Consultancy for Implementation of a Training and follow up of 300 beneficiaries of VSLA groups (20 groups of 15 members) in Jowhar Somalia

CEFA - European Committee for Training and Agriculture (Comitato Europeo per la Formazione e l'Agricoltura) is an Italian NGO that has worked in Somalia since 1992, transitioning through humanitarian response interventions, livelihood support, food security, infrastructure development, agriculture, and rural development over the last 31 years. CEFA is currently working in the ARISE Project in Jowhar District, implemented in collaboration with the local partner SHARDI. CEFA's mandate under the ARISE Project includes enhancing water access for irrigation and domestic use, strengthening inclusive access to sanitation services in rural villages in Jowhar, and improving food security through trainings on climate-resilient agricultural practices, supporting farmers' connection with the private sector, distribution of productive seeds, and nutrition-sensitive agriculture trainings.

This project will contribute towards climate change adaptation and resilience, as well as sustainable economic development of displaced, host, and integrated communities in Jowhar District, Middle Shabelle. The initiative is designed following the needs of the displaced and host population, targeting the most vulnerable people, ensuring equitable access to resources and project activities. In order to improve access to credit, the project aims to expand savings and loan groups for rural communities, particularly for women, and to streamline income-generating activities within the target area. By investing in VSLA's capacity building, women agricultural producers will be more prepared to support one another in starting or expanding their own agribusinesses. This initiative is therefore important in strengthening the resilience of women in Jowhar District, Somalia.

Objectives of the Consultancy Assignment: One of the project key performance indicators for the AICS-funded ARISE project is to support the establishment of 20 women-led VSLA groups with the objective of empowering beneficiaries to enable them access credit while at the same time encouraging individual and group investment and establishment of entrepreneurial activities. The objective of the consultancy is to train beneficiaries on VSLA methodology in order to enhance their capacity of saving and foster investments in business and income generating activities. This will help women access essential funds to purchase inputs and invest. VSLAs will also help bridge cash-flow issues.

CEFA would like to engage a local consultant to conduct training for group representatives on VSLA methodology, following the below workflow:

• 20 groups will be identified by CEFA with 15 members each and the list will be submitted to the consultant;

• 300 members of the 20 groups will receive a 3-days direct training from the consultancy, divided into several groups. One member of CEFA team will participate as well to the training to ensure follow-up after the activity;

The consultant will support through field visits, together with CEFA officers, to the VSLA groups the training implementation in the month following the direct training;

CEFA officers will continue the monitoring of the VSLA groups, as per instructions received by the consultant.

Experience: The aim of the training is to expose participants to the range of methodologies and techniques that can help turn the delivery of VSLA training into a participatory, high-impact and memorable learning experience. Emphasis is on developing and applying active learning methodologies such as exercises and simulations to reinforce learning. The training will be highly participatory and practical, focusing on techniques, tools and tips of training management, with participants themselves designing, delivering and critiquing presentations. Participants will be required

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