This call for consultants is issued by the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Irrigation and Mechanization Systems (ILIMS), hosted by the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America.
ILIMS aims to generate research-based evidence to support the growth of vibrant irrigation and mechanization markets, develop strong institutions and local capacity for sustainability, and foster opportunities for equitable access, especially for poor and women smallholder farmers. Through research for development, ILIIMS contributes to the U.S Government Global Food Security Strategy (GFSS), responding to the needs of smallholder farmers amid the complexities of a changing climate and agriculture, market, food, water and energy, and social systems, in Feed the Future countries. ILIMS has a budget to support research into small-scale irrigation and mechanization Niger in 2025. ILIMS is interested in contracting with organizations with research capacity in the following areas in Niger:
- Improving water availability and management to reduce yield gaps and intensify production of priority crops,
- Strengthening water and natural resource governance,
- Contribute to building resilient irrigation market systems,
- Enable equity and inclusivity in irrigated production and value chains.
ILIMS favors consultants with a presence in Niger or with established relationships with partners in Niger, and with research experience in Niger. At this stage ILIMS requests Expressions of Interest (EoIs) consisting of a short company profile and a brief outline of research capacity and interests. EoIs should be no more than two pages in total. Shortlisted organizations will be contacted by ILIMS for more information.
ILIMS intends to make awards in the range of $50,000 to $120,000. The duration of research projects will be approximately 12 months, and a start date in early 2025 is envisaged. ILIMS makes no commitment to funding any activities or applicants.
Please email EoIs to jcobbing@nebraska.edu by December 13, 2024.
