CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land & Irrigation Sri Lanka (MoALLI), along with World Agroforestry (ICRAF), is implementing the project titled "Strengthening Climate Resilience for Subsistence Farmers and Agricultural Plantation Communities Residing in the Vulnerable River Basins, Watershed Areas and Downstream of the Knuckles Mountain Range Catchment of Sri Lanka." The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is the principal donor of this project, with a total budget of USD 49 million over six years.
Rice is the staple food of Sri Lanka, with an average annual per capita consumption of 114 kilograms. The country produces approximately 3.4 million metric tons of milled rice annually, cultivated by over 1 million smallholder farmers predominantly in the dry zone. The Knuckles Mountain Range serves as a critical water tower for Sri Lanka's agricultural heartland, supporting extensive rice cultivation in both upstream watershed areas (Matale, Kandy) and downstream regions (Kurunegala, Anuradhapura). Sri Lanka possesses over 400 rice varieties with exceptional nutrition (low GI
This assignment develops transformative rice value chains while addressing Sri Lanka's unique challenges: climate vulnerability, production constraints, minimal value addition, pricing instability, and untapped export potential with the following scopes.
Output: Minimum 5 selected traditional/improved rice varieties with comprehensive business models covering all 8 objectives. This includes a minimum of 6 workable business models that promote rice intensification in both upstream and downstream of the Knuckles project area, covering the above scopes.
8 WORKING PACKAGES (14 weeks):
WP1 (Weeks 1-4): Value Chain Assessment - Production inventory, traditional variety nutritional profiling, precision ag readiness, complete value chain mapping under different contexts in up & down stream of Knuckles, post-harvest loss assessment
WP2 (Weeks 3-6): Market Analysis & Export - Domestic segmentation, international export markets (EU/USA/Japan/Middle East), competitive analysis, pricing mechanisms, certification requirements, brand strategy, multi-stakeholder validation workshop selecting 3-4 varieties/approaches
WP3 (Weeks 5-8): Value Addition & Processing - Product portfolio development across 15+ categories: rice flour (bread, noodles, pasta, crackers), rice starch/derivatives, rice bran products (oil, protein, fiber), ready-to-eat products, functional foods, fermented products. Processing technology roadmaps, equipment specifications, quality control protocols.
WP4 (Weeks 5-9): [LR1] Climate-Smart & Precision Nutrient Management - AWD/SRI protocols, Site-Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM), decision support tools (Nutrient Expert, Rice Crop Manager), soil spectroscopy for instant analysis, SPAD meters/Leaf Color Charts[LR2] , organic certification pathways, carbon footprint assessment
WP5 (Weeks 7-10): Export Market Development - Market entry strategies per region, brand identity creation, GI protection application, export procedures/regulations, competitive positioning vs Thai/Vietnamese/Indian rice, 30-100% price premium strategies
WP6 (Weeks 8-11): Business Models - 5 scales (individual, group, cooperative, small enterprise, medium enterprise), financial modeling, climate finance (carbon credits, PES), social impact assessment, investment packages
WP7 (Weeks 9-12): Pricing & Market Stabilization - Current pricing issue analysis, fair price formulas, quality-based premiums, collective marketing, contract farming, storage strategies, price information systems
WP8 (Weeks 11-14): Implementation & Scaling - Phased roadmap, training programs, partnership frameworks, M&E systems, policy recommendations, scaling strategies
All WPs customized for each of the minimum 5 selected varieties with a minimum of 6 workable business models that promote rice intensification in both upstream and downstream of the Knuckles project area
