Individual Consultant: Technical Assistance for the Implementation of the Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (ASTGS) Institutional Capacity Strengthening Plan

Job Description

Background

The agriculture sector is central to Kenya’s economy and a key contributor to both economic and social growth. The sector contributed 16.6% of the gross domestic product (GDP) and another 14% of GDP indirectly through linkages with other sectors (Economic Survey Report 2021). Considering this, the Kenya Vision 2030 recognizes the significance of the agriculture sector as one of the key drivers of the economy to sustainably achieve an average economic growth rate of 10% per year, reduce poverty levels to 25% and boost food security to 30% by the year 2030 (Vision 2030). The sector employs more than 40% of the total population and more than 70% of Kenya’s rural people. In addition, the sector accounts for 65% of the export earnings, and provides a livelihood (employment, income, and food security needs) for more than 80% of the Kenyan population (FAO, 2021). Over 80% of the 47.6 million Kenyans, live in rural areas, deriving their livelihoods mainly from agricultural related activities (NCPD, 2018). According to the Agriculture Rural and Urban Development (ARUD) Sector Report (2018), in 2016, the agriculture, livestock, fisheries and the blue economy sub-sectors directly contributed an estimated 31.3% of the overall GDP (GoK, 2018).

The development of this sector is important for enhancing Kenya’s food security and resilience. In addition, the development of this sector is key to poverty reduction since most vulnerable groups including pastoralists, the landless, and subsistence farmers, depend on agriculture as their main source of livelihood. Growth in the sector is also expected to have a greater impact on a larger section of the population than any other sector. The sector is also a driver of the non-agricultural economy including manufacturing, providing inputs and markets for non-agricultural operations such as building/construction, transportation, tourism, education, and other social services (FAO, 2021).

For these reasons, the Government of Kenya (GoK) has continued to prioritize agriculture as an important and strategic sector for promoting national development and economic transformation.

The Government of Kenya’s agriculture agenda is driven by the Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (ASTGS, 2019 – 2029). The goal of Kenya’s Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (ASTGS) is to create a vibrant, commercial, and modern agricultural sector that supports 100% food security in the context of devolution. The Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (ASTGS) seeks to rapidly transform this critical sector. 9 flagships were developed that serve as the core of the 10-year Agricultural Sector Growth and Transformation Strategy (ASTGS). The strategy details the flagship projects prioritized for implementation in the first five years. It was envisioned that following a review of their performance, an additional set of projects will be developed for the next five years of the strategy to match the transformation needs at the time.

Agricultural Sector Capacity Strengthening Plan (ICSP)

The ASTGS identifies the key role of capacity strengthening for its effective implementation through the 7th Flagship which is an enabler and aims to build and strengthen capacities required for the achievement of the ASTGS goals and objectives. This flagship has three components: a leadership programme to build transformation critical skills for national and county leaders and strengthen MoALFC for transformation delivery; a training programme to build relevant skills among operational-level implementers; and a programme to build capacity and revitalize extension services in the counties. The ICSP is building on the foundation and provides a five-year framework for capacity development in the sector. The ICSP addresses all the systemic capacity challenges hindering agricultural sector development and transformation

Scope of work for Technical Assistance for ICSP Implementation

The Technical assistance will therefore undertake the following

• Provide support in the coordination of the implementation of ISCP, to include formation of the ISCP TWG.
• Support mapping of key investments in line with ICSP and develop a dashboard of all actors and investments
• Coordinate in collaboration with AGRA M&E team to provide training to government staff on M&E.

Expected Deliverables

1. Functional Sector Skills and Capacity Strengthening technical working group with clear terms of reference.
2. As dashboard of the skills and capacity strengthening programs in the sector.
3. Report on Training of at least 100 government (National and County) staff on M&E.
4. Monthly plans and progress reports

Time Frame for the Assignment

The assignment is expected to take 50 days over the period September to Mid-December 2023.

Location and nature of the assignment

The consultant will be based in Kenya and will work largely from ATO office at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock office in Nairobi- Kilimo house. He/she will work from AGRA’s Kenya office one day per week to ensure proper coordination.

Required Competencies

The assignment shall require experience working in the agricultural sector, particularly in Africa. Specific experience with the Kenya’s agricultural sector will be an added advantage. The technical assistant should demonstrate good analytical skills, experience with the development of skills and capacity strengthening frameworks, and monitoring and evaluation. The resource should also have a broad understanding of the sector strategy, the Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (ASTGS) 2019- 2029 and the national policy environment. Experience with dealing with development actors and resource mobilization is a must. Networks and relationships within the Government, both national and county is essential. Experience with sector wide approach of programs implementation will be an added advantage. Specifically, the resource should have the following requirements:

1. At least a degree in any social sciences; development studies, agricultural economics, or any other related degree.
2. At least 7 years working experience in agriculture and rural development
3. Experience in design and formulation of agricultural projects and programs.
4. Strong background working with Ministries of Agriculture in developing countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan African countries.
5. Strong knowledge of agricultural sector in Kenya (including respective policies, strategies, and programs).
6. Proven ability to deal with multiple stakeholders and a range of complex agriculture and development issues.
7. Ability to create organizational work plans based on higher-level goals.
8. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and experience in working with a wide range of individuals in government, private sector, and civil society.

About the Organization

AGRA works to achieve a food secure and prosperous Africa through the promotion of rapid, sustainable agricultural growth based on smallholder farmers. Smallholders--the majority women--produce most of Africa's food, and do so with minimal resources and little government support. AGRA aims to ensure that smallholders have what they need to succeed: good seeds and healthy soils; access to markets, information, financing, storage and transport; and policies that provide them with comprehensive support. Through developing Africa's high-potential breadbasket areas, while also boosting farm productivity across more challenging environments, AGRA works to transform smallholder agriculture into a highly productive, efficient, sustainable and competitive system, and do so while protecting the environment.