Terms of Reference (TOR) Consultancy
1. CONSULTANCY SUMMARY
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Title: Consultancy to Support Diversification of Malipa Production System in Chiapas Mexico
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Consultancy Type: Consulting services-individual
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Division: CA Mexico Project Office
Duty Station: Home-based and remote
Reporting to: Dr. Roland Schafleitner, Mexico-Country Director
Duration: 15 June 2026 until 15 December 2026
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Expected Deliverables: See Section 7
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2. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
The World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) is an international non-profit research and development organization headquartered in Tainan, Taiwan, dedicated to improving livelihoods, nutrition, and food security through the increased production and consumption of safe, nutritious vegetables. Operating across Asia and Africa, WorldVeg works with governments, research institutions, NGOs, and private-sector partners to develop climate-resilient vegetable varieties, strengthen sustainable production systems, and promote healthier diets and resilient food systems for smallholder farmers and consumers worldwide.
Many smallholder producers in Chiapas rely on traditional milpa production systems based on maize, bean, and squash intercropping (Malipa production system). To improve household nutrition, income generation, and the sustainability of local farming systems, there is a need to support producers in diversifying into complementary horticultural crops and value-added activities. Therefore, this assignment will assess market opportunities for products that could be supplied by milpa producers, develop diversification packages for milpa systems, validate selected diversification options, and provide farmer training in agroecological production and value-added processing.
The results of this assignment will contribute to strengthening the resilience and economic opportunities of smallholder farming households in Chiapas by promoting diversified and market-oriented production systems. The assignment is also expected to support improved nutrition, sustainable land use practices, and enhanced producer capacity in agroecological production and postharvest value addition.
3. OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY AND EXPECTED RESULTS
The objective of the consultancy is to assess market opportunities for products derived from milpa production systems, develop diversification packages for milpa farmers, and pilot one diversification package integrating habanero pepper into milpa production systems. The consultancy will also deliver training to smallholder producers on agroecological production and value-added processing practices in Chiapas.
The expected result is the successful development and validation of diversification strategies and training activities that strengthen producers’ technical capacity, promote diversified and market-oriented production systems, and support improved nutrition, income generation, and sustainability among participating farming households.
4. SCOPE OF WORK AND ACTIVITIES BY THE CONSULTANT
The Consultant will:
- Conduct two (2) market studies on vegetables and vegetable-based products that could potentially be supplied by milpa farmers, based on consumer and distributor survey.
- Develop three (3) diversification packages for milpa farmers, including recommended varieties, seed sources, crop calendars, and management recommendations for intercropping, crop rotation, and border cropping systems.
- Conduct two (2) demonstration trials with five (5) habanero pepper varieties across two (2) locations (0.1 ha per site) and prepare two (2) trial reports. The trial reports shall include:
- Trial design and implementation plan;
- Planting and harvesting protocol;
- Crop management information;
- Marketable yield per plant; and
- Observed pests and diseases.
- Conduct two (2) one-day training sessions at two targeted locations and prepare two (2) training reports:
- One (1) training session shall focus on irrigation systems for simultaneous maize and habanero pepper cultivation, including implementation on 0.2 ha.
- One (1) training session shall focus on habanero pepper cultivation and hot sauce production.
- The targeted locations include:
- Site 1: Aldama (16.92°N, 92.69°W) or San Andrés Larrainzar (16.88°N, 92.71°W).
- Site 2: Ocosingo (16.91°N, 92.09°W) or Selva Maya (16.35°N, 91.02°W).
- Optional : La Trinitaria (16.12°N, 92.05°W)
- The training reports shall include:
- Training agenda and methodology;
- List of participants;
- Summary of topics covered and practical activities conducted;
- Feedback from participants;
- Key observations and recommendations; and;
- Photographic documentation.
5. WORLDVEG’S RESPONSIBILITIES
WorldVeg will:
- Provide relevant consultancy-related information and documentation upon request.
- Visit and monitor the field demonstration trials and farmer training sessions implemented under the consultancy.
- Review and provide feedback on the reports and deliverables submitted by the Consultant.
- Integrate the consultancy findings and final report into the overall project reporting and knowledge-sharing activities.
- Ensure that payments are processed in accordance with the contractual terms and conditions.
6. PAYMENT MODALITY
Payments will be made on a deliverable basis, subject to the satisfactory completion and acceptance of the agreed outputs by WorldVeg. No additional reimbursable costs will be covered under this consultancy.
7. DELIVERABLES AND CONCRETE TIMELINES
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No.
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Deliverable / Expected output
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Due by
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1.
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Submission of two (2) market studies and three (3) diversification package recommendations for milpa farmers.
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30 July 2026
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2.
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Submission of two (2) reports on the establishment of demonstration trials, including trial plans, planting protocols, and initial management information.
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30 August 2026
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3.
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Submission of two (2) training reports and one (1) trial progress report, including training activities conducted, participant feedback, and interim observations from the demonstration trials.
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15 October 2026
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4.
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Submission of two (2) final reports on crop demonstration trials, including yield performance, management observations, and documented pests and diseases.
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15 December 2026
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8. QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
Please refer to PR1074947 RFP.
Communication and Submission
1. Any inquiries regarding this RFP should be directed via secure email before 4:15 PM (Taipei Time) on 1 June 2026 to:
WorldVeg HQ Procurement Office
Subject Line: Questions about PR1074947 Consultancy to Support Diversification of Malipa Production System in Chiapas Mexico
2. All proposals must be submitted via secure email before 4:15 PM (Taipei Time) on 9 June 2026to:
WorldVeg HQ Procurement Office
Subject Line: Proposals for PR107497 Consultancy to Support Diversification of Malipa Production System in Chiapas Mexico
For detailed information, please check the complete version of the advert attached below.