Request for Proposal for Hiring a Fruit Tree Service Provider tender at African Wildlife Foundation
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REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR HIRING A FRUIT TREE SERVICE PROVIDER

African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is an international NGO working across the continent of Africa, developing African conservation leadership and implementing programs that focus on safeguarding areas of high conservation value through a holistic suite of programs that conserve wildlife, protect land, improve the lives of local people and leverage conservation enterprises to promote sustainable economic growth that does not come at the expense of Africa’s natural heritage.

AWF is proud to have partnered with the Government of Rwanda (GoR) and people living in the Virunga for more than four decades resulting in increasing populations of endangered mountain gorillas and improved human livelihoods starting in 1981 when we co-founded the Mountain Gorilla Project (MGP). For a decade we worked with MGP in Rwanda and in 1991, with partners, AWF expanded this program to a transboundary conservation initiative by creating the International Gorilla Conservation Program (IGCP).

The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) has been allocated grant funds (the “Grant”) to support Empowering Youth for Climate-Resilient Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods in Volcanoes Region and intends to apply the funds to eligible payments under the contract for which this Request for Proposals is issued.

The Services required are described in detail in the Statement of Requirements.

The proposal should be composed by:

Company Registration certificate
Valid Tax Clearance Certificate issued by RRA.
Technical proposal
Financial proposal
Performance certificate of similar work ( at least 2)
Validity of Quotations: The proposal validity required is 45 days.

Date of deadline: ____20h May 2025____. Time of deadline: _____17h00__ (local time).

Submission address: ____ The proposal should be submitted entirely in electronic format (email) in PDF to the following address: RWProcurement@awf.org with a copy to procurement@awf.org

Any queries should be addressed to the Administration and Finance Assistant at the address given above.

Patrick Nsabimana

Country Coordinator

AWF - Rwanda

Statement of Requirements:

Terms of reference (ToRs) for hiring a service provider for your fruit seedling project

Background and Context

The European Union-funded project "Empowering Youth for Climate-Resilient Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods in Volcanoes Region, Rwanda" aims to strengthen civil society organizations as independent actors of good governance and development. This initiative directly supports climate and environment actions at the local level, led by youth, to address the interconnected challenges of climate change and ecosystem degradation in Rwanda.

The project is strategically aligned with Rwanda's Vision 2050, supporting sustainable land use, ecosystem protection, and climate resilience in the Volcanoes Region. It contributes to the country's Nationally Determined Contributions to the Paris Agreement and implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework through the promotion of sustainable land management practices.

As part of Output 2.2, which focuses on establishing community-based conservation initiatives, the project will implement activities supporting Rwanda's national "Five Fruit Trees per Household" program. This program addresses food insecurity and malnutrition through the promotion of fruit tree cultivation while enhancing environmental sustainability. The initiative will establish five 2-hectare fruit orchards in selected schools around the Volcanoes National Park and distribute five fruit trees to 12,000 households in the buffer zones of the park.

The school orchards will serve dual purposes: contributing to the school feeding program by providing nutritious fruits and functioning as learning sites for school environmental clubs. These clubs will participate in the daily maintenance of the orchards, fostering environmental stewardship among youth. For community households, the fruit trees will enhance nutrition, potentially provide additional income, and contribute to environmental conservation in the buffer zones of Volcanoes National Park.

Objective of the Assignment

The primary objective of this assignment is to engage a qualified service provider to implement the fruit tree component of the "Empowering Youth for Climate-Resilient Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods in Volcanoes Region, Rwanda" project. The service provider will be responsible for supplying high-quality fruit tree seedlings to 12,000 households in communities surrounding the Volcanoes National Park and establishing five fruit orchards in selected schools.

The service provider will ensure the successful establishment of sustainable fruit orchards in the selected schools by installing necessary infrastructure including fencing with wire mesh and 5 cubic meter water tanks for irrigation. They will offer comprehensive training to both community members and school environmental clubs on proper planting techniques, maintenance, and sustainable management of fruit trees. Additionally, the service provider will provide maintenance services for the school orchards for a period of two years before transferring management responsibilities to the respective schools.

Through this assignment, the project aims to enhance biodiversity conservation, improve nutrition in local communities, support school feeding programs, and foster environmental stewardship among youth while contributing to the national "Five Fruit Trees per Household" initiative. The service provider's work will directly support the project's broader goals of promoting climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and ecosystem health in the buffer zones of Volcanoes National Park.

