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National Smallholder Farmers' Association of Malawi
Incorporating NASDEC, NASCOMEX and NASCENT
Terms of reference for a short term consultancy
Preparation of issues documents that will inform the NASFAM policy platform
22 May, 2003
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Background
The National Smallholder Farmers' Association of Malawi (NASFAM) is a member-owned, democratically governed, and non-political organization that provides business services to its smallholder farmer members. Founded on the principles of collective action and self-reliance, the organization works to empower farmers at the grass-root level, encouraging them to form cohesive village-based clubs and associations in order to realize increasing returns and contribute to economic development. Currently, NASFAM has a membership of over 100,000 smallholder farmers (in 32 Associations) growing and marketing high value cash crops including chillies, cotton, groundnuts, rice, paprika and soya.
It is within NASFAM's Strategic Development Program to operate an expanded policy impact program to keep both the public and private sectors informed of each other's activities. The policy programme also aims at expanding smallholder capacity to make direct input to and impact upon decisions that affect smallholder farmers. To meet these goals, the Programmes and Policy Unit (PPU) of NASFAM, coordinates the NASFAM Policy Programme to strengthen smallholder capacity to make direct impact and contributions to programs and policies that affect their livelihoods.
Every year, NASFAM produces a policy platform that highlights policy areas that have been identified by the NASFAM membership to decrease their chances of attaining maximum benefits from their agricultural businesses. This platform gives a detailed analysis of:
- The issues that affect smallholder farmers in Malawi, and their impact on farmers' socio-economic livelihood.
- NASFAM's position towards these issues.
- Ways in which the issues can be addressed.
The ultimate goal is to bring about appropriate policy change for Malawi's smallholder farmers.
Consultancy Requirement
NASFAM has to-date worked with its membership to outline issues that they would like to be included in the 2003 NASFAM Policy Platform. These issues have been recorded as reported, but NASFAM realizes that there is need for further research and a more detailed analysis so that symptoms can be isolated from real issues. Following this, clear, rational and comprehensive issues documents will be developed, which will form the basis for the NASFAM policy agenda.
The Policy and Programs Unit of NASFAM has so far met with all Association Executive Committees and identified the following as key policy impact areas;
- Competitiveness of Malawi's crops
- Food security
- Rural infrastructure and rural services
- Education and health facilities (including gender and HIV/AIDS issues)
NASFAM is calling for applications to carry out consultancies on each of the above outlined policy impact areas. The work will involve:
- A detailed analysis of the issues/concerns surrounding the key policy impact area.
- Its impact on NASFAM members and the smallholder population at large.
- In consultation with NASFAM members, NGOs, the government and any other concerned parties, outline potential areas for improvement or policy change
Length of Consultancy
This job is expected to take a maximum of two weeks, including travel, beginning in early June. This time includes the presentation of a completed draft issues document.
Output
At the end of the consultancy, NASFAM expects to have a comprehensive issues document on each of the key policy impact areas as described above.
Application Procedure
Send a one-page brief on why you feel you would be a good candidate for this consultancy to;
The Policy and Programs Manager,
NASFAM Centre for Development Support,
P. O. Box 30716,
Lilongwe 3
Malawi
Tel: +265 (0) 1 772 866
Fax: +265 (0) 1 770 858
Email: ppu@nasfam.malawi.net
Note that it is advisable to send the application by email as postal delivery can be very slow.
Please include your consultancy charges and any relevant costs on your application.
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