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1. Background:
1.1: World Vision Context
World Vision International is a humanitarian and development organization committed to enhancing the well-being of vulnerable children, families, and communities in need. Operating in areas characterized by fragility and environmental challenges, such as Somaliland, World Vision implements a range of integrated resilience programs designed to support and empower local populations. These programs are multifaceted, combining essential components such as livelihoods support, natural resource management, and climate adaptation strategies.
In regions classified as arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), World Vision recognizes the critical relationship between sustainable livelihoods and the health of ecosystems. The organization emphasizes the importance of maintaining the well-being of rangelands and tree resources, which are foundational to the pastoral production systems that many communities rely upon for their livelihoods.
To address the pressing challenges faced by these communities, World Vision has increasingly directed its efforts towards interventions that not only focus on environmental restoration but also create economic opportunities. By fostering initiatives that connect sustainable resource management practices with tangible benefits, World Vision ensures that local communities are able to thrive both environmentally and economically. This holistic approach not only seeks to improve immediate living conditions but also lays the groundwork for long-term resilience and sustainability in the face of ongoing climate stressors.
1.2 Regreening Africa Phase II (RA2)
Regreening Africa Phase II (RA2) is a landscape restoration initiative aimed at addressing the pressing issue of land degradation across the African continent. This multifaceted program not only focuses on rehabilitating degraded ecosystems but also prioritizes the enhancement of livelihoods and climate resilience for local communities. Building on successful methodologies such as Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), agroforestry practices, and community-led restoration efforts, RA2 seeks to revitalize ecosystems that have been severely impacted by various forms of degradation, including deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity.
One of the core objectives of RA2 is to facilitate a transformative shift away from subsistence farming and environmentally harmful practices toward sustainable and economically viable agricultural systems. This transition is crucial in fostering long-term environmental health while improving the economic prospects of communities dependent on these ecosystems.
A significant aspect of the initiative is its commitment to promoting tree-based enterprises, which serve as a vital strategy for intertwining ecological restoration with economic development. By identifying and nurturing specific value chains that have the potential to generate income, RA2 aims to empower local communities, providing them with the necessary incentives to actively conserve and restore their natural resources. This not only helps to rebuild the environmental integrity of their landscapes but also strengthens their economic resilience and contributes to overall community well-being.
Through these efforts, Regreening Africa Phase II aspires to create a sustainable model of land management that benefits both people and the planet, fostering a healthier environment for current and future generations.
1.3: Context of Odwayne District
Odwayne district, located in the Togdheer region near Burao, is characterized by arid climatic conditions, recurrent droughts, and fragile ecosystems. Livelihoods are predominantly pastoral, with households relying heavily on livestock for income, food, and social security. However, increasing climate variability has led to gradual shifts toward agro-pastoralism in certain areas, where communities are beginning to engage in small-scale crop production and natural resource-based enterprises.
The district’s natural resource base has been under increasing pressure due to prolonged droughts, overgrazing, and unsustainable exploitation of woody vegetation. In particular, charcoal production has emerged as a coping strategy during periods of economic stress, contributing to significant deforestation and land degradation.
Despite these challenges, Odwayne possesses considerable potential for sustainable tree-based production systems. Indigenous tree species, including Acacia, Boswellia, and Commiphora, offer opportunities for the development of gum, resin, fodder, and other non-timber forest products. Harnessing these opportunities requires a structured understanding of value chains and market systems.
2. RATIONALE FOR TREE-BASED VALUE CHAIN ASSESSMENT
Tree-based value chains represent a critical opportunity to align environmental restoration with livelihood diversification in Odwayne district. While trees currently play an important role in supporting pastoral systems providing fodder, fuel, and ecological services their economic potential remains largely underutilized.
Existing practices are often informal and characterized by low productivity, limited value addition, and weak connections to markets. Producers typically operate individually, with minimal coordination or access to market information. At the same time, harvesting practices are frequently unsustainable, further exacerbating environmental degradation.
However, there is growing demand for products such as gum Arabic, frankincense, and myrrh in both regional and international markets. These products, if sustainably managed, can provide significant income opportunities while incentivizing conservation. Moreover, integrating tree-based enterprises into pastoral systems can enhance resilience by diversifying income sources and reducing vulnerability to climate shocks.
This assessment is therefore intended to provide a comprehensive understanding of the structure, performance, and potential of tree-based value chains in Odwayne. The findings will inform strategic investment decisions under RA2 and guide the development of sustainable, inclusive, and market-oriented interventions.
3. GOAL AND OBJECTIVES
3.1 Overall Goal
The overall goal of this consultancy is to generate evidence-based insights into viable and sustainable tree-based value chains in Odwayne district, thereby informing programme design and investment priorities under Regreening Africa Phase II.
3.2 Specific Objectives
The consultancy will pursue a set of interrelated objectives that collectively contribute to a comprehensive understanding of tree-based economic systems. These include identifying existing value chains and their actors, assessing production systems and ecological sustainability, and analyzing market structures and dynamics. In addition, the assessment will examine the profitability and income potential of selected tree products, while also identifying key constraints and opportunities across the value chain.
Particular attention will be given to gender and youth inclusion, ensuring that the analysis captures disparities in access to resources and market participation. The consultancy will also generate clear, prioritized recommendations for strengthening value chains and promoting scalable tree-based enterprises.
4. SCOPE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The consultancy will undertake a comprehensive tree-based value chain assessment covering selected pastoral and agro-pastoral communities within Odwayne district. The scope encompasses both ecological and economic dimensions, recognizing the interdependence between natural resource management and livelihood systems.
4.1 Geographic Scope
The primary focus will be Odwayne district, with fieldwork conducted in representative communities that reflect both pastoral and emerging agro-pastoral systems. The selection of sites will aim to capture variations in resource availability, livelihood strategies, and market access.
4.2 Value Chains to be Assessed
The assessment will focus on tree-based commodities that are both ecologically relevant and economically viable within the local context. These include gums and resins derived from Acacia, Boswellia, and Commiphora species, as well as other non-timber forest products such as fodder resources, honey and indigenous fruits. Consideration will also be given to energy-related products, particularly in relation to sustainable alternatives to charcoal production.
Rather than treating these commodities in isolation, the consultancy will analyze how they interact within broader livelihood systems, particularly livestock production.
4.3 Value Chain Components
The assessment will adopt a holistic perspective, examining the full range of activities and actors involved in bringing tree-based products from production to end markets. This includes input supply systems, harvesting and production practices, aggregation and storage, processing and value addition, and marketing and trade networks. The analysis will also consider the enabling environment, including policies, institutions, and support services such as finance and extension.
5. ACTIVITIES OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The consultancy will be implemented through a structured process that combines analytical rigor with participatory engagement. The activities are designed to ensure both depth of analysis and contextual relevance.
5.1 Inception Phase
The assignment will begin with an inception phase during which the consultant will review relevant project documents, conduct a literature review, and engage key stakeholders. This phase will culminate in the preparation of an inception report that outlines the methodology, data collection tools, sampling approach, and detailed work plan.
5.2 Field Data Collection
Fieldwork will constitute a central component of the assignment, employing a mixed-methods approach to capture both quantitative and qualitative data. Household-level assessments will be conducted to understand livelihood systems, income sources, and dependence on tree-based resources.
Participatory methods will be used extensively to ensure community perspectives are adequately captured. These will include focus group discussions with men, women, and youth, as well as key informant interviews with traders, community leaders, and sector experts. Community mapping exercises will be used to document natural resource distribution and usage patterns.
5.3 Value Chain Mapping and Analysis
The consultant will systematically identify and map the actors involved in each value chain, examining their roles, relationships, and power dynamics. The analysis will include an assessment of product flows, cost structures, and value distribution, with the aim of identifying inefficiencies and opportunities for upgrading.
5.4 Market Assessment
A detailed market analysis will be conducted to understand demand trends, pricing dynamics, and market requirements at local, regional, and international levels. This will include an assessment of market access barriers and competitiveness of locally produced tree-based products.
