SNV : Consultant for Feasibility Study in Sambas

Terms of Reference

Feasibility Study of Factors of Deforestation and Commodities’ Management in Sambas District, West Kalimantan

 

SNV is a not-for-profit international development organization. Founded in the Netherlands nearly 50 years ago, we have built a long-term, local presence in 38 of the poorest countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Our global team of local and international advisors work with local partners to equip communities, businesses and organizations with the tools, knowledge and connections they need to increase their incomes and gain access to basic services – empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and guide their own development.

SNV works in partnership with Government and industry across three main sectors in Indonesia, water and sanitation, renewable energy and agriculture as well as the cross-cutting issue of climate change. This position will be part of our Commodities and Climate Change team.

 

Background

The debate concerning sustainability of agriculture production is on-going, as problems with deforestation, loss of biodiversity and social issues are still associated with commodity cultivation and expansion, such as rubber, oil palm, cocoa and many more. It is also evident that low production is the main driver of agriculture encroachment into the forest. Thus, improving yields is a one of key aspects of sustainability, as higher yields per hectare improve land use efficiency and decrease the need for expansion into pristine natural areas to meet demands.

SNV has set an objective to develop guidance on Better Management Practices (BMP) for smallholders and develop a training program to assist farmers implementing improved management and increasing production while mitigating the environmental impact. Better Management Practices Training material will be complemented with the cooperative/ institutional development, environmental awareness/improved forest management, optimizing use of waste streams.

The study is to provide a backdrop for SNV on causes of deforestation and the current practices of commodities caused deforestation in the area. The information is important in order to prepare tools and identify the most relevant locations to develop an inclusive business model for selected sectors/commodities, basically enabling companies to include producers in the supply chain and providing extension services, which will lead to increased production while developing an improved relationship and loyalty.

Included in the project interventions will be methods for reducing environmental impact and promote sustainable selected commodities production with a focus on reducing the impact on forests areas and reducing greenhouse gasses emission. This will be carried out in partnership with local government, smallholder farmers, industry and other stakeholders in the area of sustainable production.

Sambas District has been considered by SNV for a potential project, targeting agriculture commodities i.e. rubber, oil palm and cocoa. In 2012, the total forested area in Sambas District was 193.375 hectares, where 58.32% of the total area comprises of production forest, 11.62% of protected forest, 13.23% of tourism forest, 5.27% of limited production forest, 7.49% of conversion forest and 4.07% of protected mangrove forest. However, in 2013 the total forested area shrank to 167,323 hectares.

 

On the other hand, the number of agriculture areas has increased from 102,634 ha in 2008 to 155,506 ha in 2013. Rubber, Oil Palm and Coconut are among the three commodities contribute to that number. Palm oil plantation has a total area of about 73.8K hectares with a total production of 41.5K tons. Rubber plantation is about 53.4K hectares with a total production of about 17.03K tons, while coconut plantation has a total area of 22.6K hectares with a total production of 13.7K tons.

 

In order to develop a project, a feasibility study in the target area is a necessity. SNV is currently looking for consultant(s) to support this feasibility study. The consultant(s) will work with the Team Leader Commodities and Climate Change to perform a short site assessment survey in Sambas, West Kalimantan.

 

 

Objective

The objective of the feasibility study in Sambas District is to identify the target areas for pilots and to recommend interventions that could be introduced to the selected commodities considering the impact on forests and green house has emissions. The results of the social and economic assessment should identify the problems or constraints with replanting or intensification, and enabling conditions needed to implement the related technologies, in this case, the better management practices (BMP).

 

Scope of Work

1.    Identify the rate of deforestation and its underlying cause at the district level using spatial analysis approach. This includes the identification of commodities that are having the most impact on deforestation and greenhouse gasses emission.

2.    Identify suitable sites for intervention on increased production and reducing environmental impact. For each the selected sites assess:

• Demographic information (number of farmers, household information, livelihood, etc)
• Agronomical aspects of commodities (varieties, etc)
• Productivity and sustainability of selected commodities
• Production cycle of selected commodities
• Economic value of selected commodities (income, etc)
• Environmental condition
• Current projects being implemented in the area and the associated organizations, including success stories, factors contributing to success, as well as any unsuccessful project
• Relevant spatial data (on distribution of farms, forest, conservation values).

3.    Create a list of sites in in the target areas based on opportunities for increasing production and proximity to forest areas and review findings with SNV to decide on potential sites.

4.    Identify NGOs, business actors and other active stakeholders in the selected commodities/sectors, as well as recommend potential partner organizations for implementation of trainings on increased production and reducing environmental impact.

5.    Identify major challenges faced by producers and industry in these areas of the selected commodities. Explain SNV Better Management Practice tool and Inclusive Business model to measure interest in cooperation.

6.    Prepare a final report with recommendations of best sites and best strategies for project implementation.

 

Required Skills:

1.    University degree with relevant background in forestry and agriculture, social, economy, or development study.

2.    Good understanding and knowledge on agriculture, forestry and climate change issues in Indonesia

3.    Good communication and relationship with local and national governments, private sectors, as well as association/NGOs in the relevant sectors. 

4.    Experienced in conducting research in Indonesia

5.    Excellent communication and writing skills

6.    Fluent English and Indonesian

How to apply?

Please send your application letter describing how you meet the candidate profile and CV, with “Consultant for Feasibility Study in Sambas” in the subject to nekaputrie@snvworld.org by 01 December 2014.

 

For more information on SNV please refer to our website: www.snvworld.org