enterprise development services (eds) –company profile · enterprise development services ltd...

ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD 15 Mudge Farm, Off Sir Samuel Lewis Road

Freetown ~ Sierra Leone

www.eds-sl.com

ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT

SERVICES LTD

Company Profile

JANUARY, 2020

Sanusi S. Deen Dunstan S. C. Spencer Chrispin E. Wilson

Senior Partner Senior Partner Senior Partner

Tel: +23276608663 Tel: +23276610441 Tel: +23276787890

Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

http://www.eds-sl.com/

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Enterprise Development Services Ltd (EDS) –Company Profile

Page 1 of 31

Introduction TO EDS

EDS was established in 2006 as a consultancy company, amalgamating the knowledge and experiences

of its three founding partners, which span individually over 30 years of university teaching, investment

banking, research, development and management work, accounting, financial and audit services.

EDS provides business development services, through a wide range of technical activities, in support of private sector development. The focus is primarily on the development of small and medium scale

enterprises as a direct service provider, as well as in partnership with government, donors, investors, financial institutions and international development organizations.

EDS services are of high technical quality thanks to the qualifications of a strong team of multi-disciplinary consultants with backgrounds in research and socio-economic development, business

management, accountancy, microfinance and investment banking Our Vision

To be a highly ethical and quality service provider to governments and vibrant private sector in Africa

Our Mission

To provide a range of high-quality technical assistance and professional services essential for the development and implementation of viable public development policies, efficient business enterprises

and development projects in a professional, timely and cost effective manner

Our Objectives

▪ To assist small and medium scale enterprises with identification and implementation of smart

solutions to their=business planning, management and financing problems.

▪ To partner with government, international development organizations and non-state actors in

project identification, development, implementation and monitoring

▪ To design and carry out policy relevant studies, with a focus on rural development and mining

policies and strategies

▪ To advise foreign and local investors on investment possibilities

▪ To represent foreign investors, consultants and donors in the Mano River Union countries (Cote

d’Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone)

Our services

1. Identification, design, appraisal, monitoring and evaluation of development projects on crops,

livestock, fisheries, agroforestry and forestry.

2. Preparation of Country Environmental Profiles and environmental impact assessments of

agricultural, industrial and mining activities.

3. Assessment of the potential and actual economic benefits of rural infrastructure projects, including rural roads, intermediate means of transport, irrigation, water supply, and post-

harvest facilities.

4. Impact assessment of agricultural development and research programs.

5. Conduct of policy analysis and preparation of short, medium and long term agricultural and

rural development strategies.


Page 2 of 31

6. Conduct of policy analysis and preparation of short, medium and long term mining development

strategies

7. Assessment of agricultural research activities and preparation of short, medium and long term

research plans and strategies.

8. Design and conduct of on-farm research activities aimed at assessing the adaptability and

adoptability of new agricultural technology for specific locations and agro-ecological zones.

9. Conducting institutional, management and portfolio due diligence on microfinance institutions

for strategic investment decisions.

10. Conducting needs assessment surveys of small and medium scale, formal and informal business

enterprises for business development interventions.

11. Design and implementation of small agro-industrial and fisheries projects.

12. Design and provide technical backstopping for rural credit and microfinance schemes.

13. Monitoring and evaluation of microfinance institutions and village savings and loans

associations.

14. Management of microfinance projects as technical service providers and resource centre.

15. Designing terms of reference, recruiting and managing experts in all technical disciplines and

sectors.

16. Designing and providing training and capacity building to local institutions.

17. Negotiating international agreements in relation to industrial fisheries projects.

18. Managing large investment projects with multiple components.

19. Designing accounting systems for new and existing business

20. Conducting financial, management, and operational audits

21. Restructuring/reorganisation of existing companies to make them more efficient and profitable.

Our CORE Team

Sanusi S Deen - BSc Agric. (USL) MS. (Illinois)

Sanusi S Deen is an Agricultural Economist and business management specialist with considerable professional and practical corporate management experience. His career experiences include university

teaching in Agricultural finance and microeconomic theory, investment banking, Management of multinational industrial fisheries projects, administration of private sector business organizations and

management of national microfinance projects. His specialities are agricultural credit and the development of small and medium sized enterprises. Has successfully carried out numerous feasibility

studies of agricultural, agro-industrial and small industrial projects for bank financing. Has written

numerous papers on agricultural credit and on issues dealing with the development of the private sector. Has served as Chairman and director on a number of company boards in Sierra Leone and

abroad. Has vast experience in international business negotiations and implementation of long-term agreements and protocols. Has strong working experience with the CDE-Proinvest of the European

Union, the ECOWAS and the Commonwealth Business Council. A participant in the development of a

capital market in Sierra Leone as a member of the Stock Exchange Technical Committee. Has excellent

communication skills in oral and written English and a basic working capability in French.

Dunstan Spencer - BSc Agric with Hons (London), MS, PhD (Illinois)

Dr Dunstan Spencer is a highly qualified agricultural economist, with graduate level training in animal

science, and undergraduate level training in agronomy. He taught agricultural and development economics, including policy analysis, to undergraduate students in Sierra Leone, and graduate students

in the USA. He is a highly skilled agricultural programme evaluator and impact assessor. As a research


Page 3 of 31

programme leader in the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) institutions

- the West Africa Rice Development Association (WARDA) in Liberia, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in Niamey, Niger, and the International Institute of

Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, Nigeria, he led the development of strategic visions and

orientations for major agricultural research and development thrusts and managed the programmes to ensure synergies and complementarities with other programmes of the Institutes and other

stakeholders. He ensured effective and results oriented team work in large multicultural teams located in many countries. As a member and team leader of evaluations of major international research

institutions he provided expertise in assessing the vision, mission and performance of the institutions

and their ability to deliver international public goods.

Following the long and distinguished career in the CGIAR he returned to Sierra Leone to chair the

presidential National Policy Advisory Committee for six years. More recently, his broad experience and international recognition have resulted in his membership on the Steering Committee of the G8’s Global

Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) 2010 to 2014, and the CGIAR Research Programme on

Roots, Tubers and Bananas (RTB).

Since 1994, Dunstan Spencer has been Managing Director of a small consulting firm (Dunstan Spencer

and Associates) based in Freetown, Sierra Leone, with a network of professionals in many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, offering expertise in all aspects of project evaluation and assessment of the

performance of research and development institutions, and Agricultural Economist/Senior Partner of a consulting firm (Enterprise Development Service) formed by combining the expertise of Dunstan

Spencer & Associates with those of two other senior associates in accounting and small business

finance. In these positions he has conducted baseline studies and project impact assessment studies for the multilateral donor agencies (World bank, IFAD, IFS), International and national NGOs (World

Vision, CARE etc), and Sierra Leone Government Institutions (Ministries od Agriculture, Health etc)

He is a member of several professional societies, and is the first Fellow of the African Association of

Agricultural Economists. He has as authored more than 60 publications in refereed journals and

conference proceedings, in the course of his career.

Chrispin Wilson – B.A. Econs. (Durham) Dip. Project Management, FCCA

Chrispin Wilson is a Certified Accountant with Strong expertise in, project development and management, development of Business Plans and Financial Policies and Procedures Manuals. Good

administrative and management skills having managed three UNICEF Country Offices with multinational staff from different cultural backgrounds. He also has considerable expertise in the preparation of

Statutory Accounts, interpretation of financial/management accounts including the use of financial

ratios, financial analysis of projects and the conceptualisation, development, and implementation of projects.

He has worked for the Central Government, the Private Sector and two International Development Organisations: The International Planned Parenthood Federation - IPPF and United Nations Children’s

Fund (UNICEF). He has experience in the auditing of government accounts, and in the financial analysis

of government projects. As Director of Finance of the National Development Bank he developed accounting systems for small businesses and carried out financial analysis for investment projects.

