The consultancy will be carried out in the following phases:

Phase 1: Research

Conduct a literature review on best practices for large-scale, low-cost production of high-quality fruit seedlings.

Identify fruit tree species/varieties with good market potential by agro-ecological zone (AEZ). Map AEZs in the project areas within the study area described above, and determine species suitability by zone.

Identify and conduct key informant interviews with experts from successful seedling production operations as well as TREES’ CTN managers in the study area.

Review and assess alternative nursery models, including those run by youth, women’s groups, CBOs, or NGOs.

Phase 2: Technical and Operational Analysis of CTNs

Visit and analyze current CTN setups, staffing, and operational successes and challenges within TREES projects.

Identify the expertise and staffing requirements for efficient nursery operations and meeting set targets.

Recommend appropriate nursery site locations, seedling capacities, and species to balance economies of scale and accessibility.

Review and assess input sources including scions, seeds, suitable soil amendments (e.g. compost, bagasse, etc).

Assess and recommend tree sack composition/specifications, options, and suppliers, emphasizing biodegradable materials.

Review and recommend practical and effective pest management and phytosanitary protocols, with a focus on low-cost, organic solutions.

Phase 3: Strategic Planning and Documentation

Develop a species-specific production plan and schedule aligned with the agricultural calendar for each country in the study area.

Outline operational procedures for siting and establishing CTNs.

Outline operational procedures for seedling production from input sourcing, to propagation, to distribution for outplanting.

Recommend a staffing structure and training needs to sustain quality production.

Propose a monitoring and evaluation framework for nursery performance.

Propose a production timeline that ensures grafted fruit tree seedlings are available at the start of the long rains for farmer outplanting.

Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all key processes in CTN operations.

DELIVERABLES

Inception report detailing the study’s plan, approach, timeline, and budget.

Literature review report on best practices in high-quality fruit tree seedling production.

Key informant interview summary and insights from Kenya and Uganda.

Breakdown of AEZs within the project area with suitable species projections and market opportunities.

Analytical report on:

Challenges and constraints in current CTNs.

Cost and savings comparison of in-house vs private nursery seedlings.

Staffing and expertise needs.

Nursery site selection recommendations, including rationale and capacity estimates.

Input sourcing plan and supply chain recommendations.

Technical specifications for appropriate biodegradable tree sacks.

Species-specific production plan and schedule aligned with the agricultural calendar.

Draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for CTNs (relevant to CTNs in all country programs).

Final report synthesizing findings and recommendations, with an actionable roadmap for CTN optimization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree in agricultural science, biology, horticulture, forestry, or a related field or equivalent experience in high-quality fruit tree nusery operations and production.

Significant experience with fruit tree nursery management, seedling production, grafting, especially for grafted fruit trees and high-value timber species.

Demonstrated ability to conduct in-depth research and analyses, and strategic planning for agricultural production/agroforestry-based systems.

Hands-on experience with fruit tree management (and experience working with smallholder farmers.

Experience working in East Africa.

Strong analytical, communication, and report writing skills.

Experience developing actionable SOPs and technical documentation.