Consultancy Services for the Development of Market Linkage Systems and Value Chain Integration for Smallholder Farmers

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION UNIT MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE , REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP) 2ND Floor LIBSUCO Building Japan Freeway (Formerly Somalia Drive), Gardnersville – Monrovia, Liberia LOAN #: P175263; IDA: 69000 REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION ) Assignment Title: Consultancy Services for the Development of Market Linkage Systems and Value Chain Integration for Smallholder Farmers REOI Reference No: LR-PMU-MOA-551314-CS-QCBS 1. Background and Rationale Agriculture remains the backbone of Liberia’s rural economy, employing more than 70% of the population. Yet systemic barriers, fragmented supply chains, weak bargaining power, and inadequate infrastructure continue to marginalize smallholder farmers. The World Bank–approved Concept Note for RETRAP’s backward integration initiative positions this Technical Assistance (TA) as a transformative instrument to embed structured SME–farmer linkages, strengthen aggregation units, and build the organizational capacity of farmer-based organizations (FBOs). This TOR operationalizes that vision, ensuring inclusive growth, resilience, and sustainability across the cassava, poultry, and piggery value chains while aligning with Liberia’s National Agricultural Development Priorities and donor frameworks. 2. Objectives Primary Objective To strengthen SME–farmer commercial connections and aggregation units, thereby reducing transaction costs, expanding market opportunities, and enhancing resilience across the cassava, poultry, and piggery value chains. Specific Objectives Formalize structured agreements linking 57 SMEs and 10 cooperatives to 1,550 farmers. Strengthen five aggregation units with training, SOPs, and logistical support. Build organizational and business management capacity of 120 FBOs. Institutionalize transparent pricing, monitoring systems, and sustainability frameworks. 3. Scope of Work The Consultant will: Facilitate SME–farmer agreements an