TERMS OF REFERENCE
Consultantancy for Soil health indicators analysis for regenerative agriculture project in Kidepo landscape
1. Background
The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), in partnership with the Dynamic Agro-pastoralist Development Organization (DADO), is implementing a three-year organic, regenerative agricultural project in northern Uganda. This initiative aims to support local farmers in establishing a sustainable, inclusive, and biodiver-sity compatible value chain for cotton production. The project focuses on increasing cotton productivity among smallholder farmers through regenerative farming practices, while also addressing environmental and socio-economic challenges. Key objectives include restoring up to 32,000 hectares of degraded land within wildlife corridors surrounding cotton farms to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts and enhancing cot-ton value chain options through strengthened private sector linkages and improved access to finance. These efforts will promote ecological restoration and socio-economic resilience in the targeted areas.
2. Objectives of the assignment
The objective of the assignment is to conduct a soil health analysis that includes collecting and analyzing Soil microbial diversity: microbial biomass and diversity indices, nutrient availability levels: Mm/hr / Amount(mg/kg) of plant available macro/micronutrient in soil sample (N,P,K,SOM) from soil samples collected from at least (6000 hectares) of land of over 2000 smallholder farmers in Lobalangit and Orom East in Karenga and Kitgum respectively.
3. Scope of work
The consultancy involves conducting a thorough soil health analysis to assess microbial diversity and nutrient availability in smallholder cotton farmers' fields across Lobalangit, and Orom East Sub County in Karenga and Kitgum District respectively. The consultant will collect and analyze soil samples from over 2,000 farmers, ensuring representative coverage of the target areas. Key indicators for microbial diversity include microbial biomass and diversity indices measured through on farm evaluation – soil eDNA extraction and Nutrient availability will be measured through the quantification of plant-available macro and micronutrients (e.g., N, P, K, and SOM) in mg/kg of soil.
3.1 Consultant role:
To ensure smallholder cotton farmers adopt and adhere to regenerative agriculture standards, AWF seeks the expertise of a crop or soil consultant. The consultant will conduct a comprehensive soil health analy-sis in Karenga and Kitgum districts, focusing on critical baseline indicators such as soil microbial diversity and nutrient availability. This analysis will provide essential insights to guide the project's interventions, measure progress toward regenerative agriculture and support sustainable cotton production in Kidepo landscape.
The consultant will design a scientifically robust sampling protocol, conduct laboratory analyses using standardized methods, and interpret findings to provide actionable insights into soil health. A report detailing methodology, results, and recommendations for improving soil health in cotton farmer fields will be submitted for review and adoption. The team leader will develop the study following the requirements of the project goals and the indicators.
4. Specific task
- Design a sampling framework to ensure representative soil samples are collected from sample of 2,119 smallholder farmers locations in Lobalangit and Orom East Sub Counties.
- Conduct field visits to collect soil samples, ensuring proper labeling, storage, and transportation to maintain sample integrity.
- Analyze soil samples for microbial biomass and diversity indices to assess microbial diversity at the lab.
- Conduct lab analysis to measure plant-available macronutrients (N, P, K) and micronutrients, including Soil Organic Matter (SOM), using appropriate methods.
- Organize and analyze data using statistical tools to interpret trends and spatial variability in soil health.
- Prepare a thorough report detailing the sampling methodology, laboratory results, and interpretations of soil health indicators.
- Provide tailored recommendations for improving soil microbial diversity and nutrient availability.
- Present key findings and recommendations to stakeholders, including farmers, project partners, and local authorities, through a workshop or summary briefs.
5. Expected outputs/ deliverable
- Inception Report with clear methodology on how to approach the soil health analysis for microbial biomass and diversity indices and measure plant-available macronutrients (N, P, K) and micronutrients, including Soil Organic Matter (SOM),
- Draft Report: on soil health aspects of the regenerative cotton farming sites. The report needs to be presented on case-by-case analysis that is site specific and indicator specific for review and feedback by AWF and DADO.
- A final report incorporating feedback from cotton farmers, AWF, DADO and experts on the soil samples and soil health concerns.
- A presentation summarizing the assessment findings and recommendations to AWF, DADO, and relevant stakeholders.
6. Qualification and requirements of the consultancy
The consultant or consultancy team should include professionals with expertise in soil science, agronomy, microbiology, or related fields. The team should possess at least 3-4 years of experience in conducting soil health analyses, specifically in assessing microbial diversity and nutrient availabil-ity, as well as proven expertise in field data collection, laboratory analysis, and report writing. The team should demonstrate experience in working with smallholder farmers and understanding local agricultural systems, with the capacity to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders. The consult-ant(s) should possess the following qualifications:
- A minimum of a Master’s degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, Microbiology, Environmental Science, or a related field. A Ph.D. in a relevant discipline is an added advantage.
- At least 3- 4 years of experience in soil health analysis, including soil microbial diversity and nutrient availability assessments.
- Proven expertise in soil data collection, analysis, and stakeholder engagement.
- Strong report writing and communication skills.
Other Requirements
- Access to laboratory facilities and appropriate soil analysis equipment.
- Ability to work in remote rural areas.
- A demonstrated commitment to sustainability and capacity building within agricultural systems.
7. Budget
The consultant is required to provide a financial proposal, along with a detailed work plan to complete the assignment within the specified timeframe.
8. Application Process
Qualified consultants are invited to submit:
• An expression of interest detailing their understanding of the assignment.
• A technical proposal, including a proposed methodology, work plan, and timeline.
• A financial proposal. A detailed budget that covers all costs, including field travel, accommodation, laboratory analysis, and any necessary supplies.
• Curriculum vitae (CV) of the consultant or consultancy team, highlighting relevant experience.
• Three references with contact details from previous similar projects.
• Proof of Required Approvals. The consultant must confirm they have the requisite approvals to work in Uganda (if applicable).
9. AWF’s Responsibility
AWF will provide the consultant with access to relevant project materials, including background reports, data, and any necessary resources for conducting the assignment. AWF is also responsible for facilitating introductions to key stakeholders, including farmers and local authorities, and providing logistical sup-port where necessary for fieldwork.
Proposals should be submitted electronically to:
procurement@awf.org copying Euginia Oeri at eoeri@awf.org and Nanziri Margaret at mnanziri@awf.org.
Deadline for proposal submission is on 25th February, 2025
AWF reserves the right to award contract prior to deadline if a suitable consultant is identified.