https://mespt.org/download/mespt-004-agrifi-2021-consultancy-for-assessment-of-the-atvet-centres/

INTRODUCTION

Micro-Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT) has since the year 2002 developed a niche in supporting the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by providing integrated business solutions for sustainable development. The Trust is a multi-donor entity jointly founded by the Government of Kenya and the European Union who later relinquished their position to the Royal Danish Embassy in Kenya, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (DANIDA).

About AgriFI Programme

AGRIFI programme is an EU-Danida funded Programme whose objective is to support production initiatives for smallholder farmers that are adaptive to the changing climate and market requirements. The 6-year programme runs from 2018 to 2023 where MESPT is the Implementing Partner of result areas two and three of the four overall programme results areas.

Result area two of the project is aimed at strengthening the capacities of actors along selected value chains through the Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education Training (ATVET) system approach. To ensure compliance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards (SPS) measures by the country, AgriFI Programme has set up a series of capacity building initiatives to empower and equip the responsible inspectors and certifiers with the proper knowledge and tools to regulate SPS compliance of Horticulture (with special focus on beans, mango and avocado), Aquaculture and Dairy produce. Activities under the result area inter alia include supporting upgrading, development, and upscaling of agricultural value chain-based training curriculums under the ATVETs.

Under result area Three the programme has undertaken a number of capacity building intervention of the private sector and the selected counties to implement and enforce standards on animal health, food safety and plant health. Activities under the result area three include translation of sanitary and phytosanitary regulations for value-chains supported under result area two into user-friendly sector guidelines tools and practices for use by the sector; and training private and public sector on SPS, food and animal product safety requirements and supporting the development of quality management systems.

Through the programme , Counties have also been supported in setting up mechanism for testing, surveillance, and enforcement of SPS regulations. Broadly, the programme has incrementally strengthened the capacities of value chain actors, bolstered commercial farming and improved food security. Generally ,through all the above-mentioned initiatives it is expected that the investments demonstrate the existing potential in the enhancement of food safety systems as well as the ATVET model in order to trigger investment from both the public (especially the counties) and the private sector.

In numerical terms, the programme intends to achieve the following results:

i. 4 curricula reviewed and Training and Learning guides developed, addressing food safety, animal and plant health.

ii. At least 13,000-value chain actors (drawn from 13 counties) trained broadly in selected value chains.

iii. 3,000 trained specifically in SPS.

iv. At least 330 ToTs trained in both broad value chain curriculum as well as on SPS.

v. 13 Counties strengthened with tailored capacity to enable them to establish and operationalize SPS enforcement systems.

Ultimately, the above is expected to increase productivity of the selected Value Chains, improve food safety systems and increase access to both local and export markets.

PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

In reference to Result area TWO of the programme that seeks to strengthen the capacities of actors along selected value chains through ATVET system approach, the effectiveness of capacity building of the Agriculture sector can be well achieved using the ATVET Model. The model is an appropriate approach to address capacity gaps existing in the sector based on three dimensions; individual, institutional and enabling environment. At individual level, inadequate knowledge, skills and competencies among technical staff and service providers, At the institutional level, lack of harmonized curricula for agricultural vocational training and qualification framework, and low participation of youth in agriculture and lastly the enabling environment level, the existing legal and regulatory framework and political commitment

In Kenya, ineffectiveness of the Agriculture sector with regard to sector competencies, knowledge and attitudes is due to the Social Enterprise Approach(SEA) which does not provide incentives to stakeholders , particularly at the County level as well as with the Private Sectors to undertake investments as appropriate . As such commercialization of farmer training institution through the ATVETs model would be very critical towards enhancing the capacity of county-based training institutions popularly known as ‘Agricultural Training Centre’s’ (ATCs) alongside the creation of the enabling environment .