His international work experience was gained from the International Planned Parenthood Federation - IPPF and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Kenya, Jordan, Cote D’Voire (2 separate tours of

duty), Chad, & Togo. He served the IPPF as a Management Auditor and Financial Controller respectively. In these positions he gained vast experience in auditing and financial services in 22 African Countries

South of the Sahara. As UNICEF Representative in Chad, Kenya, and Togo he held sensitive

programme negotiations at the highest levels with host Governments. He is an expert in operational and management audits and planning and programming. He is proficient in both written and spoken

French, which stood him in good stead during his high profile appointments as UNICEF Representative in Francophone African Countries.


Page 4 of 31

Augustine Tom Roberts – BSc Ag. Ed. (USL), M.Phil. (Ibadan), PhD (London)

A development specialist with over 20 years of long-term assignments in the not-for-profit industry in Africa. With degrees in agricultural education and economics Tom taught agricultural and development

economics, and marketing to undergraduate and graduate students at Njala University College,

University of Sierra Leone. He has successfully undertaken research on food production systems, and evaluation of small and medium agro-processing enterprises. A former member of the Board of

Directors of the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), he experienced the constraints of

resource mobilization and oversight in difficult national ecosystems.

During his tenure at World Vision Tom served as Director of Food Security and Livelihoods in the

Southern Africa Regional Office (SARO), ensuring effective and results oriented teamwork in large multidisciplinary and multicultural teams in ten African countries. He served as Chief of Party for two

USAID funded projects in Somalia and Sierra Leone. Tom has consistently excelled at focusing on sustainable development interventions, building public-private partnerships, women’s empowerment,

developing capacity of savings groups, and producer associations. He fosters a spirit of

entrepreneurship and improved competitive positioning among businesses and supporting institutions.

OUR ASSOCIATES

EDS maintains a roster of highly qualified Associates covering a wide range of expertise that can be

called on at short notice to provide specialist inputs into project assignments. They include:

Herbert P M’cleod – BSc (Econs). Dpl Planning, MSS (ISS -the Hague).

Herbert M’cleod is Country Director for the International Growth Centre (LSE/Oxford Univ) in Sierra

Leone and Liberia. He has been an advisor to the Government of Sierra Leone on its post-conflict

transition and at the forefront of policy reforms in the country’s extractive industry. He has also provided strategic policy advice to a number of countries in Africa and to international institutions in areas related

to development policy, Results Based Management, and in formulating Mining Policies consistent with the principles of the African Mining Vision. He was a member of the World Economic Forum Global

Advisory Councils on Fragility and in Mines and Minerals, and also member of several Boards in these

fields. His prior career spans 35 years of development work in fragile settings for the UNDP, including Resident Coordinator in the DRC, Cameroon, Eritrea as well as Director of Operations Policy and

Planning.

A SUMMARY OF Our past experiences

[PRIOR TO ESTABLISHMENT OF EDS]

Year Country Assignment Employer 1973/74 Ethiopia

Designing a research project to study the impact of the Ada District Development Project in Ethiopia

Michigan State University, USA

1973 Sierra Leone

Design of Seed Multiplication Project Agra Und Hydrotechnic GMBH

1979 Nigeria

Development of Rice Milling Strategy for the Anambra/Imo States Rice Project.

World Bank

1988 Cote d'Ivoire

Evaluation of the University of Abidjan, Centre Ivoirien des Recherche Economiques et Sociales (CIRES) Ph.D. programme in Agricultural Economics

International Development Research Center (IDRC)

1994 Cameroon

Preparation of a technical end-of-project report for the 15 year National Cereals Research and Extension Project in Cameroon.

United States Agency for International Development (USAID)


Page 5 of 31

Year Country Assignment Employer 1994 Multi-country

Evaluation of the African Rural Social Sciences Research Network

Winrock International

1994 Multi-country

Examination of the prospects of improved food and nutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa by the year 2020.

International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

1994 Sierra Leone

Identification of Rural Finance Project International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

1995 Multi-country

Qualitative assessment of extension programs in 4 African countries

World Bank

1995 Cameroon, Mali and Sierra Leone

Preparation of country environmental profiles for Cameroon, Mali and Sierra Leone using geographical information systems, trend analysis and policy inventory

African Development Bank (ADB)

1995 Multi-country

Assessment of Prospects for Sustainable Agricultural Growth in the Humid and Sub-humid Tropics of Africa.

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

1995 Sierra Leone

Study of Household Emergency Coping Mechanisms in Sierra Leone

United Nations Development Program (UNDP)

1995 Multi-country

Evaluation of the Special Program for African Agricultural Research (SPAAR) Frameworks for Action (FFA)

World Bank

1996 Ghana

Preparation and Appraisal of a Village Infrastructure Project (VIP), for post harvest processing, storage and drying, rural water, and rural transport, including intermediate means of transport (IMTs)

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ghana and World Bank

1996 Nigeria

Design and provide Technical Assistance in the Assessment of Agricultural Policy in Nigeria

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

1996 Sierra Leone

Development of Rice Trade and Price Policies Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry/ World Bank

1997 Multi country Preparation of a study of the prospects for cassava development in Africa

IITA

1997 Multi country Study of Agricultural technologies and policies for sustainable management and use of natural resources in sub-Saharan Africa

FAO

1997 Sierra Leone

Collection of data for Assessment of Environmental Impact in Mining Area

Branch Energy Ltd

1999 Multi country Evaluation of the prospects for adoption of interspecific rice varieties in West Africa.

Rockefeller Foundation

1999 Nigeria Preparation of Implementation Completion Report for the Cassava Multiplication Project

FAO/IFAD

2000 Multi country Study of the future prospects of agriculture in the Semi-Arid Tropics.

International Crops research Institute for the Semi Arid Tropics

2000 Zimbabwe Evaluating the Zimbabwe DR & SS Agronomy and Soils Research Program

Rockefeller Foundation

2001 Sierra Leone Survey of small businesses in the Port Loko District of Sierra Leone

DFID

2001 Multi country Evaluation of the FAO Special Program for Food Security (SPFS)

FAO

2002 Sierra Leone Design of a Microcredit scheme for a post conflict community reintegration project (CRP) in the Port Loko District of Sierra Leone

DFID


Page 6 of 31

Year Country Assignment Employer 2002 Multi country External Program and Management Review

(EPMR) of the International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR), The Hague, Netherlands.

Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research

2003 Sierra Leone Design of a mutualist credit guarantee scheme for SME operators in Sierra Leone

UNDP

2003 Sierra Leone Agricultural Sector Review FAO/World Bank 2004 Multi country Evaluation of the Department for International

Development (DFID) Renewable Natural Resources Research Strategy

LTS International/ DFID

2005 Nigeria Evaluation of the Adoption of NERICA Varieties in Nigeria

Gatsby Charitable Foundation, UK and Rockefeller Foundation

2005 Sierra Leone Developed the financial and accounting rules and regulations of the restructured National Electoral Commission

UNDP

2006 Liberia Comprehensive Assessment of the Agricultural Sector

FAO/World Bank/IFAD

2006 Sierra Leone Assessment of Farmers Fields Schools (FFS) Overseas Development Institute, UK

Profile of recent projects

[SINCE ESTABLISHMENT OF EDS]

2006

PROJECT TITLE: Part-time Internal Audit Consultancy Services to the National Electoral Commission (NEC) of Sierra Leone.

Country: Sierra Leone

Contracting Organisation: National Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone

Lead Consultant: Chrispin Wilson

Main Objective: To render internal audit services to NEC including special investigations and

thematic audits as necessary and render reports which should include suggestion/recommendations to assist management improve its operations

Main Tasks:

• Draw up an internal audit plan.

• Conduct a risk assessment of the Commission.

