Deadline: 30-Apr-2026
The World Food Programme is seeking expertise to design a Community Agricultural Cooperative model in Salémata, Senegal. The initiative aims to strengthen producer organizations, improve agricultural value chains, and support school feeding systems. It focuses on livelihoods, food security, and sustainable local market development.
Overview
The World Food Programme is inviting experts or consulting firms to support the development of a Community Agricultural Cooperative model in Salémata.
This initiative aims to strengthen local agricultural systems, improve food and nutrition security, and enhance the efficiency of producer organizations.
Key Objectives
The consultancy focuses on:
- Structuring and strengthening producer organizations
- Improving agricultural value chains linked to school feeding
- Enhancing livelihoods and local economic systems
- Promoting community mobilization and social cohesion
- Supporting food and nutrition security for vulnerable populations
Program Context
The initiative is based in Kedougou Region, where ongoing efforts include:
- School canteens supplied by local agricultural products
- Support for vulnerable groups such as:
This consultancy builds on these efforts by creating a more coordinated and efficient agricultural system.
What the Initiative Supports
Strengthening Producer Organizations
The program will support:
- Cooperatives
- Economic Interest Groups (EIGs)
- Informal farmer groups
These will be structured into a unified and efficient system.
Value Chain Development
Focus crops include:
- Cereals
- Legumes
- Onions
- Sweet potatoes
The goal is to strengthen production, processing, and market access for these key commodities.
Community Agricultural Cooperative Model
The proposed cooperative will provide shared services such as:
- Group purchasing and collective sales
- Access to mechanization tools
- Technical advisory and extension services
- Post-harvest processing and storage
- Financial services (credit, insurance)
This model aims to improve productivity, reduce costs, and increase income for smallholder farmers.
Why This Initiative Matters
This initiative addresses key challenges in rural agricultural systems:
- Fragmented producer organizations
- Limited market access
- Low productivity and efficiency
- Weak financial inclusion
By building a cooperative model, it:
- Strengthens local economies
- Supports sustainable school feeding programs
- Improves food security and nutrition
- Enhances resilience of farming communities
Data and Timeline
- Field data collection: May–September 2026
- Data sources include:
- Agricultural system assessments
- School canteen analysis
- Stakeholder mapping
- Value chain studies
This data will inform the design of the cooperative model.
Expected Deliverables
The selected consultant will produce:
1. Organizational Mapping
- Database of stakeholders and producer groups
- Identification of key actors and roles
2. Situation Analysis Report
- Assessment of organizational capacity
- Market and value chain analysis
- Identification of gaps and opportunities
3. Cooperative Model Design
A comprehensive framework covering:
- Governance structure
- Service delivery model
- Financial planning and sustainability
- Legal and institutional setup
- Operational mechanisms
4. Economic and Territorial Strategy
- Economic projections
- Integration into local markets
- Long-term sustainability planning
5. Capacity Building Plan (2–3 Years)
Focus areas include:
- Professionalization of producer groups
- Governance strengthening
- Administrative and financial management
- Commercial development
- Social cohesion and mediation mechanisms
Who is Eligible?
Target Applicants
- Consulting firms
- Agricultural development experts
- NGOs or research organizations
Required Expertise
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Experience in agricultural value chain development
- Knowledge of cooperative models and rural systems
- Expertise in food security and nutrition
- Strong analytical and research capabilities
- Experience working in West Africa (preferred)
How the Consultancy Works
Implementation Process
- Analyze field data and existing systems
- Map stakeholders and producer organizations
- Assess value chains and market dynamics
- Design cooperative model and governance structure
- Develop financial and operational frameworks
- Propose capacity-building and sustainability plan
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Process
- Review terms of reference and requirements
- Prepare a proposal including:
- Organizational profile
- Relevant experience
- Technical approach and methodology
- Demonstrate expertise in:
- Agricultural systems
- Cooperative development
- Value chain analysis
- Submit the proposal through the official WFP channel
What to Emphasize
- Experience with cooperative or farmer group models
- Strong understanding of local agricultural systems
- Ability to design scalable and sustainable solutions
- Experience in stakeholder engagement
- Clear and structured methodology
Tips for a Strong Proposal
- Show practical experience in similar contexts
- Provide clear and realistic implementation plans
- Demonstrate understanding of local challenges
- Include measurable outcomes and indicators
- Highlight multi-sector expertise (agriculture + finance + governance)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic proposals without local context
- Weak understanding of cooperative structures
- Lack of clear methodology or deliverables
- Ignoring social and community dynamics
- Overlooking financial sustainability
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of this consultancy?
To design a Community Agricultural Cooperative model to strengthen local agricultural systems.
2. Who is leading the initiative?
The World Food Programme.
3. Where is the project located?
In Salémata.
4. What value chains are targeted?
Cereals, legumes, onions, and sweet potatoes.
5. What are the main deliverables?
Stakeholder mapping, situation analysis, cooperative model design, and capacity-building plan.
6. What is the timeline?
Data collection runs from May to September 2026, followed by consultancy outputs.
7. Who can apply?
Consulting firms and organizations with expertise in agriculture and cooperative systems.
Conclusion
This initiative by the World Food Programme offers a strategic opportunity to strengthen agricultural systems and food security in Salémata.
By developing a sustainable cooperative model, it aims to empower local producers, improve value chains, and create long-term economic and nutritional benefits for communities.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.