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Introduction

Name of Service: Consultancy to conduct baseline research, laboratory analysis and participatory research methodologies in selected pilot sites

Country: Laos

Contract Period: 7 months.

Background:

The UNDP/GEF “Financing Agrochemical Reduction and Management in Lao PDR” project, implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DOA) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry with UNDP support, aims to reduce the use of harmful agrochemicals by incentivizing farmers to adopt sustainable crop management practices, improving access to low/non- chemical pest control alternatives, and improving access to financing environmentally sound management of hazardous pesticides and agricultural wastes including plastics in Lao PDR. The project is structured in four components and the following main outcomes:

·         Regulatory frameworks enhanced for sound agricultural chemicals management, agrochemical waste identified, and use of harmful agrochemicals reduced.

·         Investment /Financial frameworks incentivized.

·         Innovative and safer alternatives and sustainable agricultural practices piloted aiming to improve income and unlock access to finance for ultimate reduction of demand for agrochemicals.

·         Information & KM platforms developed to catalyse evidence-based decision-making scale-up.

·         Monitoring and Evaluation tools and products delivered throughout project´s lifecycle.

The project will provide Global Environmental Benefits^[1] in terms of reducing and eliminating of 450 of MT POPs/candidate POPs pesticides and 1,500 MT of HHP; 564 MT GHG and 31.3 gTEq of emissions from agricultural activity, benefiting 6.9 million inhabitants of the country.

The project intends to pilot sustainable agricultural practices, to achieve the objective, detailed baseline data collection and participatory research methodologies will be required in 5- selected pilot sites. The project will also undertake laboratory testing and monitoring in selected sites and crops, develop technical guidance on participatory research and action methodologies, and the design and implementation of monitoring plans. The project targets the 5- selected sites in Kham (maize) in Xiengkhouang Province, Viengphoukha (watermelon) in Luang Namtha Province, Houn (maize) and (Xay beans) in Oudomxay Province and Hadsayphong (vegetables) in Vientiane Capital. The sites represent significant agricultural zones critical for both domestic consumption and export markets. The project seeks to demonstrate how adopting agroecological practices can increase farmer incomes, enhance product quality and marketability, and substantially reduce dependence on harmful agrochemicals.

Central to the intervention effort is the participatory approach, placing local farmers and producer groups at the heart of transition processes. Empowering the target actors through tailored research, action-based learning, and inclusive planning, the project aims to build sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. The approach encourages collaborative problem-solving and community-driven innovation, ensuring long-term sustainability of practices and economic growth. Furthermore, the project addresses environmental concerns related to pesticide and plastic waste management by implementing proactive measures, training, and community engagement strategies that mitigate risks and enhance ecosystem health. Ultimately, the interventions will contribute to improved agricultural productivity and profitability in Lao PDR

Objective:

The consultancy firm will conduct baseline assessments involving field and laboratory analyses for selected pilot  sites and targeted crops, provide  technical guidance in designing and applying participatory research and action methodologies across 5 pilot sites, and establish structured monitoring plans to ensure continuous evaluation and assessment throughout the project implementation. The expected outputs include the submission of an inception report detailing the consultancy's approach, work plan, and preliminary findings; a baseline assessment report capturing laboratory analysis results, local conditions, agricultural practices, community perceptions, and stakeholder agreements; completed participatory action plans outlining planned activities; comprehensive training and capacity-building reports; and a final consultancy report documenting implementation, progress achieved, key results, and recommendations for sustainability and potential upscaling.

Scope of Work

The selected firm will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Stakeholder engagement

·         Facilitate consultations and formalize written agreements clearly outlining roles, responsibilities, and commitments of local government authorities, financial institutions (micro finance associations), national universities, regional vocational schools, agricultural technical working groups, community-based organizations and other relevant stakeholders.

·         Ensure active stakeholder participation and ownership throughout the project implementation.

2. Initial diagnosis and participatory observation

·         Conduct detailed baseline surveys and assessments including lab testing and environmental analysis, to understand the existing agroecological potential, economic dynamics, cultural contexts, local perception of agricultural practices and social structures in each pilot sites.

·         Assess and document existing agricultural practices particularly pesticide usage and plastic waste management practices such as disposal of containers, mulch films and others.

·         Implement systematic sampling and rigorous laboratory testing of soil, water, and crop samples from each selected pilot site to quantify pesticide residues, agrochemical contaminants, and environmental impacts.

·         Establish formal participatory environment and mechanisms for continuous stakeholder engagement, feedback, and monitoring of progress.

3. Participatory Research

• Develop and implement participatory research approaches training programs focused on integrated pest management techniques, organic farming, pesticide risk management, beneficial organism identification, precision agriculture technologies, and effective decision-making processes based on cost-benefit analysis ensuring community buy-in and practical feasibility.
• Conduct participatory diagnostics to identify, prioritize, and develop actionable plans addressing local agricultural challenges, including environmental, economic, and waste management issues.
• Facilitate farmer-led innovation to explore alternatives to hazardous chemicals and improve plastic waste management.

4.  Participatory Action Implementation

• Implement action plans collaboratively developed with stakeholders, structured with clearly defined roles of the various groups.
• Establish and nurture community networks to promote collaboration among farmers, local authorities, technical experts and agribusiness actors, enhancing long-term sustainability.
• Implement tailored dissemination and outreach activities to raise awareness, drive behavior change, and strengthen market linkages for targeted agricultural produce.

5. Monitoring, Assessment, and Dissemination

• Design and implement a monitoring framework with defined indicators to monitor progress and track the impacts of the initiatives.

·         Compile findings and experiences into detailed reports, including practical recommendations for scaling-up and replicability.

• Organize dissemination events in stakeholder forums and virtual platforms such as virtual meetings and social media  to share insights and promote uptake among stakeholders and beneficiaries.
• Conduct regular  monitoring activities to track progress, impacts, and effectiveness of implemented practices, and provide regular progress reports with recommendations for adaptive management.

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UNDP Laos

PROCUREMENT UNIT

Documents :

Negotiation Document(s) (Before Accessing other negotiations Document(s), please click on this link)