Specific Deliverables

Agronomic activities

• Assess the availability of biofortified crops (high iron beans, orange flesh sweet potato, vitamin A maize) and identify suitable producer groups
• Develop training curriculum
• Conduct trainings on agronomic practices for farmers, seed multipliers, aggregators, millers, and other relevant stakeholders in the supply chain
• Provide technical assistance for biofortified crop production
• Ensure supply of biofortified crops to produce the prototype and first product series
• Assess viability of 5-year production plan for sustainability beyond the project period

Demand creation in schools

• Examine the school feeding system in Zambia; consider the requirements for new food products to be considered for school meals and make recommendations to the HarvestPlus project manager in the form of a marketing strategy
• Identify suitable target schools for product testing and consumer feedback
• Carry out demand creation activities and product presentations in schools (learners, head teachers, procurement officers, nutrition officers) and government representatives responsible for or related to school feeding
• Maintain communication with key stakeholders, including food companies, producers (farmers, seed multipliers, aggregators), schools, and government authorities

Research

• Develop production plan for product prototypes including the identification of biofortified crop producers/suppliers and target schools
• Develop a survey tool for prototype and product testing
• Conduct testing with end users and evaluate the user experience, consumer attitudes, and user feedback; complete prototype testing in 88 schools
• Analysis of Zambia market for biofortified food products including food trends and product sales

Deliverables may be added or amended over the course of the consultancy in agreement between the consultant and the HarvestPlus project manager.

Outcomes and Purpose of the Deliverables

1. Ensure successful completion of the PORRICH project in Zambia
2. Foster strong relationships with major stakeholders in Zambia and among the project team
3. Ensure supply chain support for product testing
4. Guarantee products are developed in a consumer-oriented manner, aligned with the school feeding program in Zambia

5. Preferred Qualifications

   • Master’s degree in agriculture or social sciences with at least 10 years working experience in agriculture (e.g. crop production)
   • Several years of experience in providing training or extension services to farmers
   • Experience in innovation management (prototype development, product testing, consumer-oriented management, business, or market development)
   • Experience in qualitative and quantitative survey methods and data analysis
   • Excellent record in project implementation with the ability to plan and organize activities along an existing work plan for successful and timely achievement of goals
   • Analytical ability and willingness to familiarize and engage with the topic of school feeding in Zambia, engage with the education sector, and to establish effective and supportive procedures with the target groups for demand creation and user feedback
   • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to manage multiple tasks with a high degree of accuracy, pro-activeness, and flexibility
   • Ability to work independently, in close cooperation with the Project Manager
   • Proficiency in data analysis software and general computer usage (Word, Excel, Access, Management Information Systems)
   • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills