Background

Omia Agribusiness started operations in 2018 after identifying a gap of limited access to affordable climate-smart inputs, extension services and limited access to profitable markets — resulting in low yields, food insecurity and abject poverty. The company distributes smart climate agricultural inputs to last-mile farmers through 13 outlets across the country, backed by a network of agents and a USSD code *284*173# that allows farmers to access all services without internet or a smartphone. Free on-farm extension services are also provided. Omia also provides market solutions — sharing market information, buying back farmer output, and linking farmers to off-takers — eliminating brokers who often take advantage of farmers.

Project Summary (SIYEP Programme)

Omia Agribusiness is one of seven partners implementing the Sustainable Inclusive Youth Employment Pathways (SIYEP) programme — a five-year initiative (2025–2030) funded by the Mastercard Foundation and led by AFARD. The programme aims to equip 258,000 rural young women with technical, vocational, entrepreneurial, and agribusiness skills. For Omia’s component, the focus is on 70,000 young women aged 18–35 in the West Nile districts of Yumbe, Adjumani, Obongi, and Nwoya. Why this consultancy? A review of existing extension manuals revealed critical gaps — they cover only five enterprises and contain limited content on key crops like tomatoes. This consultancy will address those gaps by developing comprehensive, fit-for-purpose training guides for all ten enterprises.

Purpose of the Consultancy

To develop Agricultural Extension Officers’ Practical Training Guides under the SIYEP programme for young women.

Objectives of the Assignment

The consultant will develop and standardize agricultural extension practical training guides covering agronomic practices for ten (10) enterprises. Specifically, the consultant will:

• Develop training manuals for all ten value chains, taking into account contextual issues of northern Uganda.
• Provide updated, user-friendly training materials for both agricultural extension officers and community facilitators.
• Enhance knowledge and skills of frontline agriculture extension officers in horticulture production.

Key Enterprises

Scope of Work

The selected consultant will be responsible for a comprehensive review and development of training materials, including:

• Training manuals covering good agronomic practices for all ten enterprises — including Land Preparation, Nursery Bed Management, Transplanting, Crop Nutrition, Crop Protection (weeds, pests, diseases), Soil and Water Conservation, and Harvest & Post-Harvest Handling.
• Visual training aids (posters, flipcharts) for use at farmer demonstration farms.
• Standardized checklists for use during monitoring by the project team.

Target Audience: Extension officers, community-based facilitators, and local government officials.

Deliverables

• Inception report (methodology, work plan, and review tools)
• Draft revised practical training guide
• Validation workshop report
• Finalized, illustrated training manual (English)
• Trainer’s guide / FAQ sheet for Training of Trainers (ToT)

Duration & Reporting

Duration: 60 working days from contract signing. Reporting: The consultant will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), with support from the Project Manager–SIYEP and the CEO. They will work closely with Branch Managers and the Marketing Manager.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Crop Science, Plant Protection, Agronomy, Horticulture, Agricultural Extension, Agricultural Education, or a related field.
• At least 5–7 years of proven experience developing, reviewing, and implementing agricultural extension training materials.
• Expertise in participatory, adult-learning methodologies (Training of Trainers).
• Strong understanding of sustainable agriculture, climate-smart practices, and gender and social inclusion (GESI).
• Excellent writing and editing skills in English.

Evaluation Criteria

• Technical capacity and portfolio of previous work — 40%
• Understanding of assignment and proposed methodology — 20%
• Qualifications and team composition — 20%
• Financial proposal and value for money — 20%

How to Apply

Interested consultants should submit the following:

• A 2-page technical proposal outlining their skills and expertise in the required area of work.
• A financial proposal / price quotation detailing costs.
• Company profile and samples or links to previous similar work.

Good Luck