1.Background
The Semi-Arid Food Grains Research and Development (SAFGRAD) is one of the Specialized Technical Offices of the African Union Commission under its Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment. In Maputo 2003 , The mandate of AU-SAFGRAD was to contribute to the achievement of agricultural research, technology transfer and marketing as well as the management of natural resources by facilitating and coordinating the use of the scientific talents of National Agriculture Research Centers(NARCs) , International Agriculture Research Centers(IARCs) and Scientific Research Organizations (SROs) to enhance food security , promote sustainable agriculture , development of irrigation agriculture both in rural and urban areas of the semi-arid zones of Africa.
The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) has been a pivotal framework for transforming agriculture across Africa since its inception in 2003 with the Maputo Declaration. In the Maputo declaration, African Heads of State and Government committed to allocate at least 10% of public expenditure to agriculture to achieve a 6% annual growth rate in agricultural gross domestic product (GDP). The 2014 Malabo CAADP Declaration reinforced these commitments and added more ambitious goals and targets to be achieved by 2025, including eradicating hunger, halving poverty, tripling intra-African agricultural trade and building resilience. However, progress has been insufficient, as revealed by the 4th CAADP biennial review report that was presented to the AU Assembly in February 2024. The Heads of State and Government acknowledged that the continent is not on track to meet the Malabo goals and targets by 2025, underscoring the urgency to develop a post-Malabo CAADP agenda (Kampala CAADP declaration and strategy) focused on building resilient, inclusive and sustainable agri-food systems over the next CAADP decade (2026-2035).
The CAADP Kampala strategy recognizes Agricultural Research and Technology transfer as a cross-cutting driver for enhancing productivity, food and nutrition security, sustainability, inclusion and economic resilience.
Robust agricultural research systems and emerging technologies play a vital role in transforming Africa’s agri-food systems to boost productivity, improve nutrition and diets, increase incomes and create jobs through value addition, enhance sustainability and build resilience. Promoting the use of existing and new technologies, including mechanization, innovative water management, digital agriculture, artificial intelligence, and climate-smart agriculture, is essential for driving transformation in line with the CAADP Kampala agenda. The Kampala Declaration emphasizes transforming African agriculture through science, innovation, and partnerships.
In view of the above, AU-SAFGRAD invites applicants to apply for a consultancy service to develop an action Plan for: From Commitment to Action: Delivering the Kampala Strategy for Agricultural R&D in Africa.
2.Educational Qualifications and work Experience
The consultant must possess the following:
- At least a Master level university degree in a field related to agricultural Programme Planning, Research and Development, or other relevant discipline
- At least 10 years’ relevant work experience in strategic planning and development with an international experiences.
- Excellent and proven analytical skills
- Excellent and proven English/French writing skills
- Relevant experience in related or similar assignments
- Excellent organizational and communication skills, ability to prioritize and work with minimum supervision
- Good Understanding of the continental and international development agendas which include the agenda 2063 of the African Union Commission, the CAADP Kampala Agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be used as reference documents.
3-Objectives of the Consultancy: The consultant will:
– Draft a comprehensive Action Plan outlining key priorities, outcomes, and implementation pathways for agricultural research, extension, and education at national, regional, and continental levels.
– Propose institutional and operational frameworks for implementing and monitoring R&D components of the CAADP Kampala Strategy.
– Identify approaches for effective resource mobilization, public-private partnerships, and engagement with policy actors.
4-Scope of Work:
– Review background materials including the CAADP Kampala Strategy, workshop outputs, and partner documents.
– Situational analysis of R&D in Africa….
– Consult with AU-SAFGRAD, AUC, regional research organizations (such as CGIAR institutions, FARA and its SROs) and other relevant institutions and stakeholders.
– Translate workshop outcomes and thematic deliberations into a structured action plan.
– Define targets, milestones, responsibilities, and performance indicators.
– Recommend institutional collaboration modalities and M&E mechanisms.
– Suggest pathways for resource mobilization, financing instruments, and donor engagement.
– Deliver draft and final Action Plan with presentation materials.
– Facilitate and moderate the organization of the workshop
5-Expected Deliverables:
– Inception Report – Detailing methodology, timelines, and stakeholder engagement approach.
– Draft Action Plan – Covering:
– Priority R&D areas (2026–2035)
– Institutional arrangements
– Implementation and M&E framework Resource mobilization strategies
– Final Action Plan – Incorporating stakeholder feedback.
– Presentation deck for validation workshop (Subject to fund availability).
A well-written document addressing all the various tasks listed above in a logical sequence determined by the consultants. The document shall be submitted in appropriate software and appropriate hard copy.
6.Completion Date
The activities under this TOR, with the exception of presentation at the experts’ workshop and review, shall be completed within 8 weeks starting from the date of the signatures affixed to the letter of contract (The inception report including the methodology should be submitted within one week starting from the date of the signatures affixed to the letter of contract and the draft report should be submitted after 4weeks from the inception report). The final report must be submitted to the coordinator of AU-SAFGRAD electronically (ElMekassA@africa-union.org) within three weeks after the experts’ workshop is held if any. A hard copy shall be sent to AU-SAFGRAD 01 BP 1783 Ouagadougou 01 Burkina Faso. Tel: 226 25306071, Fax: 226 25311586.
- Remuneration
- The Consultant will be paid an honorarium of (USD Nine thousand) only). The payment will be carried out in three installments as follows: 30% after submission of the inception report and approved by the Coordinator of AU-SAFGRAD, 40% after submission the draft report and Approved by the Coordinator of AU-SAFGRAD and 30% after submission of the final Report and approved by the Coordinator of AU-SAFGRAD. AU-SAFGRAD will also pay for any mission or meeting (economy ticket and DSA) that may be needed and authorized by AU- SAFGRAD.
- Application
Qualified Consultants are invited to show interest and send their CVs at least on 7 May 2025 by getting in touch with AU SAFGRAD Office at the following address:
261, Rue de la culture BP 1783, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
E-mail: SayahE@africa-union.org Tel: +22625306071
If delivered by courier, the envelope must be clearly marked with the title of the assignment.
Only shortlisted consultants will be contacted. Download the ToR below: