NB:ENGLISH VERSION BELOW
WWF RCA is looking for an external consultant in agriculture and value chain development from agrological and/or non-timber forest products (NFPs) to APDS.
GENERAL CONTEXT
The Dzanga Sangha Protected Areas complex (APDS, figure 1) is the largest remaining virgin forest in the Central African Republic (CAR). Located in the south-west of the country, it forms the northern limit of the Congo Basin. It covers a multipurpose area of 4,619 km² including the Dense Forest Special Reserve of Dzanga-Sangha (3,359 km²) which supports various community uses and the Park National of Dzanga-Ndoki (1,260 km²), subdivided into Dzanga and Ndoki sectors and separated by a Community Hunting Area (ZCC). The landscape of Dzanga-Sangha extends for about 25 km north of the limits of the reserve, and, while the western and eastern boundaries are also international borders with Cameroon and the Republic of Congo respectively.
For more than 30 years, WWF, together with other partners, has supported the Central African Ministry of Water, Forestry, Hunting and Fishing (MEFCP) in the management of APDS. The aim is to provide technical and financial support, both to conserve its exceptional biodiversity and to promote sustainable management of natural resources. In 2018, a co-management and funding protocol for the DSPA was signed by WWF and MEFCP. The goal of WWF-MEFCP co-management is the protection of natural ecosystems while promoting sustainable development and improving the livelihoods of its indigenous peoples and local communities (PACLs).
It is estimated that about 13,000 people live within the boundaries of APDS. More than 60% of the heads of families have been identified as coming from outside the area. The population has probably increased with the latest waves of displacement caused by the ongoing socio-political crises in CAR. Recent socio-economic studies have established that the majority of the population living in the area depends on agriculture, fishing, animal husbandry, etc, from the collection of NWFP and hunting to meet its daily subsistence needs.
APDSs include dedicated rural development areas, or agricultural areas, that have been established for agriculture and/or livestock. The corresponding delimitations are intended to prevent indiscriminate occupation and intrusion into the reserve. These areas are found around the villages of the reserve and along the main roads. The demarcated agricultural area covers a total of nearly 4,000 ha. However, it has been found that only 50% of this area is cultivated. While around the villages of Bayanga, Yandoumbe and Bomanjokou, the areas have been completely exhausted, the, this has resulted in an estimated 500 ha encroachment on the special reserve and an increase in conflicts between humans and wildlife (especially with African forest elephants) elsewhere, the land is under-exploited.The main reasons for the continued depletion of natural resources and encroachment on the special reserve are the increasing population pressure associated with unsustainable agricultural practices and land grabbing due to the lack of an appropriate land and property rights policy. There is also a virtual absence of institutional support for the development of sustainable agriculture in the region.There is also a virtual absence of institutional support for the development of sustainable agriculture in the region.There is also a virtual absence of institutional support for the development of sustainable agriculture in the region.
Within the APDS, we can still distinguish the villages of the south ( Bomandjoku, Lindjombo ), the villages of the center ( Babongo in Yandoumbé ) and the villages of the north ( Yondo, Yobé ; creating a socio-ecological continuum with the direct peripheral villages of the north which are still part of the commune of Yobé-Sangha ). The villages of the south are relatively isolated and have a close border with Cameroon and the Republic of Congo, which makes it an interesting commercial area, as is already the case for cassava production. During the colonial era, the villages of the south, in particular Lindjombo, included coffee and cocoa plantations. The central villages are densely populated, partly attracted by the government services and the administrative headquarters of the APDS in Bayanga ( and historically by logging ),and are located in the territory of the forest elephant movement, which significantly reduces the diversity of local cultures. Villages in the north are less densely populated and have similar socio-economic characteristics to those in the outlying villages directly in the APDS, that is, relative isolation and limited rural development opportunities. Recently, private commercial crop farms have emerged in the region, due to the available agricultural space and the reduced presence of large wildlife.The northern villages are less densely populated and have socio-economic characteristics similar to those of the direct peripheral villages of the APDS, namely relative isolation and low possibilities for rural development. Recently, private commercial crop farms have been established in the region, due to the available agricultural space and the reduced presence of large wildlife.Villages in the north are less densely populated and have similar socio-economic characteristics to those in the outlying villages directly in the APDS, that is, relative isolation and limited rural development opportunities. Recently, private commercial crop farms have emerged in the region, due to the available agricultural space and the reduced presence of large wildlife.
