INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE (IITA)

TECHNOLOGIES FOR AFRICAN AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION (TAAT) PHASE II/ ADDENDUM GERMANY FUND

TAAT PROGRAM MANAGEMENT UNIT (PMU)

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

CONSULTANCY SERVICES

SECTOR: Agriculture

CONSULTANCY SERVICES:  DEVELOPMENT OF DIGITAL AGRICULTURE

TAAT II:

Financing Agreement reference: 5900155019276

Project ID. P-Z1-AA0-139 

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This request for expression of interest (REOI) follows the General Procurement Notice for this Project that appeared on the African Development Bank Group’s Internet Website(www.afdb.org) 12th August 2022.

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is implementing the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) Program phase II, financed through a grant from the African Development Bank as administrators of funds under the Transition Support Facility. IITA intends to apply part of the proceeds of the grant to facilitate payment for Development of Digital Agriculture Consultancy Services.

The consulting firm is expected to carry out the assignment in accordance with the Terms of Reference specified in Appendix 1 below. Among others, the consultant is expected to: conduct literature reviews and country digital readiness assessments, prepare profiles that include recommendations for countries for digital extension and advisory services and the appropriate investment in digital agriculture; conduct landscaping of success national Digital Agricultural Technology solutions that are relevant in the African context; Provide technical support to national governments in conducting surveys on priority digital needs and barriers.

Appendix 1: Terms of Reference (TOR)

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR DEVELOPMENT OF DIGITAL AGRICULTURE

TAAT II:

Project Code: P-Z1-AA0-139 

Instrument number (s): 5900155019276

Sector: Agriculture

1. Background

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa, the institute works to improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity. IITA is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food-secure future. Please visit https://www.iita.org for more information about IITA.

Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) is a flagship program of the Feed Africa Strategy, which aims to put proven agricultural technologies in the hands of millions of farmers. TAAT targets 11 agricultural value chains (maize, wheat, rice, sorghum and millet, beans, soybean, vegetables, cassava, orange sweet potatoes, livestock and aquaculture) and 6 enablers (capacity building and technology outreach, soil fertility, water management, enable youth, fall armyworm and policy). TAAT is executed by IITA and implemented in partnership with other centres of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and Advanced Agricultural Research Institutes of specialization. Each of the value chains and enablers networking with National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NARES), Ministries of Agriculture, the private sector and farmer organizations, constitutes a “Compact”.  The African Development Bank (AfDB) and development partners such as the Gates Foundation (BMGF) provide support to TAAT. Within the TAAT ecosystem, the Clearinghouse (CH) facilitates the inclusion of TAAT technologies in country agricultural development projects and provides technical assistance to these projects.

1. Scope of the Service Provider

The CH plans to provide technical assistance to African Governments that are prioritizing investments in the development of Digital Agricultural Extension and advisory services through a consulting firm  The technical assistance will include helping Ministries of Agriculture to conduct digital readiness assessments and  develop national roadmaps for the digitalization of the agricultural sector especially in the area in digital extension, holding dialogue with decision-makers focusing on governments' role in coordinating investments in digital agriculture data infrastructure and creating an enabling environment for private service providers and investors to participate in digital extension and digital agriculture.  CH intends to support governments in leveraging digitalization to strengthen extension and advisory service provision. 

The TAAT Clearinghouse wishes to contract a consulting firm who will reinforce CH’s technical assistance to countries in the design and implementation of digital extension and advisory solutions. 

The consulting firm musthave experience with Digital Agriculture Technology solutions that are emerging on the African continent such as:

●      Digital Agricultural Extension Services that provide smallholder farmers with advisory messages across crop, livestock, and fisheries value chains, including information on recommended agricultural practices, input use (including type, quantity, and timing), innovative climate-smart technologies, pest and disease outbreaks as well as market and price information and other useful information drawing on innovative agricultural research from CGIAR and other research institutes, with the goal of improving farmers’ agricultural production, profits, and climate resilience.

●      Weather and Climate Advisory Services that enable farmers to receive digital messages containing real-time information on weather realization, weather and climate forecasts across short, medium, and long-range time scales, and advice on how to adapt farming practices based on this dynamic weather information, aimed at improving farmers’ decision-making across a wide range of farming practices that are affected by the weather, improving farmers’ agricultural production, profits, and climate resilience, and helping farmers reduce catastrophic crop loss associated with weather shocks such as flood, drought, and extreme temperatures, particularly heat..

