Market Research On Livestock And Livestock Products In Africa And Economic Community For West African States

Background

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) member countries (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, the Sudan and Uganda) are home to over 532 million heads of livestock of which 360 million are ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats and camels) (FAOSTAT 2013). The region’s landmass is composed of about 60 – 70% Arid and Semi-arid Lands (ASALs) that are characterized by low erratic rainfall, traditionally used and managed by pastoralists through communal or common property rights-based land tenure systems. The majority of the population of ASALs depend on pastoralism, agropastoralism, extensive livestock rearing, for subsistence and livelihood earning.
The region exports live animals and meat to huge import markets in the Middle East and North African (MENA) countries meeting about 50% (live animals) and less than 10% (meat) of the market demands. Despite the huge potential in MENA countries for importing live animals and livestock products, the business remained buyer market, Moreover it has the following limitations such as:

1. Seasonal market; high demand during Hajj month when pilgrims visit Mecca in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)
2. Occasionally lengthy period of approval of export slaughterhouses and quarantine facilities
3. Inadequate communication between exporting and importing countries over new import sanitary requirements
4. Frequent change on the sanitary requirements; some of which are not informed in time to CVOs of the exporting countries

Considering the many challenges of exporting to MENA countries and available huge livestock resources and the global market demand for livestock and livestock products; the exporting countries with support of IGAD did explore alternative markets while expanding the existing market in MENA. With financial support from the Italian Corporation (ITA) funded project (2016-2018) Member states were facilitated to seek for alternative markets in South East Asia (Malaysia, Vietnam and Hong Kong) and West Africa (Ghana) countries; of which Ethiopia started exporting to Vietnam. The latter also targeted China as Vietnam do cross border marketing.

It is therefore important to undertake further market studies/ research, including exploring alternative markets for (a) live animals, (b) meat and meat products, (c) Milk and Milk products (d) hides, skins and leather products and animal feed in Africa, particularly Central and West Africa countries that may have huge demand for the cited products. The research findings will be a useful input for future negotiation to benefit from the AfCFTA initiative; and will be shared with relevant public and private sector actors in the IGAD region to support rolling out /compliance efforts and implementations of the lessons and strategies for diversification of livestock, meat, milk and leather markets. The consultant is expected to very succinctly identify the market requirements and demand of livestock products in Economic Community of Central Africa States (ECCAS) and Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS) of livestock products and advise IGAD on best way to support member states to access these two markets.

The launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement in January, 2021 presents a market opportunity of around 1.3 billion consumers in the continent. The main objectives of the AfCFTA is to create a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of business persons and investments, and thus pave the way for accelerating the establishment of the Customs Union. To realize the dreams of the AfCFTA agreement, it is important to undertake a market research in the above RECs to determine the level of livestock products demand, import requirements, and tariff barriers; that may limit free access to the proposed markets. The consultant will be required to recommend markets in Central and West Africa countries where the private sector can exploit with support of regulatory authorities.

Objective

Undertake market research in ECCAS and ECOWAS countries and document market opportunities for IGAD’s livestock sector.

Specific objectives of the consultancy assignment

1. Review market structure in ECCAS and ECOWAS and undertake trend analysis in the two markets based on live animals, meat, (chilled, frozen, edible offals) milk, leather products; honey bee; import requirements, indication of price for key products;
2. Based on the above review, trend analysis and consumer preferences, propose market opportunities available in ECCAS and ECOWAS countries for IGAD Member States
3. Propose market entry strategies for the identified markets
4. Document and propose recommendations on supply chain issues that could hinder free trade between IGAD Member States and ECCAS and ECOWAS Member States
5. Analyze any non-tariff barriers (NTBs) that may hinder market penetration and provide recommendations
6. Undertake any other assignment as directed provided it is pertinent to this research

Expected output

1. Inception report /technical proposal
2. A draft market research report
3. Final reports (separate reports for ECCAS and ECOWAS) with key recommendations

Qualifications and Professional Experience

Education

Minimum of Master’s degree from a recognized institution in the field of veterinary medicine, animal health or animal production, international trade; economics, marketing, business administration or relevant field.

Work Experience

• At least 10 year experience and knowledge in livestock production, market research, business management,
• Knowledge of the markets in IGAD, and ECOWAS and ECCAS
• A proven track record in conducting market research in livestock value chains, (livestock production, processing, value addition) and data analysis
• Working experience on livestock value chain analysis
• Working experience in livestock sector in the ASALs
• Proven track record working on market access issues at national, regional and continental levels
• Experience in IGAD, ECOWAS and ECCAS trade protocols and policies

Selection Criteria

Only applicants proficient in both French and English will be considered. In addition Applicants will be selected based on the criteria below.

S/N Criteria Maximum Points

1. Educational Qualification 15
2. Experience in conducting market research in livestock value chains, and data analysis 20
3. Working experience in livestock value chain analysis 15
4. Proven track record working on market access issues at national, regional and continental levels 15
5. Experience in IGAD, ECOWAS and ECCAS trade protocols and policies106.Working experience in the livestock sector in the ASALs 10
6. Working experience in livestock markets in IGAD, and ECOWAS and ECCAS regions
7. Soundness of the Technical Proposal 15

Consultancy Duration and Payment

• The consultancy is fixed at a maximum of 60 person-days which is spread over a 3-month period and carry a lump sum of USD18,000.
• 40% payment to be made upon submission and approval of draft consultancy report
• 60% payment to be made upon submission and approval of final consultancy report

Travel outside duty station (Home country)

Air tickets or road transport and Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) will be covered for field work upon approval of travel schedules.

Insurance cover

The consultant will be responsible for his/her own medical and life insurance cover for the duration of the assignment.

Taxes

The consultant will be responsible for remitting his/her own taxes.