The APDS intervention area outside the strict boundaries of the protected area covers a similar area but is more densely populated. As the entire surrounding dense forest landscape in the periphery of the APDS is subdivided into forest concessions, the agricultural and human occupation (SAOH) series within the APDS peripheral intervention zone are also legally delimited. Socio-ecological trends similar to those described for DSPA prevail, although there are local topographical and soil differences (for example, the Monasao prairie area). This area is also much less prone to human-wildlife conflicts with fully protected species (such as the’forest elephant and forest buffalo) due to the overall lower presence of the wildlife. Therefore, the area has been identified as a potential rural development area/socio-economic that can help mitigate the current pressures on the environment of the protected area and supply the APDS markets. Communities on the direct periphery of the APDS have historically benefited less from rural development initiatives and are now considered a priority target population, as evidenced by the recent deployment of a 200-hectare agroforestry project in the Monasao region.the area has been identified as a potential rural development area/socio-economic that can help mitigate the current pressures on the environment of the protected area and supply the APDS markets. Communities on the direct periphery of the APDS have historically benefited less from rural development initiatives and are now considered a priority target population, as evidenced by the recent deployment of a 200-hectare agroforestry project in the Monasao region.the area has been identified as a potential rural development area/socio-economic that can help mitigate the current pressures on the environment of the protected area and supply the APDS markets. Communities on the direct periphery of the APDS have historically benefited less from rural development initiatives and are now considered a priority target population, as evidenced by the recent deployment of a 200-hectare agroforestry project in the Monasao region.as evidenced by the recent deployment of a 200-hectare agroforestry project in the Monasao region.as evidenced by the recent deployment of a 200-hectare agroforestry project in the Monasao region.
As the APDS extend their rural development initiatives in the landscape, WWF CAR is looking for the services of an expert in agriculture and rural development with skills in agronomy and value chain development of agricultural and / or forestry products, to identify clear entry points for the sustainable development of a set of subsistence options for PACLs based on agriculture, agroforestry and forestry .
2. Objectives of the mission
The overall objective of this mission is to identify key entry points for WWF and its partners to engage in sustainable development pathways promoting agriculture, agroforestry and/or the value chains of NTFPs to support the livelihoods of LCPs, and, with the aim of improving the restoration of nature and the protection of the natural ecosystems of APDS and its limits, and preventing conflicts between humans and wildlife. The identification of a small set of entry points should be based on a robust analysis of existing evidence and new field studies, involving significant stakeholder and partner engagement,guided by WWF best practice principles (Africa Food Future Initiative) and must be accompanied by the development of an actionable work plan describing the activities and methods necessary to achieve the objectives described above.
2.1. Specific mission
a) Documentary study :
Synthesize existing outcomes and identify entry points for promoting sustainable agriculture, agroforestry and/or NTFP value chains to support LCP livelihoods. Use the results of the latest studies (see annexes) carried out in the APDS on the sources of income and agricultural activities of the PACLs, as well as the available scientific literature.
Consider the following key criteria :
1) Value chain development and revenue generation
2) Food and nutrition security of households
3) equity considerations within the ACPL, with a focus on indigenous peoples and women
4) Protection of the natural ecosystems of the DSPA and its boundaries
5) WWF Food Practice and WWF Africa Food Future for guidance on the principles and strategy for the development of sustainable agriculture of WWF.
b) Value chain assessment study : Undertake a field study in collaboration with key stakeholders to collect missing data and fill knowledge gaps on opportunities to strengthen supply chains value, with the aim of preparing an action plan for WWF. Consider the following key criteria :
1) Exploitation of 2 to 3 promising value chains and their development opportunities (production, production, etc, transformation and development of market potential) across the APDS landscape for agricultural and agroforestry options listed below :
a. current and potentially new agricultural practices (mainly cassava, peanut, maize, yam, others) ;
b. Current and potentially new agroforestry production (citrus fruits, avocados, kola, khaya, safou, leucaena, etc.) ;
c. Activities based on current and potentially alternative cash crops (cocoa, coffee, others), also linked to historical plantations ;
d. Current and potentially new NTFP products (Gnetum ‘koko’, Njansang, Irvingium ‘payo’, mushrooms, wild pepper, wild garlic, …), with particular attention to the collection practices of indigenous Ba’Aka and the fair integration of the market.