●      e-Registries include national registries for farmers, input dealers, service providers (e.g. veterinary services, artificial insemination, mechanization, etc.), cooperatives, off-takers and other agricultural stakeholders across a wide range of crops, livestock and fishery value chains.

●      e-Platforms that facilitate the distribution of agricultural inputs from different suppliers to agro-dealers and farmers, including government-subsidized agricultural inputs and facilitate traceability of sources and quality of these agro-inputs.  The latter should include the private sector participating in a market environment.  Such platforms may integrate mobile money or e-wallet features, market access, market information and mechanization services.  The e-platforms should be accessible and interactive with service providers via mobile applications, the web, and simple mobile channels such as voice, SMS, and USSD for feature phones to reach farmers that do not have access to the internet. 

●      Digital Financial Services include platforms that support accessing and payments for agro-inputs using e-wallets or mobile money, as well as other financial services such as loans for agricultural inputs and insurance to protect farmers against loss associated with weather and climate shocks or other risks. This should be integrated into the e-platform and enable farmers to redeem inputs at any registered agro-dealer. Financial institutions should be able to offer credit and other services to farmers through this platform.

1. Objectives of the Consultancy

The consulting firm will provide digital advisory services to the CH, TAAT Compacts and AfDB teams, as well as regional and national governments in topics related to Digital Agriculture.

The consulting firm is expected to:

            i.                  Conduct a literature review of digital agricultural extension and advisory services and develop a standardized digital readiness assessment framework. Apply the framework to produce digital readiness profiles for priority countries, including recommendations on investments in digital extension and advisory services.

           ii.                  Conduct a desk-based landscaping of successful national Digital Agricultural Technology solutions that are relevant in the African context, with a focus on digital extension, e-farmer registries, and ICT-based input delivery platforms

         iii.                  Provide technical support to national governments in conducting surveys on priority digital needs and barriers, including the development of a standardized survey methodology and tools.

         iv.                  Lead CH engagement with national governments and AfDB teams and integrate successful Digital Agricultural Technology solutions in the design of large-scale agricultural investment projects funded by AfDB and other International Financial institutions (IFIs).

           v.                  Offer technical guidance to governments (including States) to develop Digital Agriculture Roadmaps for the digitalization of the agricultural sector, especially focusing on digital agricultural extension and advisory services and agri-input distribution.

         vi.                  Provide technical inputs to recommendations on policy actions to foster an enabling environment for Digital Agriculture, through a cross-cutting policy guidance note and context-specific inputs for up to 2 countries where CH is actively engaged, with a specific focus on digital agricultural extension and advisory services

        vii.                  Develop a digital extension application toolkit for CH country engagement.

      viii.                  Work closely with CH resource mobilization team to raise funds for the

         ix.                  Perform any other related assignments as required by the Head of the Clearinghouse, within the scope of the approved workplan

4. Duration of the Contract and Deliverables

The consulting firm shall offer services to the TAAT Clearinghouse for a period of one (1) year in two phases (as detailed below), which may be renewed subject to satisfactory performance, availability of resources, and extension of the project duration. Project Deliverables shall be phased to allow for progressive country engagement, learning, scaling, and institutionalization of digital agriculture solutions.

Phase 1 Deliverables (Foundation and Design Phase)

During the first six (6) months, the focus shall be on diagnostics, strategic design, and integration of digital agriculture solutions into country programs and investment pipelines.

