TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR DEVELOPMENT OF CO-FARMER’S BY LAWS

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Agricultural Development Organization (ADO)

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TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR DEVELOPMENT OF CO-FARMER’S BY LAWS 

1.0 INTRODUCTION

ADO is a local non-governmental organization dedicated to work in the development of agriculture, environmental protection, and humanitarian assistance. Currently, ADO is implementing significant development and humanitarian projects across Somaliland and it was established at 1993. ADO’s approach is an innovative community-based participatory learning approach aimed at empowering marginalized groups to be engaged in areas that affect their lives. ADO strives to secure and sustain the rural livelihoods by empowering farmers, women and youth groups and this occur through applying climate smart agricultural techniques, sustainable land management practices, provision of entrepreneurial skills and revolving funds. 

The ADO has its Head Office in Hargeisa with the regional branch offices in Burao, Borama, and Erigavo of Togdheer, Awdal, and Sanaag regions. Besides, ADO is currently expanding its programs and presence in the Somali Ethiopia Region, South-central, and Southern Somalia. ADO is an active member of the main local umbrella groups, namely, NAGAAD, SOLPAF, and SONSEF. As well as the ADO has strong networks with academic institutions in Europe and Africa and collaborates with diverse institutions in the development and agriculture research sectors. The partners of the ADO include but are not limited to the European Union, UNHCR, UNDP, WFP, UNEP, Oxfam, Care International, ISF Finland, NDF Norway, NORAD, UK AID, WHH Germany, Somaliland Development Fund (SDF), KNH Germany, and LUKE of Natural Resource Institute of Finland. 

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2.0 PROJECT BACKGROUND

Building Local Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Change-BRAC (2021–2025)is a long-term project (2021-2025) that funded by Development Fund of Norway and implementing by Agricultural Development Organization-ADO. The project aims to increase climate resilience and well-being of rural communities of Gatitaley, Xidhxidh and Dabagunbur villages under Odwayne district. BRAC project targets vulnerable rural households those have been categorized in to smallholder farmers, pastoralists, and women headed households, and child headed households, youth, elders and disabled and marginalized groups and women business group. In immediate term, the project expects to reach these outputs; improve of nutrition and care practices of rural households, increase of crop diversity for smallholder farmers and food production and enhancement the access to sustainably natural resource management. Rural youth, women and marginalized groups will be improved and also the project will increase the capacity of grassroots organizations to advocate for good government services and legal frameworks.

This project aims to strengthen farmers' collaboration by establishing cooperative farmers with strong administrative frameworks to ensure long-term sustainability. As a key component of farmer support, cooperative bylaws serve as an essential pillar for building a resilient and effective farmer cooperative system.

Therefore, ADO, in collaboration with the BRAC project, will develop cooperative bylaws for two farmer cooperatives located in Xidhxidh and Dabagunbur villages in Odwayne district. This initiative will help formalize the cooperative structures, promote good governance, and support sustainable agricultural development in these communities.

The Agricultural Development Organization (ADO) has established several farmer cooperatives within Odwayne district of Togdheer region. Notably, two cooperatives are operating in the villages of Xidhxidh and Dabagunbur. These cooperatives are inclusive, comprising both male and female members, and are supported by well-functioning management committees.

The cooperatives possess a range of agricultural assets, including water sources such as dams, along with other supportive materials essential for agricultural activities. Their organized structure and resource ownership enable them to effectively carry out their farming and community development initiatives.

3.0 OBJECTIVES OF FARMER’S BYLAWS DEVELOPMENT 

The development of bylaws for farmer cooperatives is a crucial step in establishing a wells structured and effective organization. 

The main objectives of bylaws development include:

1.     Bylaws should define the roles, responsibilities, and authority of members, officers, and committees, ensuring transparent and accountable management.

2.     Properly developed bylaws help the farmer cooperatives obtain legal status, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, which can facilitate access to financial services and government support.

3.     Should encourage active participation of members in decision-making processes, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment.

4.     Bylaws establish mechanisms for resolving disputes amicably, maintaining harmony within the cooperative.

5.     They provide standardized procedures for meetings, voting, profit distribution, and dispute resolution, leading to smoother daily operations.