2) Development of a participatory field study methodology for the identification and exploitation of value chain development opportunities that integrates local knowledge, the socio-economic capacities and aspirations of the targeted communities. The selection criteria for specific products/value chains should be defined for a transparent comparative analysis.
3) Identification of local and international partners :
Identification of national and/or regional rural development organizations (in the framework of national civil society/NGOs) working on sustainable development of agriculture and agroforestry. Links with interested domestic, regional or international buyers/transformers/investors with strong sustainability goals are also expected. These entities and their ability to support WWF value chain development work should be outlined in the action plan.
c ) Action plan : Preparation of an action plan which will provide WWF with entry points in the development of the value chain of the 2 to 3 selected agricultural and agroforestry products, with short and long term vision, incorporating all the elements of the study.
3. Expected results
a ) Preparatory documentary study identifying the entry points for the value chains of sustainable agriculture, agroforestry and/or NWFPs in support of the livelihoods of indigenous and local communities in the protected areas of Dzanga Sangha and in its area of intervention.
b ) Method and approach with calendar and list of individuals and organizations to be included in a value chain assessment study.
c ) The field value chain assessment study, including data collection with the commitment of the communities and stakeholders concerned.
d ) Action plan with a list of potential partners for implementation.
4. Duration of the mission
To discuss.
5. Place of mission
Partly in the Central African Republic, partly remotely
6. Report
Attached to WWF RCA
7. Equipment provided by WWF RCA
Logistics ( including transport, accommodation and food ) and personnel requirements identified for interventions in the field
8. Qualification and expertise
– Higher university degree in agricultural development, agroforestry, agricultural economics, rural development or other related fields ;
good understanding of agricultural and rural development, both in terms of development cooperation and the management and conservation of natural resources, preferably with extensive experience in the management and development of the agronomic value chain and natural resources ;
relevant professional experience (market assessments, local economic development, value chain development, strategic planning, etc.), including, preferably in relation to nature conservation objectives ;
– Experience in working with international and national NGOs and/or with government agencies ;
good understanding of the trends and direction of national/regional agro-industries and the agriculture-forest value chain, including key areas of interest and intervention, and, and interactions with the private sector ;
– Mastery of French and preferably English, with excellent written and oral communication skills ;
fluency in the local language is an advantage.
– Team members from the Central African region are considered to be an advantage.
ENGLISH VERSION:
- Background
The Dzanga Sangha Protected Area Complex ( DSPA, figure 1 ) is the largest remaining pristine forest of the Central African Republic ( CAR ). Located in the south-west of the country it forms the northern edge of the Congo Basin. It covers a 4.619 km ² multiple-use area including the Dzanga-Sangha Dense Forest Special Reserve ( 3.359 km ² ) supporting various community uses and the Dzanga-Ndoki National Park ( 1.260 km ² <TAG, subdivided into the sectors Dzanga and Ndoki and separated by a Community Hunting Zone ( ZCC ). At large, the Dzanga-Sangha landscape extends for approximately 25km north of the reserve’s boundaries, while the western and eastern boundaries are also international borders with Cameroon and the Republic of Congo respectively.
For more than 30 years, WWF, along with other partners, has been supporting the CAR’s Ministry of Water, Forestry, Hunting and Fishing (MEFCP) in the management of the DSPA. The aim is to provide technical and financial support, both to maintain its exceptional biodiversity and to promote sustainable management of the natural resources. In 2018, a protocol for the co-management and financing of the DSPA was signed by the WWF and the MEFCP. The aim of the WWF-MEFCP co-management is the protection of the natural ecosystems while promoting sustainable development and improving the livelihoods of its indigenous people and local communities (IPLC).