The Service Provider shall deliver:

1. Inception Report
• Detailed methodology, workplan, timelines, and coordination mechanisms with the TAAT Clearinghouse, TAAT Compacts, AfDB teams, and national governments.
2. Literature Review and Analytical Reports
• Comprehensive review of global and African experiences in digital agricultural extension and advisory services.
• Synthesis report highlighting best practices, lessons learned, and applicability to African contexts.
3. Country Digital Readiness Assessments
• Digital agriculture readiness assessments conducted in selected priority countries.
• Country profiles include institutional, technical, policy, and infrastructure readiness, gaps, and opportunities.
• Clear recommendations on priority investments in digital extension, advisory services, and related digital public infrastructure.
• Stakeholder validation Reports
4. Landscape Analysis of Digital Agriculture Solutions Reports
• Mapping and documentation of successful national and regional Digital Agricultural Technology (DAT) solutions relevant to Africa.
• Identification of scalable solutions suitable for integration into AfDB- and IFI-funded projects.
5. Initial Engagement with Governments and AfDB Teams
• Technical inputs to the design of selected large-scale agricultural investment projects.
• Integration of digital extension and advisory components, ICT-based input delivery etc, into project concept notes and appraisal documents.
6. Policy and Enabling Environment Inputs
• Technical briefs and draft recommendations on policy actions to support digital agriculture, with emphasis on digital extension, e-farmer and other databases, ICT-based input delivery, data governance, and private sector participation.

Phase 2 Deliverables (Implementation, Scaling, and Institutionalization Phase)

During the second six (6) months, the focus shall be on implementation support, scaling, capacity strengthening, and sustainability.

The consulting firm shall deliver:

1. Digital Agriculture Roadmaps
• Support selected national and sub-national governments to develop and validate Digital Agriculture Roadmaps where funding is available.
2. Digital Extension Application Toolkit
• Development of a practical, modular digital extension and advisory toolkit for TAAT Clearinghouse country engagement.
3. Project Design and Implementation Support
• Continued technical support to governments and AfDB/IFI teams during project preparation and early implementation.
• Advisory support on selection and coordination of digital service providers and integration of CGIAR-derived content and technologies.
4. Capacity Strengthening
• Technical guidance and knowledge transfer to government counterparts to strengthen their capacity to manage, oversee, and sustain digital agriculture services.
• Support to transition selected digital agriculture solutions to government ownership where applicable.
5. Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation Inputs
• Technical inputs to the design of monitoring frameworks for digital agriculture interventions.
6. Resource Mobilization Support
• Collaboration with the Clearinghouse resource mobilization team to develop concept notes, proposals, and investment cases for scaling digital agriculture initiatives.
• Engagement with development partners and private sector stakeholders as required.
7. Final Technical Report
• Consolidated report summarizing activities, deliverables, outcomes, lessons learned, and recommendations for future digital agriculture engagement by the TAAT Clearinghouse.

1. Required Experience

The Consulting firm must demonstrate the following experience:

•                 At least 5 years of proven experience in the agriculture, digital extension, and digital agriculture fields, preferably on the African continent,

•                 Experience collaborating with Government, Development Partners, and Private sector decision-makers,

•                 Experience scaling digital agriculture services to smallholder farmers,

•                 Experience transitioning digital agriculture services to Government partners, and building capacity within Government partners to operate and manage these services sustainably,

•                 Experience working with Government and other partners to improve existing digital agriculture services using data-driven and evidence-based approaches,

•                 Experience advising Governments on how to design and optimize their portfolio of digital agriculture services,

•                 Experience evaluating digital agriculture services to measure their impact on farmers’ outcomes,

5. Key Personnel

The consulting firm shall propose a multidisciplinary team with demonstrated expertise in digital agriculture, agricultural extension systems, public-sector engagement, and large-scale program delivery in Africa. The proposed team must collectively cover strategic, technical, policy, and implementation dimensions of digital agricultural extension and advisory services.

At a minimum, the proposed team should include the following key personnel (or equivalent):

a) Team Leader / Digital Agriculture Lead

• Advanced degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, ICT for Development, Information Systems, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of professional experience in digital agriculture, agricultural extension systems, or large-scale agricultural development programs in Africa.
• Proven experience leading multi-country technical assistance assignments involving governments, IFIs, and development partners.
• Demonstrated ability to engage senior government officials and development partners and translate technical solutions into policy and investment frameworks.

b) Digital Extension and Advisory Specialist

• At least 7 years of experience designing, implementing, or scaling digital agricultural extension and advisory services.
• Proven experience integrating agronomy, livestock, fisheries, and climate-smart advisory content into digital platforms.