• Carry out audits based on risks identified.

• Visit provincial offices and carry out specific audit tasks as necessary.

• Carry out thematic audits and special investigations when necessary.

Professional Inputs (person days): 240

Dates: October 2005 – April 2008


Page 7 of 31

PROJECT TITLE: Business Plan for the Restructuring of the Home Finance Company.


Contracting Organisation: Home Finance (SL) Limited


Main Objective: To develop a business plan that will form the basis for the restructuring of Home

Finance.

Main Tasks: • Carry out an objective analyses and appraisal of the Company’s existing operations to detect

any operational problems that may be affecting the company perform its functions effectively

and efficiently.

• Examine the present capitalisation of the Company with a view to assessing its adequacy

• or otherwise.

• Take a critical look at policies relating to loan disbursements and recovery including the

policy relating to bad debts.

• Examine the Company’s existing portfolio in order to determine its viability.

• Based on the conclusions obtained from the above develop a detailed business plan with

detailed financial projections over a 3 year period, which should clearly demonstrate whether

the Company has potential to carry on business as a going concern.

• Advise on a new staff structure and accounting system.


Dates: January 2006 – March 2006

2008

PROJECT TITLE: Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTIS)

(Primary responsibility to assess the Rice Sector) Country: Guinea Bissau Contracting Organisation: World Bank Consultant: Dr. Dunstan Spencer

Main Objective: Within the Integrated Framework (IF) established by WTO in 1996, the main

objective of the Study was “to provide the analytical basis for priority setting”. Main Tasks:

• To assess the complementarity and trade-offs that exist between rice and cashew production.

• To assess the competitiveness of different types of rice production in Guinea Bissau.

• To identify the main obstacles to its development, such as access to seeds, extension

services, finance, technology, land, research, and marketing.

• To evaluate the extent to which there are achievable yield increases through improved seed

from WARDA or other sources.


Page 8 of 31

• To evaluate the potential for substitution of imported rice and/or exporting to neighboring

countries.

• To review the roles and capacity of the state, the private sector and NGOS, and propose a

division of labour in support of the rice sector.

• To examine the public sector institutions responsible for rice and suggest reforms.

• To provide examples from other countries in West Africa.


Dates: June – August, 2008

PROJECT TITLE: The Final Evaluation of the Promoting Linkages for Livelihood Security and

Economic Development (LINKS) Project

Contracting Organisation: World Vision, Sierra Leone

Consultant(s): Dr. Dunstan Spencer, Mr Sanusi Deen

Country: Sierra Leone Main Objective: To provide information to CORAD, USAID, and other stakeholders to encourage

learning regarding the planning, implementation, and evaluation of similar economic

development and agricultural productivity projects. Main Tasks:

• To generate selected information that can be compared against baseline figures to

determine the impact of the LINKS project.

• To generate additional information to ascertain additional impacts that the LINKS project has

had on communities served.

• To determine if CORAD’s business practices were well received by the Communities, and if

they were conducive to promoting community ownership.

• To ascertain what gaps, if any, still exist in LINKS communities that should be addressed

through other programming.



PROJECT TITLE: Formulation of a “Regional Sub-Programme for the Development and Integration of Agricultural Input Market in West Africa” - Country Market Assessment


Contracting Organisation: International Fertiliser Development Centre

Consultant(s): Mr Sanusi Deen


Page 9 of 31

Objectives: Rapid appraisal of the Agricultural Inputs Market in Sierra Leone to provide the status

of the production, marketing and use of the selected fertilizers, improved seeds and pesticides in Sierra Leone agriculture.

Main Tasks:

The assessment will include the following structural and functional characteristics:

• Determination of the levels and trends of the local production, importation and use of seeds, fertilizers and pesticides.

• Examination of the structure of the agri-input supply system, and in particular the key

participants and the main distribution channels;

• Determination of the agronomic, institutional and organisational aspects associated with the

profitability of the use of the selected agri-inputs • Study of the policy environment (agricultural policy, fiscal and custom regimes) and

supporting regulatory frameworks governing the production and marketing of agri-inputs.

• Description of other support services that facilitate transactions, market development and

use, in particular the research, extension, and financial institutions as well as market information systems, communication infrastructure (Internet, telephone, roads, trains),

storage opportunities and other marketing infrastructure;

• Study of the effectiveness of the coordination mechanisms that link the various segments of the agri-input supply chain.



PROJECT TITLE: Final Evaluation of UNIDO Integrated Programme “Post Conflict SME support

Programme for Industrial Development and Poverty Alleviation

Contracting Organisation: UNIDO

Consultant(s): Mr Sanusi Deen, Margaret Degoys


Main Objective: To provide the Government of SL, UNIDO and other interested stakeholders, with an analysis of the performance and impact of the Integrated Programme “Post Conflict SME support

Programme for Industrial Development and Poverty Alleviation and contributing to lessons learned and best practices for improving on the design of future Programs and Projects in SL.

Main Tasks:

• To generate selected information that can be compared against targets.

• To generate additional information to ascertain remedial actions to be taken to conclude the

project..


Dates: (February –April 2008)

PROJECT TITLE: Mid-Term Reviews of the Jong Food Security Project (JFSP) and Sustainable Health

and Agricultural Development Expansion (SHADE) project


Page 10 of 31


Contracting Organisation: World Vision

Consultants: Dr Dunstan Spencer, Mr Sanusi Deen Main Objective: To ascertain to what extent the overall goal of the project (To improve household

food security and enhance the quality of life of children and communities they live in;

strengthen the capacity of the Jong communities to enhance their quality of life by improving

their productive assets and access to markets and key support services from private and public sources) is on track, lessons learnt so far, and what adjustments, if any, are necessary

to achieve the goal.

Main Tasks: In perform the tasks below special attention will be given to the credibility of source data and the reliability of the data collected.

• Literature review of projects and other documents and interviews with key stakeholders and

managers of the JFSP and SHADE

• Individual interviews with project staff and stakeholders were conducted using checklists

aimed at establishing how the projects have performed.

• Conduct focus group interviews with community-based stakeholders in each section/area of

the projects aimed at recording their assessment of the projects using check lists.


Dates: May, 2008

PROJECT TITLE: An Evaluation of the National Special Programme for Food Security – 2002 to 2006

Country: Nigeria

Contracting Organisation: Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) Lead Consultant: Dr. Dunstan Spencer

Main Objective: To provide information on the impact of the National Special Food Security

Programme (NSFSP) (2002-2006) on the livelihoods of the participating farm households and rural poor and specifically what has proved cost-effective in delivering benefits to rural

households and what will not provide an important input for FAO in providing technical advice and support for the NPFS Expansion Phase (2007-2011), as well as to provide information on

the overall effectiveness of Phase I

Main Tasks:

• Conduct an impact studies, to obtain a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the economic benefits of the micro-investments made in NSFSP Phase 1 (improved farming

technologies, improved animal husbandry, improved water management, etc.), and the existence of a multiplier effect.

• Undertake an evaluation mission, which will utilise the results of the impact studies and other

information gathered to assess relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, impact and sustainability of the NSFSP.


Page 11 of 31


Dates: June – August 2008

PROJECT TITLE: Assessment of CORAD Farmers Field Schools In Sierra Leone



Consultant(s): Dr Dunstan Spencer

Objectives:

Determine the impact of Farmer Field schools by assessing:

• Whether there is any difference in the levels of production and sales, livelihoods and food

security, and access to and use of inputs between the FFS beneficiaries and non-participating

farmers in the program in 2008;

• Whether there is any difference in the levels of production and sales, livelihoods and food

security, and access to and use of inputs for FFS beneficiaries between 2004 when the program

started and 2008 when the assessment was conducted; and

• Whether there was any spill over effect of the project benefits to non project sites during the

four years of project implementation.

