1. Introduction: The Ministry of Local Government, Unity, and Culture rolled out a six-year initiative, the Transforming Agriculture through Diversification and Entrepreneurship (TRADE) Programme, a follow-up to the Rural Livelihoods and Economic Enhancement Programme (RLEEP). Funded by IFAD and OFID, TRADE's aim is to elevate the sustainable livelihoods of rural Malawians. The programme encompasses several objectives, including promoting win-win partnerships, improving business skills, and fostering Climate-Smart Agriculture practices among others. For details and terms of reference: www.tradeprogramme.org

2. Assignment Overview: Consulting firms are tasked with investigating the budding potato export market that is, presently, predominantly spearheaded by foreigners procuring directly from smallholder farmers in Dedza, Ntcheu, and Mchinji Districts. This market operates informally, with exports often channelling through unregulated routes to destinations such as Zambia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Mozambique. The objective is to discern and document this market's operations, key players, and its overall scale.

3. Two-Stage Process

1. Submission of Expression of Interest.
2. Shortlisted candidates will be prompted to submit detailed project proposals.

4. Key Deliverables:

• Inception report.
• Survey tools (e.g., questionnaires, focus group outlines).
• Preliminary report, inclusive of raw data.
• Conclusive report (both digital and printed).

5. Consulting Firms' Credentials:

Applying firms should:

• Possess legitimate registration and a history of similar assignments.
• Assemble a team of experts holding at least a Master's degree in fields like Agribusiness, Agriculture enterprise Development, Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, Economics, and other related fields. At least one of the team members should have qualifications in Sociology.
• Submit CVs of the team leader and primary experts.

6. Assignment Specifics: Location: Dedza, Mchinji, Ntcheu, and Balaka Districts. Exploration may extend to bordering regions of Zambia and Mozambique, contingent on interview insights. Duration: 60 days, inclusive of the final report submission.

7. Selection Method: The selection will adhere to Quality - and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) standards, following the Malawi Government's procurement guidelines and the IFAD Procurement Handbook.

8. Additional Details & Submission:

• Queries should be directed to TRADE at procurement@tradeprogramme.org before 15th November 2023. TRADE programme will have no obligation to respond to questions submitted after this date. Responses to all questions received by the 15th of November 2023 will be published on the TRADE programme website.
• The detailed written Expression of Interest must be delivered through hard copies only by 22nd November 2023 before 17:00 (Malawi Time) clearly indicating the description of the assignment. All applicants are requested to use the application form.
• All applications should be addressed to:

The National Programme Coordinator,
TRADE Programme,
Plot No. 9/ 328,
Off Mchinj Road / Multichoice Road,
P.O. Box 2135,
Lilongwe.

Note: Ensure to adhere to the guidelines provided and check the website for comprehensive details.