It is estimated that there are around 13,000 people living within the DSPA boundaries. More than 60% of the heads of household have been identified as coming from outside the area. The population has also likely increased with the latest waves of displacement caused by on-going socio-political crises in CAR. Recently undertaken socio-economic studies established that the majority of the population living in the area depends on farming, fishing, small livestock, the collection of non-timber forest products (NTFP), and hunting to meet their daily living needs.
The DSPA has dedicated rural development zones, or agricultural zones, which have been established for agriculture and/or livestock farming. Related demarcations are to prevent indiscriminate occupation and possibly intruding into the Reserve. These zones are found around the Reserve’s villages and along the main roads. The limited agricultural zone covers a total of almost 4,000 ha. However, it was found that only 50% of this area has been cultivated. While around the villages of Bayanga, Yandoumbe and Bomanjokou the zones have been completely exhaustive, resulting in an estimated encroachment of 500 ha into the special reserve and increased human-wildlife conflict (most intensely with African forest elephants), elsewhere the land is underutilized.The main reasons for the continuing natural resource depletion and encroachment into the DSPA are the rising demographic pressure coupled with unsustainable agricultural practices and land grabbing due to the lack of an appropriate policy land and property rights. There is also quasi-absence of institutionalized support for the further development of sustainable agriculture in the region.
Within DSPA we can further distinguish between DSPA southern villages (Bomandjoku, Lindjombo) central villages (Babongo to Yandoumbe) and Northern villages (Yondo, Yobe; etc; creating a socio-ecological continuum with direct northern peripheral villages still within the Yobe-Sangha commune). DSPA southern villages are relatively isolated and border closely to Cameroon and Republic of Congo, which make them an interesting trading area-already the case for its cassava production. In colonial times southern villages, particularly Lindjombo, included coffee and cocoa plantations. DSPA central villages are densely popular, partly attracted to services from government and DSPA headquarters in Bayanga (and historically logging), and are placed in core African forest elephant movement territory, and, reducing significantly the local crop diversity.Northern villages are less densely populated and present similar socio-economic characteristics as direct DSPA peripheral villages, of relative isolation and low rural development opportunities. Recently private cash-crop operations have emerged in the area, due to available agricultural space and reduced wildlife presence.
The DSPA intervention zone outside the strict protected area boundaries covers a similar surface area but is more densely popularized. As the entire surrounding dense forest landscape in the periphery of DSPA is subdivided in logging concessions, the agricultural and human development zones within the DSPA peripheral intervention zone are equally legally limited. Similar socio-ecological trends as described for DSPA prevail, however local topographic and pedological differences exist (eg. Monasao grassland. This zone is also much less subjected to human-wildlife conflict with integrated protected species (such as African forest elephant and forest buffalo) due to overall lower wildlife presence. As a result,the zone has been identified as a potential rural development / socio-economic development area which can help alleviate the pressures currently exercised on the protected area environment and supply DSPA markets. Communities in the direct periphery of DSPA have historically also benefited less from rural development initiatives and are now also considered a priority target population, the recent roll-out of a 200ha agroforestry project in the Monasao area is a testimony to that.
As DSPA is further expanding its rural development initiatives in the landscape, WWF CAR is seeking the services of an agriculture and rural development expert with expertise in agronomic and forest product value chain development, to identify clear entry points for sustainable development of a small intimate set of agriculture, agroforest and forest-based livelihoods options at the IPLC level.
- Objectives of the assignment
The overall objective of this assignment is to identify key entry points for WWF and partners to engage in sustainable development pathways promoting agriculture, agroforest, and/or NTFP value chains in support of IPLC livelihoods, with the aim to reduce illegal poaching, enhance nature restoration and the protection of the DSPA natural ecosystems and its boundaries, and prevent human wildlife conflict. The identification of a small set of entry points is expected to be based on a solid analysis of existing and new field study evidence, involving extensive stakeholder and partner engagement, guided by WWF best-practice principles ( Africa Food Future Initiative ) and has to be accompanied by the development of an actionable workplan plan describing needed activities and methods to achieve the above-described objectives.
2.1. Specific assignment
- Desk study:
Synthesize existing findings and identify entry points for promoting sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, and/or NTFP value chains in support of IPLC livelihoods. Make use of findings from the latest studies (see annexes) carried out in the DSPA on livelihood sources and farming activities of the IPLC population, as well as available scientific literature.
