Terms of Reference (TOR) Consultancy
1. CONSULTANCY SUMMARY
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Title: Consultancy to Support Diversification of Milpa Production System in the Highlands of Guatemala
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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.
In the highlands of Guatemala, many smallholder farmers rely on traditional milpa production systems, which integrate maize, beans, and squash through intercropping practices. While these systems play an important role in local food security and cultural heritage, farmers require additional support to diversify into complementary horticultural crops that can enhance household nutrition, increase income opportunities, and strengthen environmental sustainability and resilience.
This consultancy aims to assess market opportunities for products that can be supplied by milpa producers, develop suitable diversification packages for milpa-based systems, validate promising diversification options, and strengthen farmers’ capacities in agroecological production practices and value-added processing.
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 the highlands of Guatemala.
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 one (1) market study to identify market opportunities for vegetables and vegetable-based products that could potentially be supplied by milpa farmers. The study shall be based on surveys conducted with consumers and distributors.
- Develop three (3) diversification packages for milpa farming systems. Each package shall include:
- Recommended crop varieties;
- Seed sources;
- Crop calendars; and
- Technical recommendations for intercropping, crop rotation, and border-cropping systems.
- Establish one (1) habanerodemonstration trial plot at each of the two (2) project sites.
- Conduct one (1) one-day training session at each project site. The training sessions shall focus on agroecological production practices and irrigation systems for mixed-cropping systems.
- The targeted locations are:
- Site 1: Altiplano – Central, Chimaltenango.
- Site 2: Quetzaltenango and/or Totonicapan.
- Prepare and submit one (1) final report, including:
- Training agenda and methodology;
- List of participants;
- Summary of topics covered and practical activities conducted;
- Participant feedback;
- 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 field demonstration trials and farmer training sessions.
- Review and provide feedback on the reports submitted by the Consultant.
- Integrate the consultancy findings and final report into the overall project reporting.
- Ensure 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 the market study 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 one (1) report 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 one (1) interim report on the progress of deliverables, excluding trial data.
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15 October 2026
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4.
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Submission of one (1) final report on habanero 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 PR1075016 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 PR1075016 Consultancy to Support Diversification of Milpa Production System in the Highlands of Guatemala
2. All proposals must be submitted via secure email before 4:15 PM (Taipei Time) on 11 June 2026 to:
WorldVeg HQ Procurement Office
Subject Line: Proposals for PR1075016 Consultancy to Support Diversification of Milpa Production System in the Highlands of Guatemala
For detailed information, please check the complete version of the advert attached below.