TERMS OF REFERENCE
Consultancy to Develop Regional Guidelines for the Production, Transboundary Distribution and
Trade of Aquatic Animal Feeds, Feed Ingredients and Feed Additives and Aquatic Animal Seed and
Brood-Stock
1. BACKGROUND OF THE CONSULTANCY
The African Union Interafrican Bureau of Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), in line with its Strategic Action
Plan of 2014 - 20171 is implementing through the EU-Funded Fisheries Governance Project, the
Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa (PFRS)2. The overall
objective of this strategy is to create a conducive and enabling environment for the fish sector to
create equitable social and economic development in Africa. Under this strategy, the strategic
objective for aquaculture is to promote sustainable aquaculture development by jump-starting
private sector led market oriented sustainable aquaculture.
Over the last 10 year there has been tremendous growth in the aquaculture sector. In 20143
estimated 1.7 million metric tons, an increase of over 100% over the last 10 years was produced
from aquatic animal production on the continent. However, this production was about 2% of global
aquaculture production with over 65% of it being produced by Egypt alone. Consequently despite
positive trends in growth, at continental level, the contribution of aquaculture to CAADP socioeconomic development indices are still low despite the sectors potential. Challenges associated with
availability and access to feed and seed that are critical inputs for production are among the major
bottlenecks affecting growth in the sector.
Among the specific challenges affecting availability and access to aquatic animal feed and seed are:
1.1. Aquatic Animal Feeds, Feed Ingredients and Feed Additives
Access to feeds of the right quality in the correct amounts for the species being raised and the
production system used to a great extent determine levels of production and profitably. Feed
generally constitutes over sixty percent of operational costs in commercial aquaculture production.
The quality attributes of the feed fed also have a direct bearing on water quality and the quality of
farmed produce. The importance of feed supply cannot therefore be underrated.
The challenges affecting supply and accessibility to aquatic animal feeds of the right quality in Africa
are twofold, notably those associated with the manufacturing and supply chain and those associated
with use at the production level. Improper storage of primary ingredients after harvest, storage
capacity and the status of storage facilities at feed manufacturing plants affect the quality of
ingredients used in the manufacturing process. Issues arising from contamination and inability to
control the moisture content of ingredients used are common. This compromises the ability of
manufacturers (particularly smallholder producers and farmers) to produce the correct quality of
feed even where formulations used are technically correct. As consequence, these factors result in
an increase in costs of feed production, lower feed safety and increased feed conversion ratios.
The availability of feed additives to enhance aquatic animal feed quality is another challenge. Feed
additives are added to improve the nutritional level of the feed particularly of micronutrients,
improve feed digestibility and growth, and pellet quality. Medications and substances to improve
1
2
3
Online: www.au-ibar.org/component/jdownloads/finish/77/1931
Online: https://www.au.int/.../30266-doc-au-ibar_-_fisheries_policy_framework_and_reform .
FAO, 2014. 2014 FAO Yearbook. Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics. Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations. Rome, Italy. Online: http://www.fao.org/3/a-i5716t.pdf
attributes of flesh quality can also be dispensed through the feed. By their nature these substances
are pharmaceutical products for veterinary use. However, most are not officially registered for use
in aquatic animals in several African countries (even though similar compounds may be registered
for livestock use). Consequently the specific formulations for administration to aquatic animals are
not locally available. In a situation where most aquatic animal feed is made on farm by smallholders, the local availability of these inputs is important as it affects the balance of micro-nutrients
in the diet. The hidden costs and losses arising from this scenario are tremendous and it may explain
why similar aquatic animals fed on-farm feeds perform better in other regions of the world. To
address the issue of feed quality and feed standards, it is imperative that there exist continental
approved lists and guidelines for the supply and use of substances for veterinary use (including feed
additives) in aquatic animals.
The feed and consequences of feeding have a greater potential to pollute compared to other
aquaculture inputs. Where the feed does not meet the appropriate standards for the production
system in use, the risks to biosecurity and the biosafety of farmed products is consequently higher.
Investment costs into the establishment of commercial plants for the manufacture of high quality
nutritionally complete aquatic animal extruded feeds are rather high. The leading aquaculture
producing countries on the continent have been in position to attract investments and ensure local
supply of such quality feeds to their producers. Enabling regional trade of such feed therefore,
would go a long way in boosting the availability of quality commercial feeds to producers.
1.2. Aquatic Animal Seed and Brood-stock
The major sources for seed for most producers on the Continent are:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
The wild (fisheries)
Other farmers production units
Hatcheries
Importation of fertilised eggs and juveniles from within the region and overseas.
The former present a situation whereby supply in terms of numbers and quality cannot be
guaranteed. Supply and quality of stocking material from wild sources is additionally influenced by
seasonal changes and environmental status. The potential negative impacts of harvesting immature
fish from the fisheries also arise when juveniles are harvested from the wild for aquaculture.
In the case of tilapia, reproduction from other farmer’s production units is major source of fish seed
particularly for rural small-holders. Farmers who depend on such reproduction are never sure of
how much seed or what quality of seed they will have to stock their units which results in variations
in yield between production cycles. The risk of obtaining inbreeding stock from such production
units is also high.
Hatcheries ideally offer the most reliable option for the supplying seed of a specified quality for
aquaculture because of the level of control that can be exercised during production. Hatcheries for
the commonly farmed species on the continent do exist. However, most of these are poorly
performing government facilities. Private sector hatcheries on the continent tend to be more
productive. Seed production is a highly intensive and high-risk business that requires a high level of
attention to detail no matter what the scale of operation. When one puts this into context vis-à-vis
meeting continental demand for quality seed, operations producing adequate numbers of the
correct quality would best be run as specialised units.
Sustaining seed quality in terms of the genetic potential requires the support of brood-stock
facilities. These facilities serve the equivalent function of parent-stock production units in the
poultry sector. Brood-stock development centres would additionally guarantee the supply of
pathogen free brood-stock for hatcheries. Ensuring the supply of quality brood-stock to hatcheries is
among the weakest links in guaranteeing the quality of seed produced in Africa.
Aquatic animal brood-stock and seed entails the transportation of live animals, be they from the wild
or farming environment to out-growing units. Brood-stock development centres and hatcheries are
therefore the cross-roads for disease transmission and genetic introgression from the wild to the
farm and vice-versa. This makes brood-stock and seed production facilities key focal points in the
aquaculture value-chain as epidemiological units for disease control and aquatic animal genetic
resource management.
Considering the functional characteristics of brood-stock development centres and hatcheries, their
inherent operational requirements and role in ensuring reliable supply of quality seed vis-à-vis the
potential risks to the sector, it is important that regional guidelines for their establishment,
operations of hatcheries and the trade of their products are developed.
2. JUSTIFICATION FOR THE CONSULTANCY
The PFRS seeks to address issues and create an enabling environment to ensure aquaculture
producers and the aquaculture sector has inputs are available for production and access to markets.
Regional guidelines for the production, supply and distribution of aquatic animal feed and seed will
support the establishment of regional standards, ensure biosecurity and consequently facilitate the
trade and distribution of these critical to producers within the region.
It is against this background that this consultancy seeks a team of two consultants to independently
draft regional guidelines for aquatic animal feed and seed respectively as follows:
3. EXPECTED OUTPUTS OF THE CONSULTANCY
3.1. Regional Guidelines for the Production, Transboundary Distribution and Trade Aquatic Animal
Feeds, Feed Ingredients and Feed Additives
Setting regional standards for aquatic animal feeds and aquatic animal feed additives would benefit
the sector in the following ways:
(i)
Permit the regional trade of feed ingredients and feeds thus improving accessibility for
users (manufacturers and better feeds for farmers).
(ii)
Permit quality assurance processes for aquaculture feed inputs and products thus
enabling regional and international trade of these commodities.
(iii)
Help mitigate against environmental and feed safety risks that may accrue as
consequence of feed quality and feeding aquatic animal feeds.
(iv)
Setting up guidelines for regional fish feed manufacturing and distributors
associations/networks/institutions.
(v)
Ensure PPP research and information is disseminated on aquatic animal feed issues are
equitably distributed to all.