Main Tasks:

• Thorough literature review

• Design and selection of representative sample of participants in FFS and non participants

• Collection and analysis of primary data by individual interviews on:

- Household information

- Livelihood activities (crops, livestock, fishing, assets, farm diversification, soil

conservation, labor, marketing)

- Livelihood outcomes (including the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale)

- Participating households’ perceptions about FFS-induced impacts

- Non-Participating households’ perceptions about recent changes

- Outreach to Non-FFS households

- Field measurements Professional Inputs (person days): 30

Dates: May - July, 2008

PROJECT TITLE: Design and Provision of Technical Assistance to the Teacher Payroll Management Unit Ministry of Education Science and Technology (MEST) and Ministry of Finance (MoF)



Page 12 of 31

Contracting Organisation: European Union Consultant: Mr Chrispin Wilson

Main Objective: To carry out a reconciliation of Teachers Records held at the MEY’s headquarter

against the latest payroll prepared by MoFED and a Census conducted by MEYS and set up a database of clean files, anomalies found and categorised by the nature of the anomaly, and

taken the necessary corrective action.

Main Tasks:

• Reconcile the current payroll prepared by the MoFED and the Census against the Teachers

Personal Records to ensure the relevant documentation are available to substantiate the

payroll payments.

• Describe each document held in the Teachers’ Personal Records paying particular attention to

recruitments and verification of salaries paid.

• Develop a database of discrepancies and missing documentation and classify by discrepancy

• Review the working practices within the MEY’s Records Department and details of the

resource and capacity building needs to enhance the efficiency.


Dates: May - June, 2008

PROJECT TITLE: Development of Financial Management Policies for National Human Rights

Commission Country: Sierra Leone

Contracting Organisation: United Nation Development Programme


Main Objective: To develop a Financial Policies and Procedures Manual for the Human Rights

Commission of Sierra Leone that meets local and international standards.

Main Tasks:

• Develop a Manual that will clearly set out various internal controls to allow the Commission to

manage its assets efficiently and effectively

• Set up transparent and accountable financial systems in accordance with the law and MoF

regulations and budgeting and procurement policy.

• Work towards the achievement of Self Accounting Status, approved by the Minister of

Finance, with the aim of increasing the independence of NEC.


Dates: February – March, 2008

2009


Page 13 of 31

PROJECT TITLE: Mid Term Review of the Rehabilitation of Community Based Poverty Reduction

Project. Country; Sierra Leone

Contracting Organization: I F A D

Consultant: Sanusi Deen

Main Objective: To provide the Government of SL, IFAD and other interested stakeholders, with an analysis of the

performance and initial impact of the RCPRP that can readily be used for improving project performance and re- orienting the project to better achieve the set development objectives; and contributing to

lessons learned and best practices for improving MSE Policies and Operating Environment, Programs and Projects in SL and beyond.

Main Tasks To improve the project performance in the course of its implementation;

• To re-orient the project design, where necessary, based on the findings of the MTR, the 2008

December IFAD mission reports and recommendations and enable it to achieve its set objectives;

• To revised/adapt the budget and costab, cost effectiveness.

• To contribute to the overall learning of lessons and good practices that will be useful for future

projects and programs.

Professional Input: Person day 25

Date: February 2009

PROJECT TITLE: Formulation of the National Sustainable Agricultural Development Plan to align it

with the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme of NEPAD

Country Sierra Leone Contracting Organization FAO and MAFFS Consultant: Sanusi S Deen (Team leader Thematic Group 2)

Main Objective: To carry out a stock taking of the agricultural resource base of the country

and identify investment proposals in agriculture Professional Input 14 days Date: March 2009

PROJECT TITLE: Sierra Leone Rice Enterprise Development Project


Contracting Organisation: Soros Economic Development Fund (SEDF)

Consultants: Dunstan Spencer, Sanusi Deen, Chrispin Wilson


Page 14 of 31

Main Objective: To examine the feasibility of commercial rice production and processing in Sierra Leone and to determine whether the existing farming systems in two selected areas could

each support the profitable and sustainable operation of a medium sized rice milling plant of 1-

3 tons per hour output using existing or improved rice production technologies.

Main Tasks: i) Generate information on the economics of rice farming under current technology in the two

ecologies of the Bolilands and the Mangrove Swamps.

ii) Estimate total annual rice production and marketable surplus in the two production systems.

iii) Evaluate the economics of use of improved technology in rice production in the two ecologies and estimate potential marketable surplus.

iv) Evaluate the economics of a medium scale (1-3 tons per hour) rice milling operation in the two ecologies.

v) Develop a Five-year Business Plan for a commercial rice processing and marketing

enterprise in each ecology. Professional Inputs (person days): 150

Dates: January 2009 – July 2009

_____________________________________________________________________

PROJECT TITLE: Final Evaluation of the Livelihood Enhancement and Asset Development (LEAD)

Program



Consultants: Dunstan Spencer, Sanusi Deen, Sylvetta Scot

Main Objective: To provide information to the CORAD partners, SAID/FFP, GoSL, and other

stakeholders to encourage learning regarding the program’s achievements and to provide lessons learnt or learned for replication of similar economic development and agricultural

productivity projects.

Main Tasks:

1. To generate selected information and compare final program results against the established targets to determine the impact of the LEAD program. .

2. To ascertain any additional impacts that the LEAD project has had on communities served. 3. To determine the relevance of activities implemented by each partner.

4. To identify best practices that have contributed to the overall impact of the LEAD program

(implementation strategies, interventions, etc.) 5. To determine whether CORAD partners’ business practices were well-received by the

communities that were supported and if they were conducive to promoting community ownership; and

6. To ascertain any gaps that still exist in communities that were targeted that should be

addressed through other programming. Professional Inputs (person days): 100

Dates: May 2009 – September 2009


Page 15 of 31

_____________________________________________________________________

PROJECT TITLE: Promoting Agriculture, Governance and the Environment (PAGE): Survey of Cocoa

and Coffee Production and Marketing in Kailahun, Kenema and Kono Districts



Consultant: Dunstan Spencer

Main Objective: To identify production, marketing, and institutional needs in the cocoa and coffee sectors and establish baseline parameters for monitoring and evaluating policy reforms and

project implementation, in addition to determining the potential of farm-level diversification into other smallholder enterprises. Also to delineate the marketing chain, measure marketing

margins along that chain and to determine how various institutional arrangements affect

market efficiency, product quality, and the efficacy of policy prescriptions.

Main Tasks: • Conduct a baseline survey in targeted chiefdoms to collect information on current production

levels, production factors (quantity and quality of land, labor, capital and material inputs),

agricultural technology employed, household demographic information, production costs and

returns

• Conduct a Knowledge Attitudes and Practices (KAP) study on child labor in the cocoa and coffee sub-sectors to quantify the incidence and nature of child labor in the cocoa and coffee

producing areas to create a robust knowledge base of child labor.

• Develop a detailed understanding of the Knowledge Attitudes and Practices (KAP) of smallholder cocoa and coffee farmers on factors such as technology, pest and disease problems

and the loss of knowledge inherited from their ancestors, and the subsequent relationship with

environmental risks in rehabilitation and replanting.

• Conduct a marketing survey to collect primary data at the farm, buying centre and port to

describe the present cocoa and coffee marketing systems, quantify marketing margins and

inventories, and identifying constraints regarding cocoa and coffee marketing at all levels of the marketing system.


Dates: January – September 2009

_____________________________________________________________________

PROJECT TITLE: Baseline Survey - Promoting Agriculture, Governance and the Environment (PAGE)


Contracting Organisation: ACDI/VOCA, Sierra Leone

Consultant: Dunstan Spencer

Main Objective: To conduct a baseline survey in targeted chiefdoms to collect information on current production levels, production factors (quantity and quality of land, labour, capital and material inputs),

agricultural technology employed, household demographic information, production costs and returns.


Page 16 of 31

Main Tasks:

Background Literature Review: Study of PAGE project documents, design of sampling

protocol, design of household questionnaires, arrangement of logistics, design of data entry

template

Sampling: With a total estimated household population of 87,075 in the 16 PAGE Chiefdoms, a

minimum sample size of 420 households is needed (95% CI, 5% ME, with 10% NR). A set of 450 random numbers was generated for the sample and the 450 selected numbers assigned to each of

the 16 chiefdoms according to the weight of the chiefdom household population to the total household population.

Household Survey: A household questionnaire was used to collect information from selected

households (defined as all people eating from the same pot) on a set of indicators of income from

selected farm and non-farm activities and other project indicators. Temporary Enumerators were recruited and trained by EDS and interviewed selected households, including making of crop area

measurements. Questionnaires were entered into a database designed by EDS, by a team of temporary data entry staff recruited and trained by EDS.


Dates: July – October 2009

_____________________________________________________________________

PROJECT TITLE: Agribusiness investor outreach strategies for sugar and oil palm investments


Contracting Organisation: International Finance Corporation, (IFC), Washington, DC, USA,

through CEEMATS, Sierra Leone, Ltd

Consultants: Dunstan Spencer, Sanusi Deen

Main Objective: To examine the conditions for investment in the sugar and oil palm sectors, determine

the country’s comparative advantage and prepare a set of investment promotion materials for use by

the Sierra Leone Investment and export Promotion Agency (SLIEPA) and the Government of Sierra

Leone in stimulating private sector investments in the sectors.

Main Tasks:

1. A detailed and accurate understanding of Sierra Leone’s relative competitiveness as an investment location for Oil Palm and Sugar presented as a set of promotional materials, that

are sufficiently detailed to enable a clear and detailed appraisal, and that can be used to

inform potential investors about investment opportunities in these products in the country. . 2. Detailed recommendations and an action plan, prepared with international consultants, for

the government and other stakeholders for necessary reforms in the laws pertaining to access to provincial land for agricultural production, to improve the attractiveness and

competitiveness of Sierra Leone for potential investors in the two sub-sectors.

3. A guide and procedures manual and model lease agreement for accessing agricultural land in Sierra Leone that represents best practice and that can be used by all stakeholders in

negotiating investor access to sites. This will be based on the experience obtained in negotiating lease conditions for the two sites identified for oil palm and sugar investment respectively, as

well as on documented success stories by recent large scale investors in agricultural production

in the country.


Page 17 of 31

4. Pre-packaged and available sites for investors in the two sectors that will enable investors to

have confidence that access to land is not a barrier to successful investment in Sierra Leone and that suitable land exists meeting the agronomic and environmental requirements for

sustainable large scale production.

5. Maps and pictures, of five sites for large scale oil palm and sugar cane plantations. 6. Detailed description of the 5 sites including locations (Districts, Chiefdoms, Sections), land

forms, vegetation use, climate data, soils, access to major and minor ports, availability of electricity, estimate of gross land area for plantation development, etc.,

7. Evidence of commitment of community to offer the sites on lease for investment.


Dates: October - December 2009

2010

PROJECT TITLE: Supply chain survey to identify non traditional exports and market opportunities


Contracting Organisation: Sierra Leone Investment and Export Promotion Agency (SLIEPA)/World

Bank

Consultants: Sanusi Deen, Dunstan Spencer, Chrispin Wilson

Main Objective: The general objective of the study was to encourage growth and improve the competitiveness of Sierra Leone in non-traditional agricultural exports with a view to diversifying the

national export base and increasing the incomes of small farmers and export earnings of the country.

Main Tasks:

1. Conduct research into the export markets for Non Traditional Export (NTE) of agricultural commodities that are being successfully produced and exported from tropical countries with

similar climatic regimes as Sierra Leone, especially in Africa.

2. Identify NTE agricultural commodities that are currently exported from Sierra Leone, their geographical distribution according to areas of production, sizes of holdings, quality and yields

etc, how they are exported, export volumes, destinations and prices received, and constraints faced by producers and exporters.

3. Assess the competitiveness and comparative advantage of the locally produced NTE agricultural commodities against the same products from other ECOWAS exporting countries going into the

major international markets including other ECOWAS countries.

4. Identify a short list of NTE agricultural commodities that are not currently exported in Sierra Leone but are in high demand in important international markets and other ECOWAS states

that should be promoted for production and export to in ECOWAS markets and beyond. 5. Investigate the technical and financial feasibility of competitively diversifying local production

into newly identified NTEs.

6. Study the current supply chain for NTEs from growers in ECOWAS and other developing countries to consumers in the importing countries and design an efficient supply chain for NTE

crops producers in Sierra Leone as the origin of supply. 7. Develop strategies for a viable, sustainable and growth oriented export trade in NTEs, including

an analysis of the infrastructural, financial and technical requirements in the value chain of

these NTEs Professional Inputs (person days): 160


Page 18 of 31

Dates: February – May 2010

PROJECT TITLE: Assessment of the Directorate of Planning and Information (DPI) of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS)


Contracting Organisation: National HIV/AIDS Secretariat, Sierra Leone

Consultants: Chrispin Wilson (Leader) Dunstan Spencer, Moses Ngebeh

Main Objective: To assess the capacity of the Directorate of Planning & Information (DPI) of the

Ministry of Health & Sanitation to determine its adequacy to implement the Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) component of the national response and to make recommendations for corrective

measures

Main Tasks: The comprehensive assessment of DPI covered the areas of:

• Program management,

• Financial management & systems,

• Procurement and supplies management,

• Monitoring & evaluation and,

• Existing Budget and work plan,

The assessment was divided into three parts: the existing situation concerning the current operation of

DPI and related Divisions, EDS’ assessment of the current systems and operations and recommendations for any improvement in areas necessary for the successful implementation of the

HSS. Professional Inputs (person days): 66

Dates: September - October 2010

PROJECT TITLE: Rice Value Chain Development Project (RVCDP) - Farmers Participatory Assessment of High Yielding Varieties versus Local Varieties


Contracting Organisation: CARE, Sierra Leone

Consultants: Dunstan Spencer, Aiah Ngaujah

Main Objective: To assess the suitability of improved rice varieties for Northern Sierra Leone, explore

critical extension messages to improve rice yield and quality, and build up the knowledge and skills of

project staff and Village Rice Consultants

Main Tasks:

1. In collaboration with the SLARI experts and RVCDP coordinator develop and finalize the

assessment framework and prepare schedule for field survey. 2. Train staff for conducting field survey

3. Conduct of participatory farmer variety assessment survey 4. Conduct a debriefing with MAFFS and stakeholders on the main findings of the rice variety

assessment survey


Page 19 of 31

5. Edit booklet on characteristics selected improved rice varieties

6. Edit posters on key extension messages on increase rice yield and quality 7. Develop training module to identify critical extension messages to improve rice yield, quality

Conservation agriculture and addressing the land tenure issues through organizing

workshops. Professional Inputs (person days): 80

Dates: October – December 2010

2011

PROJECT TITLE: Africa Rice Development Sector Study

Country: Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone

Contracting Organisation: International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Consultants: Dunstan Spencer, Abdoulaye Fall, Alpha Kergna

Main Objective: To provide information for an action plan for the International Finance Corporation (IFC), through its investment or advisory services, to increase local rice production, processing and

distribution in three selected West African countries (Sierra Leone, Mali and Senegal) with a view to improved food security and reduced rice imports, in a way that would support IFC’s broader

development impact goals.

Main Tasks:

1. Review and Assess Existing Data - Source and review existing data from own research,

secondary sources (countries themselves, IBRD, AfDB, FAO, USAID and USDA), existing and potential IFC clients, suppliers, transporters, etc.

2. IFC Products and Services – Obtain a clear understanding of IFC objectives, project and

investment criteria and products for both IFC Investment Services and Advisory Services 3. Ongoing Development Work in the Sector - Identify ongoing rice projects and programs

in the selected countries and review the roles of the active implementers (NGOs, aid and donor agencies).

4. Direct Opportunities - A deep dive exercise involving field based research, contacting and

interviewing existing and potential new stakeholders to the rice sector in each of the three selected countries. Analysis of the investment and technical assistance opportunities for IFC

5. Government - Analyze the extent, application and trends of government incentives, barriers and tariff protection.

6. Environmental and Social - Identify the environmental and social issues associated with

the increase in farming, shipping, and milling activities Professional Inputs (person days): 60

Dates: May – September, 2011

PROJECT TITLE: Baseline study for the Sustainable Nutrition and Agricultural Promotion (SNAP)

Program in Sierra Leone



Page 20 of 31

Contracting Organisation: ACDI/VOCA

Consultants: Dunstan Spencer, Chrispin Wilson, Daniel Fornah, Elizabeth Kpolie

Main Objective: To establish baseline values of the indicators identified in the Project Logframe including values for the impact and outcome (intermediate results) indicators, food insecurity and socio-

economic status of the target households, an in-depth understanding of the causes and consequences of food insecurity in the target areas, defining of vulnerability, identifying response patterns to shocks

and disasters and providing information for the trigger indicators identified.

Main Tasks:

1. Conduct of a quantitative population based household survey with a sample size of 1512 with 378 respondents per District using a two-stage cluster design in selecting households to be

interviewed, with the first stage involving selection of clusters (Enumeration Areas) and the second stage being the selection of households; and using three survey instruments to collect

data during the survey – a Household questionnaire (demographics, socioeconomic status,

household composition, health status of mother and children, anthropometric data, hygiene, availability of food, land ownership, agricultural practices, production, source of inputs).

2. Conduct of a qualitative survey using Focus Group discussions and key informant interviews to

provide insights and interpretation of the quantitative data with instruments such as Focus

Group Guides for men, women, farmers’ groups, healthcare workers, youth, etc., and Interview Guides for discussions with key personnel including chiefdom and district level leaders, village

chiefs, NGO, CBO representatives, etc.

3. Analysis of Anthropometric data following WHO standards (2006) using WHO Anthro with all other food security and socio-economic data were analyzed using SPSS. Qualitative data was

summarized and grouped according to issues that emerged from respondents.


Dates: January – August 2011

PROJECT TITLE: Mid-Term Reviews of the WFP Purchase for Progress Pilot Project in Liberia.

Country: Liberia

Contracting Organisation: The British Overseas Development Institute

Consultants: Mr Sanusi Deen (With Jonathan Mitchell and Sam Gotomo)

Main Objective: To assess what has been achieved by the P4P project thus far in terms of overall

performance and effectiveness (accountability) and to determine the reasons for the observed

performance and results and draw lessons to start identifying best practices (learning). The learning dimension took precedence and the evaluation was to inform the implementation of later stages of the

project and prioritisation of improvements; contribute to the development of normative work; and

support decision-making on a possible mainstreaming and scaling-up of the project.

Main Tasks: The evaluation addressed the following three key questions: Q1 – Relevance of the project and appropriateness of the design:

Q2 – Quality of performance and extent of results

Q3 - Contributing/Explanatory Factors: (Draw lessons for the future, by building an understanding of the factors which affect the project performance and results, how and why).


Page 21 of 31

Professional Input: Dates: February, 2011

Project Title: Study for the Establishment of an Agribusiness Centre Contracting Organisation: United Nations Development Programme UNDP


Consultants: Sanusi Deen

Main Objective:

1. Develop the productive capacity of the population through entrepreneurial training and human

resource development.

2. Develop the factors and means of agricultural production, including land, management, technology

uptake and social amenities.

3. Monetize and commercialize agricultural production with credit, savings, employment and wages,

and development of markets and information systems.

4. Support pro-poor development that helps the rural poor out of a cycle of poverty.

Main Tasks: To design an agribusiness entrepreneurial training and development centre in Sierra Leone fashioned after the successful Shongai model operating in the Benin Republic and prepare a blue

print that donors and government will use in making investment decisions.

Professional Input: 30 days

Dates: May, 2011

PROJECT TITLE: Mid-term Review of the CORAF/WECARD Operational Plan 2008- 2013

Country: Multi country - 20 West and Central African Countries

Contracting Organisation: CORAF/WECARD (Conseil Ouest et Centre Africain pour la Recherche et

le Développement Agricoles/ West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development.

Consultants: Dunstan Spencer (Leader), Augustine Uzo Mokwunye, Chrispin Wilson, James Abaka Whyte, Emmanuel B Sonaiya, Khadija A Bah-Wakefield, Mbaye Mbengue Faye

Main Objective: To:

• Review the achievements made since the beginning of the implementation of the

Operational Plan;

• Evaluate the OP’s contribution to the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development

Programme (CAADP)

• Evaluate all changes resulting from the implementation of the institutional change management process;


Page 22 of 31

• Analyze the efficiency of resources (human, material and financial) deployed for the implementation of the OP;

• Draw lessons learned from the implementation of the OP;

• Identify the adjustments necessary for the period 2011 to 2013; and

• Examine any other matter relating to the implementation of the OP.

Main Tasks: EDS conducted the MTR in four phases as follows:

1. PHASE 1 - Headquarters Visit and Briefing: The full Midterm Evaluation Team (here after MTRT)

visited the headquarters of CORAF/WECARD from July 3 – 10, 2011 for discussions with (as available) members of the Governing Board, Scientific and Technical Committee, and the

Executive Secretariat.

2. PHASE 2 - Country Visits: The MTRT undertook country field visits. They covered the major

non-headquarters based operations of the Council in the three agroecological zones, so as to

provide a realistic assessment of the Council’s country based operations, working conditions,

and interactions with key actors of projects.

3. PHASE 3- Analysis and Report Writing: Following the field visits the MTRT re-assembled at CORAF/WECARD Headquarters for a period of 5 days to complete the analysis and report

writing.

4. Phase 4: Finalization and Presentation of Report: During this phase the different organs of CORAF/WECARD reviewed the draft report and made their observations. The observations were

compiled by Chair of the Board sub-committee on the MTR and transmitted to the MTRT Leader electronically. The MTRT interacted electronically to revise the report as they saw fit.


Dates: July – November 2011

2012

PROJECT TITLE: Agribusiness Investment Outreach Strategies (Rice and Cocoa)


Contracting Organisation: European Union/Sierra Leone Investment and Export Promotion Agency (SLIEPA)

Consultants: Dunstan Spencer (Team Leader), Sanusi Deen, Daniel Fornah

Main Objective: The overall objective of the project of which this contract will be a part is ‘to promote economic development of Sierra Leone through the promotion of investments and increase

in exports.’ The purpose of the project is ‘to make Sierra Leone attractive for foreign direct Investment by ensuring a favourable business environment for existing and potential investors, by

attracting investments that can generate exports as well as create employment opportunities for

Sierra Leoneans and create linkages between the local private sector and international investors.’

Main Tasks: EDS developed: a) a detailed and accurate understanding of Sierra Leone’s relative competitiveness as an

investment location for Rice and Cocoa, along loci traditionally considered by investors

including, without limitation, growing conditions, soil fertility and rainfall, available arable land, infrastructure and government sponsorship.


