Background

Aquatic biodiversity conservation in blue economy are critical aspects of sustainable development, encompassing the protection and management of aquatic ecosystems and the responsible use of aquatic  resources. However, achieving sustainable outcomes in these areas requires the active involvement and empowerment of women. Women have long played essential roles in coastal communities and possess a deep understanding of the aquatic environment. Yet, they often face numerous barriers and challenges that hinder their participation and contributions.

In this regard, AU-IBAR is implementing a three-year project on “Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in African Blue Economy”, with support from the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA). The project is supporting the implementation of the African Blue Economy Strategy (ABES) which was endorsed by the African Heads of States and Governments at a Summit held in Addis Ababa-Ethiopia, in February 2020. The Project is designed to enhance the policy environment, regulatory frameworks and institutional capacities of African Union member states and Regional Economic Communities to sustainably utilize and conserve aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems.

An important area which the project is addressing is strengthening gender inclusivity and particularly  enhance the role of women and youth in biodiversity conservation and environmental governance in aquatic ecosystems, which support economic activities and livelihoods of women and youth in AU member states. To address this, within the framework of SIDA project, AU-IBAR identified priority issues and developed a continental strategy that guides gender mainstreaming in conservation programmes and initiatives. The Continental Gender Strategy on Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation was developed and endorsed by the Summit of the African Heads of States and Governments in February 2024. The Summit recommended to facilitate the operationalization of the strategy.

Furthermore, based on the outcomes of a study report on ‘The Impact of climate change on the aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity and mitigation measures by the aquatic biodiversity project’ (2022), seaweed farming and mangrove restoration initiatives were identified as essential for climate change resilient blue economies, biodiversity and ecosystem services. It was envisaged to extend support to other initiatives to strengthen conservation and climate change efforts on nature-based solutions for ecosystems restoration. Thus, this consultancy would also propose mainstreaming climate change and environmental considerations in small-scale Octopus fisheries to minimize impact on the livelihoods of communities dependent on the fisheries.

Small scale octopus fisheries in East Africa and South Western Indian Ocean present an interesting case study in which to explore gender roles in natural resource management. Octopuses represent a significant source of income, particularly for women, in many developing coastal countries in this region (notably Tanzania, Kenya, Comoros and Madagascar, as well as Mauritius). So far, there is scarce information on gender dimensions within octopus’ fisheries; documented socio-economic opportunities along the value chain, climate change and environmental threats to the fisheries and hence livelihoods.

Women play important roles in ecosystems-based fisheries such as Octopus fisheries; from harvesting to processing and marketing. These activities create employment and boost incomes of the communities, supporting livelihoods, food security. The small-scale fisheries for octopus are very prominent in Eastern, Southern Africa and Indian regions, where women account for well over half of octopus fishers regionally, and are heavily influenced by efforts to manage the resource. However, increasing levels of pollution in aquatic environments have led to severe degradation of these ecosystems.

This consultancy will examine the regional value chains of octopus fisheries in East Africa (Kenya) and Small Island States (Madagascar, Seychelles or Comoros). The study would assess this important regional value chain; identify stakeholders; assess the role of gender along the octopus fisheries value chain; social and economic opportunities along the value chain; identify appropriate mechanisms to strengthen gender inclusivity; and the effective organizational roles of women along the value chain and conservation measures.

The project would also assess the impact of climate change and other environmental factors on the octopus fisheries, through climatic change impact on the coral reefs; the habitat in which octopus generally live.

Objectives of The Consultancy

Objective of Consultancy

The primary objective of this consultancy is to develop sustainable and inclusive regional blue value chains for octopus fisheries in Eastern Africa and South West Indian Ocean Island states; examine and incorporate gender dimensions; ensure equitable gender participation and benefits; and align these value chains with aquatic biodiversity conservation goals.

Specific Objectives

The specific objectives are as follows:

1. Stakeholders and Value Chain Analysis: Identify key stakeholders, assess and identify key nodes in the regional value chains of octopus small-scale in Kenya, Comoros and Madagascar; and consider market access, processing, distribution, and value addition, as well as challenges and opportunities.
2. Sustainability and Conservation: Propose strategies to strengthen conservation measures in the Octopus fisheries, including promoting ecosystem health, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and environment management towards minimizing impact on the fisheries and livelihoods.
3. Incorporating Gender Dimensions: Ensure gender equity is integrated across all levels of the value chain, identifying and addressing barriers faced by women and marginalized group, enhancing socio-economic opportunities.
4. Capacity Building: Recommend interventions for building the capacity of stakeholders along the value chains, mechanism for inclusive governance in the fisheries in the different locations, especially mechanisms for strengthening gender and inclusivity, along the value chain.
5. Policy Recommendations: Provide insights on policy, regulatory frameworks, and institutional changes required to facilitate the development of sustainable and inclusive value chains for gender sensitive and inclusive small-scale octopus fisheries and conservation measures.

Scope of Work

The consultant will be required to undertake the following tasks:

1. Liaise with project team at AU-IBAR.
2. Conduct a literature review on value chain analysis of small-scale octopus fisheries in selected countries in Eastern Africa and South-West Indian Ocean region through reviewing existing reports, studies, and policies on the fisheries, including gender dimensions, climate change impacts and conservation measures.
3. Assess policy and institutional frameworks governing small-scale Octopus fisheries management in Africa’s aquatic environments, including gaps and opportunities for improvement, particularly with reference to gender dimensions.
4. Map out the key stakeholders and institutions involved in octopus fisheries through engaging with stakeholders, including fisheries organizations, women’s groups, local communities, policymakers, and conservation experts to gather primary data and insights.
5. Propose mechanism on establishing or strengthening regional organizations for women involved in small-scale Octopus fisheries from the identified communities.
6. Document best practices and innovative approaches for enhancing women role in octopus fisheries and conservation measures drawing on international and regional experiences; identifying key opportunities for enhancing role of women along the regional value chain.
7. Develop policy and strategy recommendations for improving inclusive governance and policy frameworks related to inclusive regional value chain development small-scale octopus fisheries outline priority actions, stakeholder roles, and funding mechanisms to enhance the sustainability and conservation of aquatic biodiversity.
8. The candidate should be available to facilitate stakeholders workshop relating to the consultancy.

Deliverables

The consultant is expected to deliver the following outputs:

1. Inception Report: Submitted within 7 days of signing the contract, detailing the methodology, approach, and work plan for delivery of the outputs, along with a timeline of activities and deliverables. The draft report should demonstrate a clear understanding of the assignment by the consultant and show a detailed outline of the mechanisms/report.
2. Comprehensive Study Report: Submitted within 30 days of signing the contract. This report should include:
   • An analysis of the regional blue value chains on small-scale octopus fisheries.
   • Mechanism for strengthening capacity of women in small-scale octopus fisheries regional value chain.
   • Best practices and innovative approaches for enhancing women’s role in octopus fisheries and conservation measures; including mechanism for establishing stakeholder-organizations for small-scale octopus fisheries at regional level.  
   • Policy and strategy recommendations for better governance and management of regional blue value chains and aquatic biodiversity.
   • Guidelines and priority actions to strengthen the sustainability of the octopus fisheries' value chains considering gender and social dynamics, outlining opportunities for employment and income.
   • The consultancy will be informed by desk study, data analysis, assessments, interviews and case studies/examples.
3. Policy Brief: Submitted within 50 days of singing the contract. A detailed plan for regional blue value chains and enhancing the role of women and conservation measures in small-scale octopus fisheries.
4. Executive Summary: Submitted within 70 days of signing the contract. A 10-page popular version of the key findings and recommendations.
5. Validation Workshop and Final Report: Submitted within 90 days of signing the contract. An approved comprehensive final report, not exceeding 30 pages (excluding annexes), summarizing the study's findings, recommendations, proposed strategies and references.

Expected Results

The main expected results of this engagement are:

1. Inception report.
2. A comprehensive study report.
3. A Policy Brief.
4. Executive Summary of the report (not more than 15 pages).
5. Validation Workshop and Final Report on the consultancy in English detailing all work undertaken with recommendations.

Duty Station

This consultancy will be home-based with travel on specific assignments agreed with the AU–IBAR Management.   

Duration

The duration of this assignment will be 90 days from the start date as indicated in the contract. All deliverables should be submitted by this date.

Remuneration

The professional fee for this consultancy is USD 9000. No other payment will be made in respect of this consultancy. Expenses for missions will be covered separately in accordance with the applicable African Union Commission rules and regulations.  

Supervision and Reporting

The candidate will be under the direct supervision of the Project Team leader with oversight supervision by the Director of AU-IBAR. The team leader will have the responsibility of approval of reports.

Requirements of The Expert

The successful candidate should be willing to work with or be affiliated to an African Union Centres of Excellence for training and research in fisheries, aquaculture, aquatic biodiversity conservation and ecosystems management or related institutions working on conservation measures in aquatic ecosystems.

Qualifications

The successful candidate should have an advanced degree in disciplines related to Aquatic and Environmental Sciences, Aquatic Conservation Biology. A PhD degree in the same disciplines will be an added advantage.

Experience

General Experience

1. Familiarization with national and regional institutions with mandates in fisheries, aquaculture, aquatic biodiversity conservation and environmental management.
2. Familiarization with functions of regional economic communities and specialized regional institutions with mandates in fisheries, aquaculture, aquatic biodiversity and environmental protection.
3. Strong understanding of gender equity, stakeholder’s organization, ecosystems-systems approach to fisheries management.
4. Experience of governance issues in Africa large marine ecosystems and freshwater ecosystems, management systems, transboundary issues, challenges and opportunities.
5. Record of experience working with multiple stakeholders across a wide range of disciplines in aquatic governance and in facilitating stakeholders’ consultative workshops.

Specific Experience

1. At least 5 years working experience in capacity building, research and development related institutions towards inclusive fisheries management, conservation of aquatic ecosystems and environmental protection.
2. Proven experience in conducting value chain analyses in the fisheries or related sectors
3. Demonstrated evidence of performing similar tasks related to this consultancy in the last 5 years.
4. Published work related to the subject matter in peer-reviewed journals;
5. Evidence of formulating policies, strategies for inclusive governance, participatory approach and conservation measures to enhance fisheries management and conservation of aquatic biodiversity in Africa

Evaluation & Award Criteria

Applications received will be reviewed on the basis of the criteria below:

Gender Mainstreaming

The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.