Specific Tasks/Deliverables

The service provider will be responsible for the following specific tasks and deliverables:

For School Orchards:

Establish five fruit orchards in five selected schools around Volcanoes National Park, including site preparation, soil improvement, and installation of proper drainage systems as needed.
Install protective fencing using wire mesh around each orchard to prevent damage from wildlife and livestock and set up a 5 cubic meter water tank with appropriate irrigation system for each orchard.
Supply and plant at least five different types of fruit trees in each orchard, offering a selection of at least 10 species adapted to the local agro-ecological conditions of the Volcanoes Region for schools to choose from.
Develop and implement a comprehensive maintenance plan for each orchard covering the first two years, including regular pruning, fertilization, pest management using environmentally friendly methods, and irrigation schedules.
Design and deliver practical training programs for school environmental clubs and designated staff on orchard management, including seasonal care requirements, harvesting techniques, and sustainable practices.
For Community Component:

Supply five fruit tree seedlings of high quality to 12,000 households in the buffer zones of Volcanoes National Park, offering a variety of species adapted to the region from which beneficiaries can select working directly with youth volunteers
Organize and conduct community training sessions on proper planting techniques, basic tree care, pruning, pest management, and harvesting for participating households ( targeting village leaders and village health workers and youth volunteers)
Develop and distribute illustrated maintenance guides in the local language to support household-level care of fruit trees.
Working with youth volunteers , establish a follow-up system to monitor seedling survival rates and provide technical assistance to households during the critical establishment phase.
Reporting and Documentation:

Prepare detailed implementation reports documenting all activities, including photographic evidence of orchard establishment, training sessions, and community distribution.
Develop a comprehensive handover plan for transferring orchard maintenance responsibilities to the respective schools after the two-year period.
Submit quarterly progress reports and a final comprehensive report detailing achievements, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations for sustainability.
Timeline and Implementation Schedule

The service provider will implement this assignment over a period of 30 months (2.5 years), with specific activities scheduled to align with optimal planting seasons and to ensure proper establishment of the fruit trees. The implementation schedule is as follows:

Month 1-2: Inception Phase Conduct detailed site assessments of the five selected schools and surrounding communities to determine soil conditions, water availability, and accessibility. Finalize the selection of appropriate fruit tree species in consultation with project stakeholders, schools, and community representatives. Develop detailed work plans and procurement schedules for materials and seedlings.

Month 3-6: Site Preparation and Infrastructure Development Complete site preparation for school orchards including land clearing, soil improvement, and installation of drainage systems where necessary. Install fencing, water tanks, and irrigation systems at all five school sites. Prepare community distribution plans and registration systems for the 12,000 beneficiary households.

Month 7-12: Planting and Initial Establishment Procure and plant fruit trees in the five school orchards during optimal planting seasons. Begin the distribution of fruit tree seedlings to community households accompanied by initial training sessions. Establish monitoring systems for both school orchards and community plantings.

Month 13-24: Maintenance and Capacity Building Conduct regular maintenance of school orchards including pruning, fertilization, pest management, and irrigation. Deliver comprehensive training programs to school environmental clubs and community members on seasonal care requirements. Provide follow-up technical support to households and troubleshoot any establishment issues.

Month 25-30: Transition and Handover Prepare schools and environmental clubs for the handover of orchard maintenance responsibilities. Conduct final assessments of tree establishment and survival rates in both schools and communities. Document lessons learned and best practices. Complete the formal handover of school orchards to respective school managements.

The service provider must submit detailed monthly progress reports throughout the implementation period, with comprehensive quarterly reports highlighting achievements, challenges, and adaptive measures taken. A final report will be required at the conclusion of the assignment, documenting the overall implementation process, results achieved, and recommendations for long-term sustainability.

Technical Specifications

The service provider must adhere to the following technical specifications to ensure high-quality implementation and sustainability of the fruit tree initiative:

Fruit Tree Species and Seedling Quality: The service provider shall provide at least 10 species of fruit trees adapted to the agro-ecological conditions of the Volcanoes Region. All seedlings must be healthy, disease-free, and of appropriate size (minimum 30-50 cm in height) with well-established root systems. Grafted varieties should be properly healed at graft unions. Seedlings must be sourced from certified nurseries with proven track records for quality production. Species selection should prioritize nutritional value, growth rate, productivity, disease resistance, and market potential.

Orchard Design and Layout: Each 1 to 2-hectare school orchard shall be designed with appropriate spacing between trees (specific to each species' requirements) to allow for proper growth and canopy development. Orchards shall include adequate access pathways for maintenance and harvesting activities. The design must incorporate buffer zones and windbreaks where necessary. Mixed planting of different species should be implemented to enhance biodiversity and reduce pest and disease pressure. The layout should facilitate efficient irrigation and maintenance operations.

Fencing and Water Systems: Fencing shall consist of heavy-duty galvanized wire mesh (minimum height of 2 meters) with treated wooden or metal posts, sufficiently robust to prevent entry of wildlife and livestock. Each water tank (5 cubic meters) must be constructed of durable, food-grade material, elevated appropriately to enable gravity-fed irrigation systems. The irrigation system should be designed for water efficiency, incorporating drip irrigation where possible to minimize water usage.

