Hiring of an Individual Consultant to Conduct Sheep Value Chain Study under EU-funded livestock project

1. Introduction

The Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) is the premier institution leading community-driven development in Pakistan. Established as a not-for-profit company in February 1997 under Section 42 of the Companies Ordinance 1984 (now the Companies Act 2017), PPAF is dedicated to enhancing the lives of the impoverished and fostering a more equitable and prosperous nation. Operating across 150 districts in all four provinces and regions, PPAF supports communities by improving infrastructure, energy, health, education, livelihoods, and financial access, while also enhancing resilience to disasters. It focuses on the most vulnerable and marginalized rural households, offering a wide range of financial and non-financial services. PPAF is committed to embedding its core values of social inclusion, participation, accountability, transparency, and stewardship into all its processes and programs.

For more information, please visit: http://www.ppaf.org.pk

2. About the Programme

The programme aims to empower communities, particularly women, by organising them into livestock producer groups for collective production and the establishment of community-led livestock markets. It also seeks to support women and youth-led micro, small, and medium enterprises in developing value chains for sheep, goats, and poultry.

The programme will be implemented across 120 union councils in six (6) flood-affected districts of Balochistan: Loralai, Pishin, Zhob, Lasbela, Khuzdar and Jaffarabad.

Programme Objectives

• Contribute to post-2022 floods climate-resilient socioeconomic recovery in the poorest districts of Balochistan.
• Improve value chains and market linkages in agriculture and livestock sectors.

Expected Results

• Strengthened capacities of target groups in value addition and compliance with food safety and sustainability standards.
• Increased livestock assets of target women and men farmers/entrepreneurs.
• Enhanced access to finance for value addition of livestock and livestock products.

3. Rationale for the Hiring of the Consultant

The sheep value chain remains underdeveloped and fragmented. A comprehensive study is needed to analyze its structure, identify challenges, and explore opportunities for value addition and market integration.

This study will build on previous work done under the EU-GRASP programme on goat and poultry value chains, and will support gender-inclusive and evidence-based livestock sector development.

4. Assignment Objectives

• Map the sheep value chain, including all actors and activities.
• Identify bottlenecks and opportunities for upgrading and enterprise development.
• Recommend targeted interventions to improve productivity, profitability, and sustainability.
• Align with previous goat and poultry value chain studies to inform a holistic livestock strategy.

5. Scope of Work

Literature and Context Review

• Desk review of studies, livestock policies, GRASP goat and poultry assessments, and relevant reports.

Field-Based Research and Stakeholder Engagement

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research across six districts.
• Engage with farmers (men and women), traders, processors, suppliers, and government departments.

Gender and Youth Inclusion Analysis

• Analyze participation and constraints faced by women and youth.
• Identify enablers for their inclusion and benefit-sharing.

Market Linkages and Business Development

• Assess market trends, pricing, and potential for product differentiation (e.g., meat, wool, hides).
• Identify opportunities for producer-market partnerships and access to finance.

Value Chain Upgrading and Recommendations

• Propose evidence-based strategies for improving productivity and income generation.
• Align recommendations with GRASP programme objectives and other livestock value chain findings.

6. Key Documents to Be Shared by PPAF

PPAF will share the project proposal, logframe, workplan, and relevant documentation to support the study.

7. Qualifications and Competencies Required

• Advanced degree in Agricultural Economics, Livestock Sciences, Rural Development, or related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in livestock value chain assessments.
• In-depth knowledge of livestock systems and socio-economic context in Balochistan.
• Proven experience working with women-led and community-based enterprises.
• Strong analytical and report writing skills; fluency in English required. Familiarity with Urdu/local languages is a plus.

8. Duration of Consultancy

30 workdays, to be completed within two months.

9. Selection Method

The individual consultant will be selected as per PPAF’s procurement rules and guidelines.

10. Ethical Considerations

The consultant must provide minutes of key consultation meetings and the final study report. PPAF will retain ownership of all data and information collected. No part of this data may be quoted or published without written permission from PPAF’s senior management.