5.5 Gender and Social Inclusion Analysis
The consultancy will incorporate a gender-sensitive approach to analyze the roles and contributions of women and youth within tree-based value chains. The analysis will explore access to resources, participation in decision-making, and barriers to inclusion, with a view to identifying opportunities for more equitable engagement.
5.6 Value Chain Prioritization
Based on the findings, the consultant will develop a prioritization framework to identify the most promising value chains for investment. This will consider factors such as market demand, profitability, resilience, inclusion, and scalability, leading to clear recommendations for programme focus.
6. METHODOLOGY
The consultancy will adopt a mixed-methods approach that integrates quantitative data collection with qualitative insights. Structured surveys will provide numerical data on production, income, and market participation, while qualitative methods such as focus group discussions and key informant interviews will offer deeper understanding of social, institutional, and behavioral dynamics.
Analytical tools such as value chain mapping, SWOT analysis, and cost-benefit analysis will be applied to synthesize findings and generate actionable recommendations.
7. DELIVERABLES
The consultant will be expected to produce a series of outputs that reflect the different stages of the assignment. These will include an inception report, data collection tools, a draft assessment report, and a final report incorporating stakeholder feedback. In addition, the consultant will provide visual value chain maps, an investment-oriented recommendations framework, and a presentation of findings to key stakeholders.
8. TIMELINE
The assignment is expected to be completed within a period of 30 days. This timeframe includes the inception phase, field data collection, analysis, and reporting. The consultant will propose a detailed schedule within the inception report, aligned with the overall timeframe.
9. REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS
The consultant will report directly to the World Vision Project Manager for Regreening Africa Phase II and will work closely with relevant technical staff. Coordination with local authorities and community structures will be facilitated by World Vision to ensure smooth implementation.
10. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
The assignment requires a consultancy firm or team with demonstrated expertise in value chain analysis, natural resource management, agroforestry, dryland livelihoods, and market systems development.
The consultant/team must meet the following minimum requirements:
Advanced degree (Master’s level preferred) in Forestry, Agriculture, Agribusiness, Economics, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or related field.
Minimum seven (7) years of demonstrated experience in conducting value chain assessments, market systems analyses, or related studies.
Proven experience in dryland, pastoral, and agro-pastoral production systems.
Demonstrated experience in conducting at least three (3) similar assignments related to tree-based value chains, natural resource management, forestry products, or livelihood development.
Strong knowledge of tree-based commodities, including gums, resins, fodder, honey, indigenous fruits, and other non-timber forest products.
Proven experience working in Somaliland, Somalia, or similar ASAL contexts in the Horn of Africa.
Minimum Team Composition:
a) Team Leader / Value Chain Specialist
Master’s degree in agriculture, Agribusiness, Economics, Forestry, or related field.
Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience.
Experience leading at least three similar assignments.
b) Forestry / Agroforestry Specialist
Degree in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or related field.
Minimum 7 years of relevant experience.
c) Market Systems / Business Development Specialist
Degree in Economics, Agribusiness, Marketing, or related field.
Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in market and value chain development.
11. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
The consultant will adhere to high ethical standards throughout the assignment, ensuring informed consent, confidentiality of data, and respectful engagement with communities. A gender-sensitive and inclusive approach will be applied, in line with the principle of doing no harm.
More Details to be provided in full ToR upon Expression of Interest.
We hereby invite Expression of Interest from registered, approved and reputable consultants to provide above-named services to World Vision Somalia.
How to apply
Interested bidders must be registered to provide consultancy services in their respective countries.
Request for Proposal documents will be available Free of Charge to all interested bidders who express interest by filling the form provided in this link https://forms.office.com/r/7JyQRsWPkR by 5:00 PM Tuesday 30th June 2026.
Instructions for submission of completed proposals shall be indicated on the Request for Proposal document.
Nothing in this Expression of Interest shall be construed to give rise to contractual obligations with World Vision.
World Vision, may at its absolute discretion, suspend or defer this EOI process.
“World Vision reserves the right to accept or reject any Bid and is not bound to give reasons for its decision”