Background:

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is a multilateral financing mechanism established to support climate action in the Caribbean and, by extension, developing countries. In fulfilling its mandate, the GCF responds to climate change through strategic investments in actions that will result in low-emission and climate-resilient development. These strategic investments will limit or reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in developing countries and help vulnerable societies adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change. Several windows for financing and technical support for a programmatic approach are available to engage the GCF for the implementation of climate actions. These include funding windows for mitigation and adaptation, the Private Sector Facility, the Readiness and Preparatory Support Program, a REDD+ results-based payment program, and an Enhanced Direct Access Program designed to enhance funding access by sub-national, national, regional, public, and private entities.

In 2018, the GCF accredited the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) as a national Direct Access Entity. This role requires PACT to take on several responsibilities associated with the delivery of impactful projects within the priorities of the Fund, of PACT, and of Belize’s National Climate Change Policy & Plan, and related frameworks. In collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Development (MED), Belize’s National Designated Authority (NDA) to the GCF, PACT has received approval for financing under a Readiness and Preparatory Support Project titled, “Strengthening technical and institutional capacities of Galen University, BLPA, PACT, BNPAS and the Government of Belize to access Climate Finance.”

This project is to be executed over an 18-month implementation period. The project will contribute to reducing the vulnerability to the impacts of climate change in Belize by facilitating the coherent integration of climate change adaptation and mitigation measures into the public and private sectors, through the developed programs, and projects. Belize will create partnerships with the public sector to build resilient livelihoods and minimize climate vulnerabilities of communities; and conserve and increase the resilience of the agriculture sector, academia, NGOs, Government, and other relevant sectors.

Purpose:

The livestock sector in Belize is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and their effects on livestock productivity and sustainability. This consultancy aims to assess climate change impact on the Belize Cattle Industry Value Chain while enhance capacity building related to climate change impacts on cattle industry value chain through the integration of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) and Low Emission and Climate Resilient Development (LECRD). The consultant will assess the climate change impact on the beef value chain and develop knowledge sharing tools that incorporate low-emission and climate-resilient development methodologies, lessons learned, and best practices from both Belize and other countries. Following the development of these products, the consultant will conduct capacity-building workshops for local livestock farmers across the six districts: Northern Zone (Corozal District and Orange Walk District), Central Zone (Belize District and Cayo District), Southern Zone (Stann Creek District, and Toledo District). These workshops will validate the findings of climate assessment will enhance farmers’ knowledge of climate change impacts and strengthen their adaptive capacity versus the identified negative impacts.

This consultancy will specifically focus on differentiated impacts across three categories of livestock farmers: 

• Smallholder farmers: under 50 acres OR under 50 animals
• Medium-scale farmers: 50 to 100 acres OR 50 to 100 animals
• Large-scale farmers: greater than 100 acres OR greater than 100 animals

A comparative analysis of traditional vs. sustainable systems (e.g., rotational grazing, silvo-pastoral systems) will be conducted for each farmer category to identify the most effective climate-smart practices.

Scope of Work:

1. Inception Report and Workplan

• Description: This initial phase involves developing a comprehensive inception report that outlines the project’s objectives, methodologies, and overall workplan for the four-month duration. The report will detail:
  •  Key stakeholders and their roles.
    o Specific goals and expected outcomes.
  •  A timeline with milestones for each deliverable.
  •  Resource allocation and budget considerations.
• Purpose: To ensure all stakeholders are aligned on project objectives and to provide a clear roadmap for implementation.

2. Climate Risk Assessment Framework

• Description: In this phase, a climate risk assessment framework will be developed to identify vulnerabilities within the livestock value chain. Activities will include:
  • Conducting literature reviews and data analysis to understand climate impacts.
  • Developing tools and methodologies for assessing climate risks at various stages of the value chain (production, processing, distribution).
  • Engaging stakeholders in workshops to validate findings and gather input on local climate challenges.
• Purpose: To equip stakeholders with a structured approach for understanding and mitigating climate-related risks.

3. Validation Workshop of the Climate Rist Assessment Framework Results

• Description: Following the completion of the Climate Risk Assessment Framework, a validation workshop will be organized to present the findings and gather feedback from stakeholders. This will involve:
  • Presenting the results of the climate risk assessments.
  • Facilitating discussions to validate the findings and refine recommendations based on stakeholder input.
  • Documenting insights and consensus reached during the workshop for future reference.
• Purpose: To ensure that the assessment outcomes are accurate, relevant, and actionable based on stakeholder perspectives.

4. Desk Review and Data Collection

• Description: Conduct a comprehensive desk review of existing literature, policies, and data related to climate change impacts on the livestock sector in Belize. Collect primary data through field assessments to understand the current climate impacts, costs of traditional practices, and costs and benefits of sustainable practices for smallholder, medium-scale, and large-scale farmers.
• Purpose: To gather baseline information and identify key areas of focus for the consultancy.

5. Field Assessments

• Description: Conduct field visits to representative farms across the three farmer categories (smallholder, medium-scale, and large-scale) to gather detailed information on their farming practices, challenges, and opportunities for adopting climate-smart agriculture. 
• Collect data on:

• • Current climate impacts (e.g., feed shortages, water scarcity, disease outbreaks).
  • Costs of traditional practices (feed, veterinary care, land preparation).
  • Costs/benefits of sustainable practices (e.g., improved pastures, electrical fencing system, water harvesting, tree planting).
• Purpose: To provide practical, on-the-ground insights into the realities of livestock farming in Belize and inform the development of targeted recommendations.