Soil Management and Fertilization: The service provider shall conduct soil tests for each orchard site and implement appropriate soil improvement measures. Planting holes must be prepared with dimensions of at least 60 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm, filled with a mixture of topsoil, well-decomposed organic matter, and appropriate soil amendments based on soil test results. A sustainable fertilization plan must be developed using organic inputs where possible, with clear guidance on application timing and rates.

Training Materials and Methodology: Training programs shall be practical, participatory, and culturally appropriate. Visual aids, demonstrations, and hands-on activities must be incorporated to accommodate various learning styles. Training materials should be available in both Kinyarwanda and English, with illustrated guides for non-literate participants. The curriculum must cover the complete cycle of fruit tree management from planting to harvesting, with emphasis on sustainable, climate-smart practices.

Monitoring and Support Systems: The service provider shall implement a robust monitoring system to track seedling survival rates, growth parameters, and health status. Regular technical support visits must be scheduled for both schools and community households. The service provider must establish a simple system for beneficiaries to request technical assistance when facing challenges.

Qualifications and Experience Required

The service provider must demonstrate the following qualifications and experience to successfully implement this assignment:

Technical Expertise: The service provider must have a minimum of five years of experience in establishing and managing fruit tree orchards in Rwanda or similar agro-ecological zones. They should possess proven technical knowledge of various fruit tree species suitable for the Volcanoes Region, including their growth requirements, pest and disease management, and productivity optimization. The team must include at least one qualified agronomist with specialization in fruit tree production and management. Experience with sustainable, climate-smart agricultural practices is essential.

Training and Capacity Building: The service provider must demonstrate significant experience in delivering practical agricultural training to diverse audiences, including communities and educational institutions. They should have proven methodologies for knowledge transfer that accommodate various literacy levels and learning styles. Experience in developing training materials in Kinyarwanda is required, as is the ability to establish effective follow-up support systems for trainees.

Local Knowledge and Experience: Familiarity with the Volcanoes Region's specific environmental conditions, agricultural challenges, and socio-cultural context is highly desirable. The service provider should demonstrate knowledge of the buffer zone dynamics around Volcanoes National Park and understand the interactions between conservation objectives and community livelihoods. Previous experience working in protected area buffer zones or environmentally sensitive areas will be an advantage.

Project Management: The service provider must have a proven track record of managing comparable agricultural projects with multiple components and stakeholders. They should demonstrate ability to adhere to implementation schedules, manage project resources efficiently, and adapt to unforeseen challenges. Experience managing projects with environmental education components, particularly involving schools or youth groups, will be valuable.

Organizational Capacity: The service provider must have sufficient organizational capacity to simultaneously implement activities across multiple locations in the Volcanoes Region. This includes adequate staffing, transportation, and logistical capabilities to serve 12,000 households and five school sites effectively. They should demonstrate financial stability and the capacity to handle the scope and scale of this assignment.

Submission Requirements

Prospective service providers must submit a comprehensive proposal package that includes both technical and financial components as detailed below:

Technical Proposal: The technical proposal must include a detailed methodology explaining the approach to implementing all components of the assignment. This should cover orchard establishment techniques, seedling sourcing strategies, community distribution methods, and training approaches. Prospective service providers should include a clear implementation timeline with specific milestones and deliverables. The proposal must contain detailed specifications for all materials to be used, including fencing, water tanks, irrigation systems, and fruit tree varieties, with justification for selections.

The technical proposal should also include detailed profiles of key personnel who will be assigned to the project, highlighting their relevant experience and qualifications. The service provider must include a comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation plan addressing potential challenges such as drought, pest outbreaks, or low community participation. Additionally, the proposal should explain the monitoring and evaluation framework to be used for tracking progress and measuring success.

Service providers must include at least three relevant case studies or references from similar projects implemented within the past five years, with contact information for verification.

Financial Proposal: The financial proposal must include a detailed budget breakdown covering all aspects of the assignment, including material costs, labor, transportation, training, and maintenance for the two-year period. The budget should be organized by major activity categories and clearly distinguish between costs for school orchards and community distribution components. The proposal should include a payment schedule linked to specific deliverables and milestones.

Service providers must include justification for major budget items, explaining the basis for cost calculations. The financial proposal should also detail any cost-sharing arrangements or in-kind contributions that the service provider may offer.

Supporting Documentation: Prospective service providers must include copies of legal registration documents, business license, and tax compliance certificates. They should provide evidence of technical capacity through certification of key staff and organizational profile. Additionally, they should include a letter confirming availability to commence work immediately upon contract award.

Submission Format: All proposals must be submitted in electronic format (PDF). The technical and financial proposals should be submitted in separate emails, clearly marked. The submission deadline is 18 April 2025 at 5pm, and late submissions will not be considered.

Attachment
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Job Info
Job Category: Tenders in Rwanda
Job Type: Full-time
Deadline of this Job: 22 May 2025
Duty Station: Kigali
Posted: 08-05-2025
No of Jobs: 1
Start Publishing: 08-05-2025
Stop Publishing (Put date of 2030): 08-05-2068
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