6.     They set the foundation for future expansion, diversification, and strategic initiatives aligned with members’ goals.

7.     Clear rules on financial management, capital contributions, and profit sharing contribute to the cooperative’s economic viability.

8.     A well-governed cooperative with solid bylaws can attract funding, grants, and partnerships, supporting long-term development.

9.       Overall, developing comprehensive bylaws enhances the legitimacy, stability, and      effectiveness of farmer cooperatives, ultimately contributing to improved livelihoods and sustainable agricultural development. 

4.0 EXPECTED OUTCOMES 

1.     Well-developed two bylaws for the farmer cooperative; one for Xidhxidh cooperatives (42 members) and other one is for Dabagunbur cooperative (32 members) that have clear legal guidelines for the organization’s operations, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

2.     The ministry of agricultural development will recognize the two cooperatives as a legal entities of farmers association 

5.0 DELIVERABLES: 

•       An inception report (maximum four pages) outlining the approach/methodology and execution program/timetable. This report shall be submitted for review and approval by ADO.

•       First and final drafts of two cooperatives’ bylaws-Xidhxidh and Dabagunbur farmer cooperatives with clear vision, mission and principles/steps will be submitted to ADO after completion of the field.

6.0 PROPOSAL SUBMISSION (TECHNICAL, FINANCIAL PROPOSAL)          TECHNICAL EVALUATION 60%

         Applicants need to clearly articulate on the following: –

•       A cover letter outlining the suitability of the consultant in undertaking the assignment, motivation and (Not exceeding one page).

•       Detailed CVs summarizing relevant experiences with clear roles/responsibilities should be provided

•       Clear work plan including outputs/deliverables and time frames (One page)

•       At least three similar works undertaken within the last 3 years with attached contracts/completion reports 

For the consultant firms, the requirement is similar to the individual consultant but they should have additional documents including 

•       Valid Business registration certificate and copy of certified tax registration (in case of consultant firm)

•       Consultant firm profile 

7.0 FINANCIAL EVALUATION 40%

The consultant/ are required to come with a clear budget plan that is based the 9 days.  The price should be assessed with Context development bylaws of Somaliland It should indicate the cost in USD and rate per day. The consultant will use separate sheet to budget estimation (Max. one page).  

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Please note that the ADO is responsible for transportation from Hargeisa to the field. 

8.0 DURATION/TIMEFRAME   

The ADO has planned for the consulting services to be completed for 9 days.

Skills and qualifications

9.0 QUALIFICATION AND SKILLS 

The Consultancy team must possess the following:

•       At least Master’s Degree in Law, Public Policy, Agricultural economics or related field with a minimum of five years demonstrated experience in developing and implementation of policies and legislation

•       Strong experience in Agricultural Cooperative/farmer cooperatives or related Cooperative development

•       Demonstrate a good understanding of Somalia with practical working experience or research/surveys in such environments.

•       Qualified in business development and/or economics with experience in cooperative development-governance, management and capacity building 

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•       Experience in developing Cooperative sector policies

•       Demonstrates excellent facilitation skills and possesses extensive knowledge in cooperative setup and development of bylaws. 

•       The candidate has a proven track record in report writing, working independently with minimal supervision, and achieving results efficiently. They exhibit strong integrity and a collaborative spirit, making them well-suited for roles that require working with communities and children.

•       Additionally, the candidate maintains a clean criminal record and has no prior issues working in community or child-focused environments. 

•       Familiarity with dryland agriculture system-Odwayne Agricultural System.

10.0 REPORTING & SUPERVISION

     The consultant will report to the Project manager/ED or a designated project team.        

Regular progress updates will be required throughout the assignment

How to apply

11.0 APPLICATION PROCEDURE

The deadline for submitting offers is 4nd August 2025 at 11:59 PM (East Africa Time Zone). Applicants must submit their proposals via email to abdirahman@adosom.org, with a copy to ibrahim@adosom.org, ensuring they meet the specified deadline. Late submissions will not be considered. Applicants must use the subject line “CONSULTANCY FOR DEVELOPMENT OF CO- FARMER’S BYLAWS   ” when sending their emails

Working hours between 8:00am to 3:00pm (Sunday to Thursday).