Train city practioners (market vendors, abattoir employees, enforcement officers, Central Market and City abattoir executives in food waste handling, food safety and quality standards) and facilitate the adoption of quality procedures and protocols through implementation of Quality Management Systems (QMS)
Deadline:
Agriculture remains the mainstay of Uganda’s economy. A major source of livelihood and employment for over 80% of the population along the different production and supply value chains. It provides the bulk of the raw materials for local industries and exports. The food systems today are challenged along the production and supply chains having caused turmoil to health, livelihoods, climate, biodiversity and ecosystems because we fail to respond to the many-dimensional impacts and benefits.
Uganda, like most African countries is facing great challenges in developing and implementing food safety practices that promote public health and allow participation in regional and international trade. Over the years, fruits and vegetable exports from Uganda to the European Union member countries have received particular attention. This has been due to the detection of the presence of organisms/pests which are non-European and thus considered harmful to their environment (that is to agriculture, human and animal health and biodiversity) (Article 2 (e) of Council Directive 2000/29/EC).
Consumer access to sufficient quantities of safe and nutritious food is key to sustaining life, safeguarding, promoting good health and enhancing socioeconomic welfare. But this desired and ideal narrative is impeded by unsafe food containing pathogenic microorganisms (including harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites) and/or chemical substances that cause more than 200 diseases – ranging from diarrhoea to cancers according to the recent study conducted by Rikolto on Food Risk Assessment in Kampala and Mbale cities.
Food safety risks not only pose significant threats to the health of the population, but also the competitiveness of agriculture, undermining potential and actual gains to be made in improving public health, food security and nutrition, as well as frustrating efforts to boost trade in agricultural commodities. Such gains are the foundations of inclusive growth and sustainable development in the continent.
To increase use of effective food safety and quality practices and raise consumer demand for safer and quality food through advocacy, promotion and awareness activities in Mbale city.
1. To promote the use of best food safety and quality practices among food vendors, city abattoir employees, government agencies and private sector in Mbale City
2. Increase awareness of consumers on unsafe food products and how to detect them
The consultant is expected to undertake the following tasks, for each of the selected cases:
i. Work closely with Mbale Central market and City Abattoir executives to develop a food safety and handling tool kit for market vendors and abattoir employees
ii. Train 150 Fresh Fruits and Vegetable vendors and 50 abattoir Vendors and 50 Food Vendors on optimal food safety and handling practices
iii. Train 150 Fresh Fruits and Vegetable vendors and 50 abattoir Vendors and 50 Food Vendors on best occupational hygiene and sanitation practices, including organic waste management.
iv. Raise awareness about food safety risks and facilitate market vendors and city abattoir employees to adopt the quality procedures and protocols through implementation of Quality Management Systems at their organization level.
▪ Submit training materials
▪ Submit training methodologies
▪ Conducting training, provide training report, highlight key areas that the different beneficiary actors need to embark on in order to improve quality management and food safety.
▪ Final training report.
This assignment will be completed within 15 days.
The service provider shall have the following expertise and qualification:
▪ Degree/master’s in food science, social science, agriculture, economics or other relevant development field is required.
▪ Extensive expertise, knowledge and experience in the field of food safety
▪ At least 6 years of experience in working with international organization and donors Experience in training in food standard and quality management systems
▪ Trainings in food safety management system and Training in quality management system
▪ Excellent analytical and report writing skills
▪ Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including ability to facilitate and work in a multi-disciplinary team.
▪ Experience in facilitating adult training sessions, promotional campaigns Advocacy and lobbying.
Interested consulting firms/ individuals are expected to submit a detailed expression of interest to Rikolto East Africa, eastafrica.recruitment@rikolto.org by 21st November 2024, 5pm. The proposal should contain the following:
▪ Interpretation of the ToR;
▪ Proposed methodology.
▪ Proposed work schedule and Budget
▪ Profile/ copies of CVs of individual members who will undertake the assignment.