Call for Proposals – Consultancy on Food Sourcing and Distribution Models

Call for Proposals – Consultancy on Food Sourcing and Distribution Models for Anchor SMEs

1. Background

Rikolto is an international network organisation with over 50 years of experience collaborating with food chain stakeholders across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Our mission is to ensure sustainable incomes for farmers while making nutritious and affordable food accessible to everyone.

In Tanzania, with funding from Norad through IDH, Rikolto is implementing the Growing Together Programme (2024–2028). The programme seeks to transform local food markets and strengthen food security by increasing the incomes of small-scale food producers and scaling up the operations of food SMEs into large, reliable companies in Africa.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are key players in the food system, linking farmers to markets, adding value, and ensuring consumers have access to affordable food. However, SMEs in rice, maize, and sunflower value chains face challenges such as weak aggregation, limited storage, high post-harvest losses, and poor coordination with suppliers and buyers.

To address these bottlenecks, Rikolto seeks to engage a consultant/firm to design and strengthen efficient food sourcing and distribution models for rice, maize, and sunflower anchor SMEs in Tanzania.

2. Objective of the Assignment

The consultancy aims to design practical and inclusive food sourcing and distribution models that improve the operational efficiency, competitiveness, and resilience of rice, maize, and sunflower SMEs.

Specific objectives include:

• Mapping existing sourcing and distribution practices of selected SMEs.
• Identifying gaps, bottlenecks, and opportunities.
• Proposing and co-developing sustainable sourcing and distribution models.
• Enhancing aggregation, logistics management, and food safety.
• Recommending strategies for long-term partnerships with farmers, aggregators, and buyers.

3. Scope of Work

The consultant/firm will:

• Conduct desk reviews of relevant reports, including Rikolto Foodscape Analyses and IDH assessments.
• Validate SMEs’ sourcing areas, production volumes, storage capacity, and distribution routes.
• Engage stakeholders (farmers, aggregators, processors, transporters, financiers, and government).
• Design models that:
  • Ensure consistent, quality supplies.
  • Reduce post-harvest losses.
  • Strengthen supplier–SME–buyer relationships.
  • Promote inclusivity of women and youth.
• Develop a capacity-building framework for SMEs.
• Provide an implementation roadmap with cost estimates and timelines.

4. Deliverables

1. Inception Report (methodology, tools, and work plan).
2. Situational Analysis Report (current practices, gaps, and opportunities).
3. Proposed Food Sourcing and Distribution Model (schematic flow, governance, financial aspects).
4. Capacity-Building Framework for SMEs.
5. Final Report including operational model and recommendations.

5. Duration and Timeline

The assignment will run for 6–8 weeks between September and November 2025, including fieldwork, validation, and final reporting.

6. Required Qualifications

• Expertise in agribusiness, food systems, and value chain development.
• Experience designing sourcing, aggregation, and distribution models.
• Knowledge of rice, maize, and sunflower value chains in Tanzania/East Africa.
• Strong skills in logistics, business development, and supply chain management.
• Experience with food safety and traceability systems.
• Excellent facilitation, analysis, and reporting skills.

7. Application Procedure

Interested consultants/firms should submit:

• A technical proposal (understanding of the assignment, methodology, work plan).
• A financial proposal (detailed budget, including taxes).
• CVs/profiles highlighting relevant expertise.
• At least two references from similar assignments.

📩 Send applications to eastafrica.recruitment@rikolto.org by 3rd October 2025.
Subject line: Consultancy – Food Sourcing and Distribution Models.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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