Provision of Pastoral Kits Activities within the Joint Program 'Accelerating Progress Towards the Economic Empowerment of Rural Women Phase II (JP RWEE II)' in Niger

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a specialized agency of the United Nations based in Rome, Italy, hereby solicits proposals for the Provision of Pastoral Kits Activities within the Joint Program 'Accelerating Progress Towards the Economic Empowerment of Rural Women Phase II (JP RWEE II)' in Niger.

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a specialized agency of the United Nations headquartered in Rome, Italy. IFAD's mission is to enable poor rural people to overcome poverty and is dedicated to eradicating rural poverty in developing countries. Working with the rural poor, governments, donors, non-governmental organizations and many other partners, IFAD focuses on country-specific solutions.

In Niger, IFAD is implementing several initiatives in support of the Government of Niger either alone or jointly with other UN entities. The "Accelerating Progress towards Rural Women's Economic Empowerment Phase II" (JP RWEE II) programme is one of the joint initiatives to which IFAD contributes. IFAD, FAO, UN Women and WFP have implemented it since the end of 2022. The Phase II of the Joint Program "Accelerating progress towards the economic empowerment of rural women (JP RWEE II)” follows the first phase (2015-2021) implemented in the communes of Falwel and Sokorbé (Dosso region), Djirataoua and Guidan Amoumoune (Maradi region). Through their partnership, FAO, IFAD, UN Women and WFP are implementing the JP RWEE II over a period of five (5) years. It generates synergies that capitalize on the mandate, comparative advantages and institutional strengths of each agency to bring about lasting and large-scale improvements in the lives of rural women.

The program targets 15,000 beneficiaries, including 12,000 women in the Communes of Fabidji and Kankandi (Department of Boboye) in the Region of Dosso, and Soly-Tagriss and Gazaoua (Departments of Dakoro and Gazaoua respectively) in the Region of Maradi.

The objective of Phase II is to secure the livelihoods, rights and resilience of rural women to advance sustainable development, the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. The four expected results of the program are:

Outcome 1: Improved food security and nutrition of rural women and their households, contributing to equitable and sustainable food systems;

Outcome 2: Increased income, decent work and economic empowerment of rural women to secure their livelihoods and build their resilience;

Outcome 3: Strengthen the voice and empowerment of rural women for leadership and full and equal participation in their households, communities, organizations and governance systems; And

Outcome 4: Strengthen legal, policy and institutional frameworks from a gender perspective to create an enabling environment for rural women to secure their livelihoods, rights and resilience.

The procurement is divided into two lots:

• Lot 1: Dosso region (covering the six key activity domains across 200 beneficiaries)

• Lot 2: Maradi region (covering the six key activity domains across 200 beneficiaries)

Prospective Service Provider (SP) have the option to apply for either one or both lots. In this context, a distinct Service Provider (SP) may be selected for each lot, or a single Service Provider (SP) may be chosen to manage both lots.