6. Cost-Benefit Analysis

• Description: Perform a detailed cost-benefit analysis comparing the production cost per pound of animal for traditional vs. sustainable farming systems.
  • Disaggregate the analysis by farmer category (smallholder, medium-scale, and large-scale) and productive system (calf/cow vs. fattening).
  • Assess Rate of Investment (ROI) for climate-resilient investments (e.g., fodder banks, live fencing, improved pastures, electrical fencing system, water harvesting, tree planting).
• Purpose: To provide evidence-based recommendations on the economic viability of adopting sustainable practices.

7. Risk Mapping

• Description: Develop risk maps identifying the specific climate-related risks faced by distinct categories of livestock farmers across Belize.
  • Map climate risks (e.g., heat stress, flooding) to value chain stages (breeding, fattening, processing, export).
• Purpose: To inform targeted adaptation strategies and policy interventions.

8. Stakeholder Engagement

• Description: Conduct key informant interviews with the Ministry of Agriculture Food Security and Enterprise Belize (MAFSE), Belize Livestock Producers’ Association (BLPA), processors, traders, financial institutions, and farmers representing different scales of operation. Purpose: To gather insights, validate findings, and build consensus around proposed recommendations. 

9. Preparation and Review of Training Materials

• Description: This component involves preparing educational materials related to Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) and Low Emission Climate Resilient Development (LECRD). Key activities include:
  • Developing comprehensive training materials that cover techniques such as livestock rotation management and pasture management using Voisin and electric fencing, soil health management, water efficiency, low Green House Gas (GHG) emissions practices, and resilience-building strategies.
  • Conducting a review process with key stakeholders to ensure materials are relevant, practical, and culturally appropriate.
  • Finalizing training materials based on feedback received during the review process.
• Purpose: To create high-quality training resources that effectively convey essential knowledge and skills to stakeholders.

10. Validation and Prioritization Workshop

• Description: Organize and facilitate workshops with farmers, government representatives, NGOs, and private sector actors to validate the findings and recommendations of the consultancy. Prioritize climate-smart practices for each farmer category based on their feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and potential impact.
• Purpose: To ensure that the recommendations are practical, relevant, and supported by key stakeholders.

11. Financing Mechanisms and Policy Recommendations

• Description: Propose suitable financing mechanisms (e.g., green loans, insurance) and policy interventions to support the adoption of climate-smart practices in the livestock sector. Tailor the recommendations to the specific needs and constraints of smallholder, medium-scale, and large-scale farmers and assure a financial estimated cost associated with recommendations made.
• Purpose: To facilitate the implementation of sustainable practices and enhance the resilience of the livestock sector to climate change.

12. Training Programs on CSA & LECRD

• Description: This component involves training programs using the prepared materials. Key activities include:
• • The training design should be practical and hands-on for farmers and agricultural stakeholders.
  • The training design should provide follow-up support to participants to ensure effective application of learned practices.
• Purpose: To enhance knowledge and skills among stakeholders, enabling them to adapt their practices in response to climate change while promoting low-emission development pathways.

13. Establishment of Knowledge Networks

• Description: This phase focus on proposal to create networks that facilitate knowledge sharing among farmers, researchers, and policymakers regarding CSA and LECRD. Develop activities that will involve:
  • Organizing networking events or forums that promote collaboration and exchange of best practices.
  • Developing a digital platform for ongoing communication, resource sharing, and discussion among network members.
  • Encouraging partnerships between local organizations and international experts to foster innovation in climate adaptation strategies.
• Purpose: To build a collaborative environment where stakeholders can continuously learn from each other and improve their resilience to climate impacts.

14. Consultancy Closure Report

• Description: At the conclusion of the project, a comprehensive consultancy closure report will be prepared. This report will include:
• • A summary of all activities completed during the four-month period.
  • Key insights from the climate risk assessments, validation workshop outcomes, training programs, knowledge networks established, and feedback on training materials.
  • Recommendations for future actions based on lessons learned throughout the project.
• Purpose: To provide stakeholders with a clear overview of the project’s impact, outcomes, and guidance for sustaining efforts beyond the consultancy period.

Qualifications and Experience:

The ideal consultant must possess the following qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Environmental Economics, or a related field. Knowledge in areas such as climate-smart agriculture or sustainable livestock development is required.
• At least seven (7) years of relevant experience in agricultural development, particularly within the livestock sector, this includes hands-on experience with cattle livestock farming systems and economic analysis.
• Demonstrated experience working in the CARICOM and or SICA regions, particularly with knowledge of cattle livestock farming systems.
• Research experience: Experience conducting livestock production financial estimates, value chain analysis, or climate-resilient strategies and working on projects that assess market trends, production efficiencies, and environmental impacts.
• Training and Capacity building: Prior experience training livestock producers or conducting workshops focused on sustainable livestock practices and climate resiliency. This includes developing educational materials and implementing training programs tailored to the local context.
• Data Analysis: Proficiency in data collection and use of analysis tools is crucial for evaluating the livestock value chain and assessing the economic viability of low-emission practices.
• Understanding of Climate Policies: Knowledge of international climate agreements and local environmental policies related to livestock.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills are necessary for effectively conveying complex concepts to diverse audiences, including farmers, policymakers, and stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
• Interpersonal skills: Ability to engage with various stakeholders to foster collaboration and gather insights from local producers about their needs related to climate resilience.

Expression of Interest:

Candidates should present a signed expression of interest that responds to the requirements of these Terms of Reference, accompanied by Curriculum Vitae, copies of academic certificates, Technical Proposal, and Financial Proposal and a list of two recent professional references (names and contact information only) no later than 5:00 pm. on April 25, 2025. The package should be addressed to: