Development and Demonstration of Cocoa-Based Biochar

1. BACKGROUND

HELVETAS, an independent development organization based in Switzerland with affiliated branches in Germany and the United States, has been active in Vietnam since 1994. HELVETAS focuses on various areas, including Agriculture, Biodiversity Conservation, Forestry, Eco-Tourism, and Rural Economy.

Under the European Union's SWITCH-Asia programme, HELVETAS is implementing the project “Circular Economy Cocoa: From Bean to Bar,” which aims to develop circular economy solutions within the cocoa and agri-food sectors. This project began in 2022 and is active in 6-7 cocoa-growing provinces across the Central Highlands and Mekong Delta of Vietnam.

In partnership with Marou Chocolate JSC, HELVETAS Vietnam seeks qualified service providers or consultants to offer technical assistance in biochar production and its practical application at the farm level.

2. OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this service package is to promote and scale up biochar production using cacao pod husk and other organic materials among cocoa farming communities in Vietnam. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of cocoa production and promote circular economy practices within Marou Chocolate’s cocoa supply chain.

Specific objectives include:

  • Assessing the feasibility of biochar production in four cocoa-growing provinces and recommending optimal biochar technologies.
  • Supporting the establishment of four biochar demonstration sites and providing coaching and training for local stakeholders (farmers, fermenters, collectors).

3. LOCATIONS

The four demonstration sites will be located in the following provinces:

  • Kien Giang (Giong Rieng District)
  • Binh Dinh (Hoai Nhon District)
  • Ben Tre (Chau Thanh/Cho Lach District)
  • Tien Giang (Chau Thanh/Cho Gao/Go Cong Tay District)

4. SCOPE OF WORK

The service package includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:

4.1. Feasibility Assessment and Technology Selection

  • Feasibility Assessment: Evaluate the feasibility of producing biochar from cacao pod husk or other biomass materials in four selected cocoa farms, including an assessment of raw material availability and quality.
  • Technology Selection: Identify and recommend the most suitable environmentally-friendly biochar technology, considering both technical and economic factors.
  • Biochar Pilot Production: Conduct pilot production in the selected farms using the recommended technology, and assess the quality of the biochar against International Biochar Initiative (IBI) standards and Vietnamese regulations.

4.2. Setting Up Demonstration Sites and Training Provision

  • Demonstration Sites: Assist Marou Chocolate and selected farms in establishing and operating biochar demonstration sites.
  • Training and Guidance: Develop training materials and manuals, and provide hands-on training for local farmers, fermenters, and cooperatives on biochar production system operation and maintenance.

5. METHODOLOGY

The Service Provider should propose effective approaches and methodologies for implementing the service package. Collaboration with HELVETAS’s Project Manager, Marou Chocolate, and relevant smallholders will be essential throughout the implementation phase.

6. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The Service Provider may be a consulting firm or a team of individual experts with the following qualifications:

Team Leader:

  • Master’s degree in environmental or agricultural sciences or a related field, with at least 10 years of relevant experience.
  • Expertise in biochar production technology and knowledge of international IBI Biochar Standards.
  • Proven experience in setting up biochar production sites, technology transfer, and farmer training.
  • Knowledge of circular economy, regenerative agriculture, and the cocoa production sector in Vietnam (preferred).
  • Proficiency in English communication and writing.

Other Team Members:

  • Specialists in environmental or agricultural sciences or related fields.
  • Experience with biochar production and implementation.
  • Understanding of raw materials and agricultural supply chains.
  • Familiarity with cocoa production techniques (preferred).
  • Strong communication skills in English and Vietnamese.

7. DELIVERABLES

The Service Provider is expected to deliver the following outputs:

  • Feasibility & Technology Report: A comprehensive report detailing the feasibility assessment, testing results, and technology recommendations (in English).
  • Biochar Demonstration Sites: Four established demonstration sites, with training courses for farmers, fermenters, and partners on selected biochar technology (delivered in Vietnamese).
  • Training Materials and Technical Guidelines: Materials and guidelines for biochar production using cocoa husks and other organic materials (in English and Vietnamese).
  • Presentation: A PowerPoint presentation summarizing the project, recommended biochar production methods/processes, and implementation results (in English).

8. SUGGESTED TIMELINE

The consultancy is expected to be completed within 2 months, from September to November 2024. The following is the tentative timeline:

  • Contract Negotiation and Signing: Week 3 of September
  • Feasibility Assessment, Testing, and Technology Proposal: Weeks 3-4 of September
  • Establishment of Demonstration Sites and Training: October-November
  • Final Reporting: Week 3 of November
  • Contract Liquidation: End of November

9. TECHNICAL & FINANCIAL PROPOSALS

  • Technical Proposal: Include team composition, historical records, approach and methodology, available technologies, detailed work plan with timeline, quality assurance procedures, and other supporting documents.
  • Financial Proposal: Provide a breakdown of costs, including number of working days, consultant rates, budget justification, field travel expenses, and any additional costs. All costs should comply with EU Cost Norms.

10. SUBMISSION

Interested candidates should submit their profiles, technical, and financial proposals to Helvetas Vietnam at tuan.nguyen@helvetas.org and helvetas.vietnam@helvetas.org, with attention to the EU Circular Economy Project.

Deadline for submission: 15/09/2024 (extended).

Attachment

Terms of Reference