Page 23 of 31

b) a compilation of relevant policies, laws and regulations relevant to the acquisition and allocation

of agricultural land in Sierra Leone, as well as copies of existing agricultural land leases of over 500 hectares.

c) a set of promotional materials that can be used to inform potential investors about Sierra

Leone’s opportunities that are sufficiently detailed to enable a clear and detailed appraisal of the sector and its potential.

d) detailed recommendations and an action plan for the Government and other stakeholders to improve the attractiveness and competitiveness of Sierra Leone for potential investors in these

sectors.

e) a pre-packaged (draft leases and community consultations) and available range of site options for investors in the two sectors that will enable investors to have confidence that access to

suitable productive land is not a barrier to successful investment in Sierra Leone. f) a guide and procedures manual to accessing agricultural land in Sierra Leone for rice and cocoa

that is congruent with existing legislation and jurisprudence, represents best practice and that

can be used by all stakeholders in negotiating investor access to sites

Professional Inputs (person days): 130 person days

Dates: July – September 2012

PROJECT TITLE: Promoting Agriculture, Governance and the Environment (PAGE): Gross Margin

measurement survey


Contracting Organisation: ACDI/VOCA, SIERRA LEONE

Consultants: Dunstan Spencer

Main Objective: The purpose of the survey was to undertake a retrospective measurement of PAGE’s impact indicator “Percentage increase in Gross Margin per hectare” and provide the related data for the

fiscal years 2009, 2011 and as much as possible 2012 in the four Districts targeted by PAGE.

Main Tasks:

• Sampling: The study used a Cross Sectional Analytic approach with participants drawn from a

cross section of participant and non-participant households (control group) in the PAGE project. The quantitative survey was population based. The sample was designed to generalize the

results to the target population. It was statistically representative of the farmers in each crop (rice and cocoa), in the 16 chiefdoms surveyed during PAGE’s baseline survey as well as in the

30 chiefdoms of current project interventions. The total target sample size was 1600 farmers

with 5% margin for non response, divided into 400 farmers for each sub group of participant and non participant farmers in the East Region (cocoa growing) and Koinadugu Region (no

cocoa growing)

• Household Survey: Thirty-two temporary Enumerators were recruited and trained by EDS and interviewed the selected farmers using a structured questionnaire. This was a single-visit

interview study with enumerators interviewing the sampled farmers.

• Data Entry & Analysis: Questionnaires were entered into an EXCEL database designed by EDS, by two temporary data entry staff recruited and trained by EDS. Input output data was collected

in local units of measure (bushels for rice and PK bags for cocoa) which were converted to

international units using the same conversion codes used in the Baseline survey. Data cleaning

involved removal of outliers - top and lowest 5 values.



Page 24 of 31

Dates: September – December 2012

2013

PROJECT TITLE: Consulting Services To Develop A Policy On Agricultural Research And Action Plan In Sierra Leone


Contracting Organisation: World Bank and the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme

(WAAPP)

Consultants: Dunstan Spencer (Team Leader), Prof Kwadwo Asenso-Okyere

Main Objective: To develop a policy and an action plan on agricultural research in Sierra Leone that

will guide the planning and implementation processes of agricultural research services led by the Sierra

Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI)

Main Tasks: 1. Initial Consultations: As an entry point for performing this assignment, EDS held consultations

with all key stakeholders

2. Secondary Data Collection: EDS carried out a thorough search and collected all available secondary information on agricultural production possibilities and farmers demand for research

services and agricultural research policies. All reports were be thoroughly reviewed to extract

information relevant for this assignment.

3. Development of Policy Statements: Policies were developed in a number of areas as follows:

• Structures and Governance

• Research Planning and Priority Setting Systems

• Human Resources

• Infrastructure and Physical Facilities

• Financial Resources

• Knowledge, Information and Communication Systems

• Monitoring and Evaluation, Quality Control and Impact Assessment

• Technology Dissemination

• Partnership and Collaboration

4. Legal And Regulatory Framework For The Agricultural Research Policy: The SLARI Act was

reviewed to establish its relevance and completeness in coordinating agricultural research in

Sierra Leone given the changing needs of operatives on the innovation platform. To ensure coherence, consistency and synergy in the legal framework codifying agricultural research in

Sierra Leone all the Acts setting up allied institutions engaged in agricultural research were also

will be reviewed.

5. Development Of An Action Plan: A Change Management process was proposed - a process that stresses the need for a solid understanding by all stakeholders of core change issues and

implications that are needed for implementation of the research policy, and also stresses the

need for positive proactive management of the changes which underpin the new policy and

proposed programme based interventions.

6. The Approach: EDS used the following techniques in conducting the assignment:

• Literature reviews – study of all published and unpublished documents collected during and after the Inception phase of the project


Page 25 of 31

• Expert Consultations - individual interviews of stakeholders in the research system will be conducted to obtain their insights and recommendations.

• Participatory Focus Group Discussions

• Regional Stakeholder workshops – Workshops will be held in Bo and Makeni at which the

draft policy report will be discussed and validated by participants drawn from the

stakeholders in the regions.



PROJECT TITLE: Consulting Services To Develop a Policy on Extension Advisory Services in Sierra

Leone


Contracting Organisation: World Bank and the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme

(WAAPP) Consultants: Prof Paul McNamara, University of Minnesota (Team Leader), Mr Sanusi S, Deen

(Consultant)

Main Objective: To develop a national agricultural extension advisory services policy document that will guide the planning and implementation of extension advisory services in Sierra Leone, for the

transfer of agricultural knowledge and efficient delivery of other agricultural extension services to

farmers and attract investment into the sector as envisaged by the AU/NEPAD Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and the National Sustainable Agricultural Development

Programme (NSADP) 2010-2030 of the Government of Sierra Leone.

Main Tasks: 7. Initial Consultations: As an entry point for performing this assignment, EDS held consultations

with all key stakeholders

1. Secondary Data Collection: EDS carried out a thorough search and collected all available

secondary information on current extension advisory services. All reports were be thoroughly

reviewed to extract information relevant for this assignment.

2. Development of Policy Statements: Policies were developed in a number of areas as follows:

• Structures and Governance

• Selecting an Extension System

• Human Resources

• Infrastructure and Physical Facilities

• Financial Resources

• Knowledge, Information and Communication Systems

• Monitoring and Evaluation, Quality Control and Impact Assessment

• Technology Dissemination

• Partnership and Collaboration

3. Legal And Regulatory Framework For The Agricultural Extension Policy: The past and present

National Extension Service policies in Sierra Leone have been provisional. To ensure policy consistency and sustainability of the service a National Extension Advisory Service Policy,

established by law (legislation) is desirable. This will entail codifying agricultural extension advisory services within a legal framework and a governing Act applicable to all institutions

engaged in the delivery of agricultural extension services.


Page 26 of 31

4. Development Of An Action Plan: A Change Management process was proposed - a process that

stresses the need for a solid understanding by all stakeholders of core change issues and implications that are needed for implementation of the research policy, and also stresses the

need for positive proactive management of the changes which underpin the new policy and

proposed programme based interventions.

5. The Approach: EDS used the following techniques in conducting the assignment:

• Literature reviews – study of all published and unpublished documents collected during and

after the Inception phase of the project

• Expert Consultations - individual interviews of stakeholders in the research system will be conducted to obtain their insights and recommendations.

• Participatory Focus Group Discussions

• Regional Stakeholder workshops – Workshops will be held in Bo and Makeni at which the

draft policy report will be discussed and validated by participants drawn from the stakeholders in the regions.



PROJECT TITLE: UNDP Assessment of Development Results(ADR) & GEF Sierra Leone Country

Portfolio Study (CPS)


Contracting Organization(s): Global Environmental Facility (GEF)/ United Nations Development

Programme (UNDP)

Main Objective(s): The purpose of an ADR is to:

• Provide substantive support to the Administrator’s accountability function in reporting to the

Executive Board;

• Support greater UNDP accountability to national stakeholders and partners in the programme

country;

• Serve as a means of quality assurance for UNDP interventions at the country level;

• Contribute to learning at corporate, regional and country levels.

