Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) - Inclusive Value Chain & Markets Consultant to Support on Scoping Study on Potential for development of Pro-Poor Value Chain for Coffee in Northern Central Highland of Vietnam.

The primary objective of this assignment is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the coffee value chain, focusing on both Arabica and Robusta varieties, within the program’s area of focus in the Northern Central Highlands of Vietnam. This includes an in-depth analysis of the coffee sector in the project districts, specifically Kon Tum province, with a focus on Dak Glei and Sa Thay districts.

The assignment will involve identifying key bottlenecks and strategic opportunities within the coffee value chain, offering a clear roadmap for addressing these challenges through targeted project interventions. These interventions will aim to enhance productivity, strengthen market linkages, and improve the overall performance and sustainability of the coffee sector.

By providing actionable insights and evidence-based recommendations, the value chain analysis will contribute to increasing income and improving livelihoods for local communities. The findings will support future program design and guide investments in sustainable coffee production, ensuring alignment with both economic development goals and landscape conservation objectives.

The specific objectives and tasks of consultant are as follows:  

Assessment of Coffee Production (Arabica and Robusta)

The consultant will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current status of coffee production - both Arabica and Robusta - within the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund Project areas in Dak Glei and Sa Thay districts. The analysis should cover the following components:

• Production and Processing Analysis: Examine each stage of the coffee production process, from cultivation through to processing. Identify key bottlenecks, challenges, and opportunities across the stage.

  • Cultivation Areas: Identify the specific types of coffee (Arabica and Robusta) grown in each project district and commune.

  • Yield Levels: Quantify the total area under cultivation and provide data on production volumes and yields.

  • Farming Practices and Inputs: Assess current agricultural practices, with particular attention to the integration of agroforestry systems and adherence to best practices in coffee cultivation and harvesting. Evaluate input use (e.g. fertilizers, irrigation, pest and disease management) and assess overall production efficiency and sustainability.

• Climate Risk Analysis: Conduct a climate risk assessment using available climate model projections, supplemented by field interviews. Identify vulnerabilities in coffee production due to climate variability and recommend priority adaptation measures.

• Socioeconomic Role of Coffee: Evaluate the economic significance of coffee within local communities, including its contribution to household income, cost/benefit analysis and employment generation.

• Gender Analysis: Assess gender roles and dynamics in coffee production and harvesting, including household-level decision-making on the sale of coffee and the use of proceeds. Identify gender-based constraints and opportunities for equitable participation.

Analysis of the Current Coffee Marketing System

The consultant will be required to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the existing coffee marketing system within the project area and adjacent regions, with a particular focus on the following dimensions:

• Market Trends and Demand: Identify potential markets for higher-value coffee products, both domestically and internationally. This should include identification of concrete local buyers and their preferences, niche markets, and areas of unmet demand.

• Market Actors and Linkages: Map the key stakeholders involved in the marketing chain in Kon Tum or main buying area, including traders, processors, cooperatives, exporters, and retailers. Assess the nature of relationships among these actors, pricing mechanisms used, and the efficiency and inclusiveness of distribution channels.

• Business and Policy Environment: Review the regulatory and policy framework in Kon Tum influencing coffee marketing and existing sustainability policies of companies. Identify relevant provincial legislation, taxation policies, and the availability and role of support services such as financial institutions, extension services, and input suppliers.

Recommendations for Practical Interventions

Based on the findings of the analysis, the consultant will be expected to propose a set of actionable and context-appropriate interventions to:

• Recommendations for Sustainable Production: Based on the findings, propose practical and affordable strategies to enhance sustainable coffee production. These may include technical, social, organizational, and financial interventions that are relevant to the local context and aligned with market demand.

• Enhance Market Linkages and Improve Pricing for Local Producers: Identify strategies to strengthen connections between producers and buyers, improve price transparency, and support collective marketing approaches that increase bargaining power and profitability for smallholder farmers.

• Strengthen Competitiveness in Existing and Emerging Markets: Recommend measures to improve product quality, certification, branding, and market positioning, enabling local coffee producers to compete more effectively in both domestic and export markets.

• Promote Inclusive and Gender-Responsive Market Opportunities: Identify gaps in market participation among women and marginalized groups and propose targeted interventions to enhance their engagement and benefit-sharing across the value chain. This may include support for women-led enterprises, capacity building, and the development of inclusive business models.​​​​

Expected Outputs/Deliverables:

The consultant will be responsible for delivering the following outputs, subject to review and approval by SNV:

1. Study plan: A detailed study plan outlining the proposed methodology and research instruments, to be submitted and approved by SNV prior to the commencement of fieldwork.

2. Report: A comprehensive report on the coffee commodity value chain, analyzing both backward and forward linkages. The report should include margin analysis for all actors involved in the value chain, and provide clear, actionable recommendations. These should identify key bottlenecks, opportunities, and leverage points where SNV can intervene to promote sustainable production and maximize returns for producers.

Timeframe:

The assignment is expected to commence from May and be completed by 30 June 2025.

The precise timeline for each deliverable will be finalized in consultation with SNV, based on the consultant’s proposed workplan. The overall duration of the assignment will fall within the period from May to 30 June 2025.