Consultancy Services for the Preparation of an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for the Rehabilitation of Irrigation Schemes

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 Preparation of an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for the Rehabilitation of Irrigation Schemes REOI Reference No: LR-PMU-MOA-551325-CS-CQS Background and Rationale The Government of Liberia, with funding from the World Bank, is implementing the Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP) through the Ministry of Agriculture. Under Component 5, the project prioritizes the rehabilitation of critical agricultural infrastructure to increase productivity and promote climate-resilient farming . Systemic barriers, such as inadequate irrigation infrastructure, continue to marginalize smallholder rice farmers. To address this, four priority sites have been identified for rehabilitation: Fargonda (Lofa), Kakata (Margibi), Meleki (Bong), and Sahnpa (Nimba). This assignment focuses on ensuring these interventions comply with national environmental regulations and the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF). 2. Objectives Primary Objective: To develop a comprehensive and stand-alone Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for each of the four priority irrigation sites to ensure that environmental and social safeguards are effectively integrated into project activities across all phases (construction, operation, and decommissioning). Specific Objectives Conduct baseline assessments of environmental and social conditions within the project areas. Identify potential environmental and social risks (e.g., water use, flooding, child labor, GBV/SEA/SH, and OHS risks). Propose concrete mitigation measures and institutional arrangements for monitoring. Facilitate stakeholder consult