GEF CPS have three objectives:

1. To independently evaluate the relevance and efficiency of the GEF activities in Sierra Leone

from several points of view: national sustainable development and environmental frameworks; the GEF mandate, achievement of global environmental benefits; and GEF policies and

procedures;

2. To assess the results and effectiveness of the GEF portfolio at the aggregate and country level;

3. To provide feedback and knowledge sharing to (1) the GEF Council in its decision making

process to allocate resources and to develop policies and strategies and (2) the country on its participation on the GEF.

Consultant(s): Dr Dunstan S. Spencer

Main Tasks:

• Preparation of a detailed Evaluation Work Plan

• Mission to conduct data collection, interviews and field work as per agreed evaluation work

plan. The mission was planned in coordination with the UNDP Evaluation Office to overlap with the UNDP Sierra Leone Assessment of Development Results (ADR)


Page 27 of 31

• Preparation of a Country Environmental Legal Framework which provides a brief historical perspective of the context in which the GEF projects have been developed and implemented;

• Preparation of a national Global Environmental Benefits Assessment as a concise assessment

of the country's contribution to the GEF mandate and its focal areas;

• Assessing aggregate results, relevance and efficiency of GEF support through compilation of Project Review Protocols and a GEF Portfolio Database, by conducting interviews, analysis and

gathering other existing information for all national GEF projects and those regional projects

that have a significant component in Sierra Leone.;

• Conducting a Review of Outcomes to Impact (ROtI) field study of a completed project selected in consultation with the Evaluation Office staff (the UNDP Sustainable Land Management

Project);

• Analyzing and consolidating the evaluative evidence gathered, and preparing the GEF Sierra Leone CPS Report and the ADR Environment Section, with findings, conclusions and

recommendations


Dates: September 2013 – January 2014

PROJECT TITLE: Study of Rice Processing, Marketing and Distribution in Sierra Leone


Contracting Organisation: World Bank & the Rural Private Sector Development Project

Consultants: Dunstan Spencer (Team Leader), Sanusi Deen, Chrispin Wilson

Main Objective: To assess the current processing, marketing and distribution mechanisms for rice

and propose technically and economically feasible recommendations. The main output of the study is a report that will contain practical recommendations based on international best practice that are

appropriate to Sierra Leone conditions:

Main Tasks:

1. Initial Consultations: The study commenced with an inception meeting with RPSDP, as

employer, to introduce the project team and discuss the Project Work Plan, logistical issues,

focal points for consultations and reporting. As an entry point for performing the assignment, EDS held consultations with all the key stakeholders

2. Secondary Data Collection: EDS conducted a comprehensive desk review of relevant studies and literature on production, processing and marketing of rice in Sierra Leone as well as

neighbouring countries that are potential markets for rice produced in Sierra Leone. All reports were thoroughly reviewed to extract background information relevant for this assignment.

3. Field Data collection: EDS assessed the efficiency of rice markets by undertaking a number of

activities and analysis covering: value mapping to describe the different rice marketing channels, assessment of rice processing facilities, analysis of rice traders, and assessment of

types and functioning of markets.

• For each significant market type identified in the Value Chain Mapping (e.g. periodic markets, retail markets, wholesale markets etc.) a representative sample was selected and

a market questionnaire (see Annex 4) administered.

• A purposive sample of each type of rice trader was selected and a Traders Questionnaire

administered

• An evaluation of commercial rice processing and storage was undertaken. A representative purposive sample of establishments (milling and storage) serving the five types of rice

production agro-ecologies in the country (mangrove swamps, riverine grasslands,


Page 28 of 31

bolilands, inland valley swamps and uplands) was selected, and technical assessment of

the facilities carried out. A rice processing questionnaire was administered to a purposive sample of milling establishments.

4. Design of model rice processing establishments: Model rice processing establishments that are

expected to meet the quality and environmental standards for a segmented market (i) the domestic rice market in Sierra Leone, and (ii) the ECOWAS market, which Sierra Leone might

be expected to supply in the near future are designed. For each of the model establishments an indicative business plan is prepared. The business plans attempt to show the economic

viability of the indicative models of commercial rice processing enterprises.


Dates: September 2013 – February 2014


Page 29 of 31

2014

PROJECT TITLE : Sierra Leone Growth Pole Diagnostics: Value Chain Analysis in the Rice Sector


Contracting Organisation: World Bank

Main Objective: To assess key constraints along rice value chain and identify opportunities to generate greater returns and incentives for increased local and foreign direct investments. This value

chain analysis builds on existing studies that have been conducted by the World Bank and other development agencies. A validation exercise is used to confirm strategic choices and/or suggest

alternative options, and inform Bank strategies and interventions in rice value chains as well as policy

dialogue to foster employment, growth, and competitiveness in Northern Growth Pole.

Consultants: Dr Dunstan Spencer (Team Leader), Mr Daniel Fornah

Main Tasks:

• Conduct of a review of existing literature on rice value chain analysis in Sierra Leone. The review, based on materials from quantitative and qualitative sources, provides information on

what is known about the structure, conduct, and performance of rice value chain.

• Conduct of market analysis to examine the nature of demand for domestic and imported rice –

size, segments, or potential niches – due to price and non-price factors, such as consumer

preferences, current competition, market access, and quality.

• Identification of potential target clients for Growth Pole interventions.

• Targeted field data collection of quantitative and qualitative data in the two most important

rice production systems in the Northern Growth Pole (mangrove swamps and bolilands) to help

verify and complement existing information on rice value chain.


Dates: March - June, 2014

2016 - 2018

PROJECT TITLE : Agro Dealer Development Program For Sierra Leone


Contracting Organisation: Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)

Main Objective: The project goal is to support an increase in smallholder farmers’ productivity and income through the establishment of a total of 75 agro-dealers one-stop-shops for the provision of

fertilizers, seeds and complementary technologies to about 25,000 smallholder farm house-holds in

rural communities. This pilot project will be implemented in 2 districts in Sierra Leone, over a period of

2 years..

Consultants: Dr Dunstan Spencer (Team Leader), Mr Sanusi Deen, Mr Chrispin Wilson

Main Tasks:

• Capacity building through training: EDS will develop training manuals and administer three

basic courses, each with a number of modules, to existing and potential Agro-dealers. On

completion, Agro-dealers would be certified as “EDS Trained Agro-dealers”. The courses shall


Page 30 of 31

be (1) Basic Business Management, (2) Product Knowledge, Use and Safety, and (3) Safe Use

and Handling of Crop Protection Products.

• Technology transfer with the aid of demonstration sites -The services of the District Extension Officers will be employed in developing demonstration plots near agro-dealers stores

to make evident to farmers the productivity benefits of the use of improved seeds, fertilizers

and other production technologies. I

• Institutional strengthening through the formation of associations and Advocacy: EDS will promote and support the development of sustainable Chiefdom and District Agro-

dealers Associations. These associations would potentially benefit from economies of scale in the purchase of inputs and advocate for the interests and concerns of their members.

• Access to finance: EDS will set up and administer a small “Input Credit Innovation Fund” that

would be used as a means for mitigating rural capital market failures for agro-dealers and

regional wholesalers on the supply side and smallholder farmers on the demand side. Matching grants will also be given through a competitive program for shop creation and expansion.

• Monitoring & Evaluation and Project Management: EDS will develop and implement a

participatory monitoring and evaluation Program within this project that ensures comprehensive feedback from all field activities, measures results and impact and improves

management knowledge for future interventions. Professional Inputs (person days): 130

Dates: June, 2016 – November, 2018

enterprise development services (eds) –company profile · enterprise development services ltd...

Documents