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique.

Deliverables

• Prioritized sweet potato trait preferences by gender and market segments for product profiles in Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Ethiopia.
• Final product profile survey reports for Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia.
• Prioritized sweet potato trait preferences by gender and market segments for product profiles in Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique from product profile survey reports.

Selection Criteria

• MSc in Economics, Agricultural Economics, or Development Economics or related field.
• At least 6 years; of experience working with gender and market intelligence studies for informing crop variety development.
• Strong qualitative and quantitative data analysis skills; working experience with STATA and NVIVO programs.
• Highly proficient in English (both spoken and written).

Time frame

• Consultancy contract will be for 60 days.