The purpose for this assignment therefore is to undertake an in-depth assessment of each of the 13 ATVETs of focus with view to determine current situation and identify issues for action, establishing the essential foundation for vital planning and implementation of Commercialization concept across each of the target ATVETs

4.0 SCOPE OF ASSIGNMENT

The assignment will involve assessment of all the 13 ATVET centre in the 13 counties listed by the programme. This will be with a view to carrying out analysis and identify gaps, recommend interventions that will ensure functionality and continuity of the said entities as centers of commercial excellence while advancing development goals. The counties are Migori, Kisii, Kakamega, Bungoma, Nakuru, Kiambu, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Machakos, Makueni and Kilifi. The consulting team will therefore be expected to visit each of the counties’ ATVET Centres, carry out surveys and assessments activities and work in consultation with the respective county governments and ATVET management in understanding the ATVET centres’ gaps guided by the ToR. Reports (following agreed structure as proposed by the consulting team) that clearly outline gaps to be surmounted in a bid to facilitating each of the ATVET centres become bankable and profitable entities will be developed

KEY TASKS OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The consultants will be involved in preparing separate assessment reports for each of the 13 ATVET Centres. The consultant will be cognizant of the present status and future goals of the ATVET Centres . Specifically, the assessment report shall address, but not necessarily be limited to the following aspects;

• Collect, review and analyze all the necessary documents to fully disclose the Status of each of the 13 ATVETs readiness to commercialize .


• Collect, review and analyze all the necessary documents to fully understand the Counties vs ATVETs engagement administrative framework.


• Document the existing gaps that impedes ATVETs commercialization as well as provide recommendations for commercialization pathways.


• Collect, review and analyze ATVETs business plans Vis a vis busines sustainability approaches/ models that would be suitable for ATVET Commercialization process.


• Carry out stakeholder analysis to bring out the roles and responsibilities of each of the stakeholders and develop recommendations to strengthen linkages between Key stakeholders in the ATVET Model ecosystem


• Documentation and analysis of current training models in view to establishing the best training models / approaches that is suitable to rolling out Competency Based Education and Training(CBET) model.


• In consultation with the AgriFI Programme team, draft specific, detailed and practical steps (including specific models for specific circumstances or sectors or clusters ) for practically rolling out commercialization of the ATVETs


• Facilitate working group consultations with all the County stakeholders (organized by MESPT) and present the draft report to the key stakeholders including County education agencies, TVETA, VCAs and CCAs


• Produce a well-written and comprehensive report documenting (Current approaches by Counties on ATVETs , recommendations for strengthening Bankability and profitability of ATVETs


• Document and share clear recommendations to strengthen linkages between the private Sector and the ATVETs.

EXPECTED OUTPUT OF THE ASSIGNMENT

It is expected that the successful consultant(s) will undertake a comprehensive assessment of all the 13 ATVET Centre consultatively with AgriFI Programme team to provide a detailed report . The expected output from the process shall be:

· Facilitate working group consultations with representation from 13 Counties, CCAs and Private sector to brainstorm and get a buy in by County Government on assessment report action points .

· Produce a well written and comprehensive ATVET Centres assessment report providing clear action points and pathways for commercialization.

DELIVERABLES

The consultant(s) will be expected to produce the following deliverables: –

i. An inception report before the commencement of the assignment detailing the approach, methodology and general concept to the process

ii. 3 printed and bound copies of the assessment report

iii. Final assignment report

ASSIGNMENT’S TIMELINE

The assignment will commence immediately after signing the contract with MESPT. The assignment will be carried out in a maximum of 45 working days. During implementation of this assignment, periodic briefing to AgriFI programme manager and officer in charge will be required.

EXPECTED PROFILE (QUALIFICATION AND COMPETENCIES) OF THE CONSULTANT OR CONSULTING TEAM

AgriFI is seeking for individuals or firm(s) with demonstrated experience working in the Agriculture sector and have been involved in technical support for the private sector, County Governments and Competent Authorities in addressing productivity, enterprise development, food safety and access to services including training for value chain actors. Specifically, the firm should have;

· Individuals to have Atleast an MSc degree or equivalent in Agribusiness, micro finance and marketing, or agricultural economics or related fields;

· A minimum of 5 years entrepreneurship experience in agriculture sector, SME and similar fields as a consultant with a track record;

· Solid understanding of Business incubation process, how to assess and analyse Business & marketing plans;

· Experience in enterprises development in training centre set-ups and public private partnerships. Demonstrated Sound knowledge and understanding on working with ATVETs will be an added advantage.