3.1.1. Scope to Work on Regional Guidelines for the Production, Transboundary Distribution and
Trade Aquatic Animal Feeds, Feed Ingredients and Feed Additives
The specific activities for this aspect of the consultancy include but are not limited to:
1. Develop a position paper and presentation to help direct an expert consultative workshop
on aquatic animal feed production, distribution and trade in Africa that includes an analysis
of the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) of the sector.
2. Facilitate the consultative workshop to develop guidelines for the aquatic animal feed
production, distribution and trade in Africa.
3. Develop the guidelines for the Production and Regional Trade of Aquatic Animal Feeds, Feed
Ingredients and Feed Additives in Africa.
3.1.2. Expected Outputs of the Consultancy for the Regional Guidelines on Production,
Transboundary Distribution and Trade Aquatic Animal Feeds, Feed Ingredients and Feed
Additives
The following outputs are expected from the consultancy:
1. A position paper and presentation for the consultative workshop on aquatic animal feeds.
2. Regional consultative meeting facilitated and report of the workshop.
3. Regional guidelines for the Production and Regional Trade of Aquatic Animal Feeds, Feed
Ingredients and Feed Additives.
3.2. Regional Guidelines for the Production, Transboundary Distribution and Trade Aquatic Animal
Seed and Brood-stock
Regional guidelines to provide guidance for aquatic animal seed production, distribution and trade.
The guidelines should consider:
(i)
The selection of suitable locations for the various types of hatcheries and brood-stock
centres to ensure biosecurity, ecosystem integrity and safeguard the regions aquatic
genetic resources.
(ii)
The setting of standards for same species or strains that are traded between watersheds
and borders to ease trade between borders and safeguard producers and the industry.
(iii)
Distribution and trade of live fish between countries and watersheds to ensure
biosecurity, ecosystem integrity and safeguard the regions aquatic genetic resources.
(iv)
Facilitate swiftness in the distribution and trade of live fish between countries and
watersheds to ensure fish reach their destination in good condition (i.e. are alive, not
stressed, etc.)
(v)
Setting up guidelines for regional seed or breeders associations/networks/institutions
who may be involved in trading stock for breeding and grow-out purposes.
(vi)
Ensure PPP research and information is disseminated equitably to all
3.2.1. Scope to Work for the Development Regional Guidelines for the Production, Transboundary
Distribution and Trade of Aquatic Animal Seed and Brood-stock
The specific activities for this aspect of the consultancy shall include but are limited to:
1. Develop a position paper and presentation to help direct an expert consultative workshop
on aquatic animal brood-stock and seed production, distribution and trade in Africa that
includes an analysis of the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) of the
sector.
2. Facilitate the consultative workshop to develop guidelines for the aquatic animal seed
production, distribution and trade in Africa.
4. Draft the guidelines for the aquatic animal brood-stock and seed production, distribution
and trade in Africa.
3.2.2. Expected Outputs of the Consultancy on Regional Guidelines for the Production,
Transboundary Distribution and Trade of Aquatic Animal Seed and Brood-stock:
The following outputs are expected from the consultancy:
1. A position paper and presentation for the consultative workshop on aquatic animal seed and
brood-stock.
2. Regional consultative meeting facilitated and report of the workshop.
3. Regional guidelines for the Production and Regional Trade of Aquatic Animal Seed and
Brood-stock.
4. DURATION AND CONTENT OF THE CONSULTANCY
4.1. Location and Field Mission
This activity will be implemented through the engagement of a team comprising two individual
consultants one of whom shall address the aquatic and animal feed and the other aquatic animal seed
and brood-stock components. The exercise shall mainly comprise a desk study and facilitation of the
respective workshops. Travel to selected relevant identified location to facilitate the respective
workshop shall be necessary, the costs of which shall be covered by AU-IBAR.
4.2. Commencement & Duration of Assignment
Each consultant’s tasks shall be for total of 25 man-days days (including 3 workshop days and the
travel days).
4.3. Remuneration
The total amount available for this consultancy is USD 15,000 comprising the professional fees at the
rate of USD 300 per day being 25 man-days for aquatic animal feed and 25 man-days for aquatic animal
seed.