Take into consideration the following key criteria:
- Value chain development and income generation
- Household food and nutrition security
- Equity considerations within the IPLC population with focus on IPs and women
- Protection of the DSPA natural ecosystems and its boundaries
- WWF Food Practice and WWF Africa Food Future for orientations on principles and strategy of sustainable agriculture development of WWF
- Value chain assessment study: Undertake field work study in collaboration with key stakeholders to collect missing data filling remaining knowledge gaps on value chain strengthening opportunities with the objective to prepare an action plan for WWF. Take into consideration the following key criteria:
- Exploitation of 2 to 3 promising value chains and their development opportunities (production, processing and market potential development) throughout DSPA landscape for below listed farming and agro-forest options:
- ongoing and potentially new agricultural practices (mostly cassava, peanut, mize, yams, others);
- Ongoing and potentially new agroforest production (citrus, avocado, kola, khaya, safou, leucaena, others);
- Ongoing and potentially alternative cash-crop based activities (cocoa, coffee, others), also linked to historic plantations;
- Ongoing and potentially new NTFP products (Gnetum ‘koko’, Njansang, Irvingium ‘payo’, mushrooms, wild pepper, wild garlic, ..) with specific attention to indigenous Ba’Aka collecting practices and equitable market integration.
- Development of a participatory field study methodology for the identification and exploitation of value chain development opportunities that integrate local knowledge, capacities and socio-economic aspirations of the targeted communities. The selection criteria for specific products/value chains need to be defined for a transparent comparative analysis.
- Identification of local to international partners:
The identification of national and/or regional rural development organizations (as part of the national civil society/NGOs) working with a focus on sustainable agricultural/agroforest development. Linkages with interested national, regional or international buyers/processors/investors with strong sustainability objectives are also expected. These entities and their ability to support the ongoing value-chain development work of WWF should be outlined in the action plan.
- Action plan: Preparation of an action plan that will provide WWF with entry points into value chain development of the 2 to 3 selected agricultural and agroforest products with a short and long-term vision, incorporating all study elements.
- Deliverables
- Preparatory desk study identifying entry points for sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, and/or NTFP value chains in support of IPLC livelihoods in the Dzanga Sangha Protected Areas and its intervention zone.
- Method and approach with timely and list of individuals and organizations to include in a value chain assessment study.
- value chain assessment field work study, including data collection with relevant community and stakeholder engagement.
- Action plan with a list of potential implementation partners
- Duration of the assignment
Be discussed.
- Location of the assignment
Part Central African Republic, part remote
- Reporting
Reporting to WWF CAR
- Facilities provided by WWF CAR
Logistics (including transport, lodging and food) and identified personnel needs for field interventions
- Qualification and expertise
- Advanced university degree in Agricultural Development, Agroforestry, Agricultural Economics, Rural development or other related subject areas;
- Good understanding of agricultural and rural development from both a development cooperation and natural resource management and conservation perspective, preferably with extensive experience in agronomic and natural resource value chain management and development;
- Relevant work experience ( market assessments, local economic development, value chain development, strategic planning, etc. ), preferably also in connection with nature conservation objectives;
- Experience in working with international and national NGOs and / or with government agencies;
- Good understanding of national/regional agribusinesses and agricultural-forest value chain trends and direction, including major areas of interest and intervention, as well as interactions with the private sector;
- Fluency in French and preferably English, with excellent written and oral communication skills;
- Fluency in local language an advantage
- Team(members) originating from central African region considered an advantage.
How to apply
Application procedure
Interested applicants should send their technical and financial proposal demonstrating how they will perform the specific tasks, including methodology and detailed schedule, as well as their curriculum vitae by email to sdebethune@wwfcar.org before the offices close on February 21, 2024.
- How to apply
For any application or request for documents from’information : Send your cover letter, CV and technical and financial proposals by e-mail to sdebethune@wwfcar.org
English version
- Process application
Interested applicants should send their technical and financial proposal demonstrating how they will deliver on the specific assignments, including methodology and detailed time table; and their curriculum vitae via email to sdebethune@wwfcar.org by close of business on February 21, 2024.