ABOUT BIOVISION AFRICA TRUST

Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT) is a not-for-profit organization established in Kenya in 2009 by the Biovision Foundation for ecological development in Switzerland and hosted by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) in Nairobi. The Trust’s goal is to alleviate poverty and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Kenya and other African countries through supporting evidence-based policy formulation, the dissemination of information and knowledge on appropriate technologies on human, animal, plant, and environmental health, and building the capacity of farmers and partners for the ecological transformation

The Regional Multi-Actor Research Network for Eastern Africa (RMNM-EA) is an EU-funded project designed to strengthen agroecology knowledge systems, foster participatory validation of innovations, and scale sustainable practices across the region. It brings together researchers, policymakers, farmer organizations, and civil society actors to generate evidence, influence policy, and accelerate agroecological transitions. Within this framework, BvAT’s specific role is to lead on policy advocacy and science-policy dialogue, ensuring that evidence from living labs and rapid studies is translated into actionable policy briefs and disseminated through sensitization forums, roundtables, and exchange visits.

For more information on the project: Regional Multi-actor Research Network on Agroecology in East Africa (RMRN-EA) – Agroecology TPP

OBJECTIVE OF THE RMNM-EA

1. Create widespread awareness of the socio-economic and ecological impacts of agroecology to garner policymakers’ buy-in and enhance
2. Create extensive buy-in by the public and private sectors, farmers and farmer organizations, and the donor community to support research and development in agri-food systems transformation and environmental sustainability based on AE principles

OBJECTIVE OF THE CONSULTANCY

The rapid study aims to assess the socioeconomic and environmental benefits of selected agroecological innovations and generate evidence to inform policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and scaling pathways.

SCOPE OF WORK

The study will:

• Identify and document best agroecological innovations currently practiced in Eastern Africa.
• Assess socio-economic benefits (e.g., income, food security, livelihoods, gender inclusion) of the identified agroecological
• Evaluate environmental benefits (e.g., soil health, biodiversity, climate resilience).
• Capture lessons learned and success stories from practitioners and
• Provide recommendations for scaling and integration into policy frameworks

1. ASSIGNMENT IMPLEMENTATION

1.1. Methodology

• Desk Review: Existing literature, project reports, and case
• Field Data Collection: Rapid surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant
• Participatory Validation: Engage farmers, researchers, and policymakers in reviewing
• Analysis: Comparative assessment of socio-economic and ecological
• Any other methodology deemed appropriate for achieving task

1.2. Deliverables & Timelines:

The consultant will be expected to deliver the following:

• Inception report with methodology and work
• Draft report with preliminary
• Final report summarizing socio-economic and environmental
• Policy briefs, fact sheets, , highlighting key evidence for policymakers.
• Dissemination materials (presentations, success stories, knowledge platform uploads).

The assignment will be output-based, and the contract is expected to run from April to May 2026.

1.3. Supervision

The work will be supervised by the AU EOAI Secretariat Coordinator and will be conducted in close consultation with the Interim Executive Director of BvAT, as guided by the contract and deliverables.

1.4. Reporting

The Consultant will report to the AU EOAI Secretariat Coordinator as per the agreed work plan and contract deliverables.

2. QUALIFICATIONS

This consultancy will be conducted by a consultant or team of consultants, with the team leader and partners having the following main qualifications and competencies:

1. At least a master’s degree or equivalent with a major in a relevant field in Agroecology or Sustainable Agriculture, Environmental Science or Natural Resource Management, Agricultural Economics or Development Economics, or Rural Development, or any other related Social Sciences
2. Demonstrable experience of over 8 years in conducting assessments and similar
3. Demonstrated ability to assess complex situations, to analyze critical issues succinctly and clearly, and draw conclusions and
4. Proven in-depth understanding and consulting experiences on institutional set-up of organizations and complex development programmes.
5. The proposed team must demonstrate hands-on experience in carrying out similar assignments, preferably in Kenya, Tanzania, and
6. Excellent English, writing, analytical, and communication
7. Experience with EU or IFAD projects will be an added

3. HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit the following:

1. Technical proposal indicating your understanding of the assignment, a clear methodology, and a work plan demonstrating how you will handle all the tasks in a reasonable sequence, leading to deliverables with detail and satisfactory
2. Financial proposal showing the total cost of conducting the consultancy, including a breakdown of costs (by man-days for each team member), travel, and other
3. At least one report of a similar assignment conducted in the past five
4. Detailed curriculum vitae of the main consultant and key qualifications and strengths of other team members to be involved in the
5. Names and contacts of three referees (phone numbers and email).

A one-page write-up indicating why you consider yourself the most suitable for the consultancy.

Electronic copies shall be sent to procurement@biovisionafrica.org with the subject: Consultancy for the Rapid study on socio-economic and environmental benefits of best agroecological innovations, by no later than April 27, 2026.

Download printable TOR

Biovision Africa Trust is an equal opportunity employer.