5. REQUIREMENTS
5.1. The Feed Component of the Consultancy
5.1.1. General Experience
1. At least 7 years working experience in aquaculture or in the animal feed manufacturing industry.
2. An additional experience of 4 years’ experience in commercial fish feed production of different
species covering both marine and freshwater species shall be an added advantage.
3. Demonstrated knowledge and experience of aquatic animal feed production and public sector
instruments governing the commercial transboundary trade and distributions of animal feed, feed
ingredients and related veterinary inputs for the animal/aquatic animal industry.
5.1.2. Specific Experience for the Feed Component of the Consultancy
1. Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in the application OIE and FAO aquatic animal health
standards and procedures for production of aquatic animal feed.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in the application OIE and FAO aquatic animal
guidelines, standards and procedures for transboundary distributions and trade of aquatic animal
feeds.
3. Evidence of capacity development of on-farm and commercial fish feed and involvement in the
distribution and trade aquatic animal feeds shall be an added advantage
4. Knowledge of fish farming and other aquatic animal production systems in Africa shall be an
added advantage.
5.2: Seed Component of the Consultancy
5.2.1. General Experience
1. At least 10 years working experience in the fisheries and/aquaculture sectors.
2. An additional experience of 5 years’ experience in commercial seed production of different
species covering both marine and freshwater species shall be an added advantage.
3. Demonstrated knowledge and experience of aquatic animal seed production and public sector
instruments governing the commercial transboundary trade and distributions of live animals.
5.2.2. Specific Experience for the Feed Component of the Consultancy
1. Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in the application OIE and FAO aquatic animal health
standards and procedures for production of aquatic animal seed and brood-stock.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in the application OIE and FAO aquatic animal
guidelines, standards and procedures for transboundary distributions and trade of live aquatic
animals.
3. Evidence of capacity development of commercial fish hatcheries and involvement in the
distribution and trade live aquatic animals shall be an added advantage.
4. Knowledge of fish farming and other aquatic animal production systems in Africa shall be an
added advantage.
5.3. Languages
The consultant must have professional working knowledge in either English, French or both
6. REPORTS
The selected Consultants will be required to prepare the following technical reports in English or
French:
6.1. Inception Report
Preliminary inception report on methodology and approach submitted one week after signing the
contract.
6.2. Draft Report
A draft report submitted three weeks before the expected workshop date to permit review by
stakeholders prior to the workshop. The draft report should comprise:
(i)
The draft position paper and presentation
(ii)
The draft guidelines
6.3. Final Report
The final report that comprises:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
The final position paper and presentation.
The Regional Guidelines
The workshop report.
The final position paper, presentation and Regional Guidelines should include comments and inputs
from pre-workshop stakeholder consultations and from the workshop.
6.4. Submission & Approval of Progress Reports
The reports must be written in English or French. The Chief Animal Production Officer is responsible
for approving the reports.
7. SUBMISSION OF TECHNICAL PROPOSAL
For this consultancy, the applicants should submit only technical proposals that should include:
1. Outline the proposed methodology for conducting the training, notably an outline of course
content and objectives, proposed course schedule, expected training requirements and
estimated costs for running training that excludes the consultant’s costs.
2. A profile and CVs of the consultant(s) undertaking the work indicating relevant experience and
contribution of each one of them.
3. Other relevant information showing past experience in related field showing past and current
assignments of similar nature.
4. Contact addresses (Postal, email and telephone) of at least three referees or any other
information that may show the consultant’s ability to carry out the assignment to satisfaction.
8. SELECTION OF THE CONSULTANT
The selection of the consultant will be based on the technical evaluation. The Consultant with the
highest technical score will be selected.
9. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS
Applications should be sent to: [email protected] with mention “Regional Framework and
Guidelines for the Production, Transboundary Distribution and Trade of Aquatic Animal Feeds, Feed
Ingredients and Feed Additives and Aquatic Animal Seed and Brood-Stock”.
The deadline for application is 15th February 2017 at 15h00 (Nairobi time).