c) Digital Platforms and Data Systems Specialist

• At least 7 years of experience in digital platforms, data systems, interoperability, and digital public infrastructure (DPI) relevant to agriculture.
• Proven experience with e-registries, e-wallets, digital input distribution platforms, mobile-based services (SMS, USSD, IVR), and integration with private sector service providers.
• Strong understanding of data governance, privacy, and system sustainability in public-sector contexts.

d) Policy and Institutional Development Specialist

• At least 7 years of experience advising governments on agricultural policy, digital transformation, and institutional reform.
• Demonstrated experience developing policy recommendations, regulatory frameworks, and enabling environments for digital agriculture and private sector participation.

e) Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist

• At least 5 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation of digital agriculture or agricultural development interventions.
• Proven experience designing results frameworks and impact assessment methodologies focusing on productivity, income, inclusion, and climate resilience outcomes.

The consulting firm shall ensure continuity of key personnel throughout the assignment. Any proposed changes to key personnel shall be subject to prior approval by the TAAT Clearinghouse.

6. Methodology for Execution

The consulting firm shall propose a clear, coherent, and results-oriented methodology for delivering the assignment effectively over the two-year period. The methodology will be assessed based on its technical soundness, practicality, alignment with TAAT and AfDB processes, and its ability to deliver sustainable outcomes.

The methodology should include, at a minimum, the following elements:

a)      Overall Approach

• A structured, phased approach aligned with the two implementation phases:
  
  
• Clear articulation of how digital agriculture solutions will be tailored to diverse country contexts, levels of digital readiness, and institutional capacities.

b)     Country Engagement and Stakeholder Coordination

• Proposed mechanisms for effective engagement with governments and private sector actors, and farmer organizations.
• Approach for facilitating dialogue with policymakers and decision-makers on digital agriculture investments and reforms.

c) Technical Delivery

• Methodology for conducting digital readiness assessments, surveys, and landscape analyses.
• Approach for identifying, assessing, and integrating scalable Digital Agricultural Technology solutions into AfDB- and IFI-funded investment projects.
• Framework for developing Digital Agriculture Roadmaps and digital extension application toolkits.

d) Capacity Strengthening and Sustainability

• Approach for building government capacity to manage, oversee, and sustain digital extension and advisory services.
• Strategy for institutionalization and transition of selected digital agriculture solutions to government ownership where applicable.

e) Monitoring, Learning, and Adaptive Management

• Proposed monitoring and learning approach to track progress, capture lessons, and adapt interventions over time.
• Methodology for supporting impact assessment and evidence generation to inform decision-making and scaling.

f) Resource Mobilization Support

• Approach for supporting the Clearinghouse in developing concept notes, proposals, and investment cases.
• Strategy for aligning digital agriculture initiatives with donor priorities and private sector participation.

The methodology should demonstrate a strong understanding of African agricultural systems, digital public infrastructure, and the operational realities of working with governments and IFIs, while emphasizing inclusion, scalability, and long-term sustainability.

IITA now invites eligible consulting firms to submit their Expression of Interest (EOI), including their detailed Company information. Such information must indicate the consultants’ qualifications for performing the services and may include brochures, description of assignments of similar nature in the last five (5) years, experience in similar conditions and environment, availability of appropriate managerial and technical skills among staff related to the assignment, etc. Consultants may associate to enhance their qualifications. The assignment shall be for one (1) year.

Eligibility criteria, establishment of the short-list and the selection procedure shall be in accordance with the African Development Bank’s Procurement policy framework, October 2015, which is available on the Bank’s website at https://www.afdb.org/en/projects-and-operations/procurement/new-procurement-policy

Interested consultants may obtain further information at the address below during office hours from 08:00-16:30

Expressions of interest should be delivered to the emails below on or before Monday 11th May 2026 at 16:30 pm. Any proposal received after the closing date shall be rejected.

Attn: Zozo Rachel

Interim TAAT Program Coordinator | Program Management Unit

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, www.iita.org

Headquarters & West Africa Hub

PMB 5320, Oyo Road, Ibadan 200001, Oyo State, Nigeria

International Mailing Address: IITA, Carolyn House, 26 Dingwall Road, Croydon, CR9 3EE, UK

Email: R.Zozo@cgiar.org                         

Copy: m.a.bakare@cgiar.org

Requirements

Benefits