Background of the Consultancy
The African Union Interafrican Bureau of Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), in line with its Strategic Action Plan of 2014 – 2017 is implementing through the EU-Funded Fisheries Governance Project, the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa (PFRS) . 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 2014 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 socio-economic 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:
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 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 small-holders, 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.
Aquatic Animal Seed and Brood-stock
The major sources for seed for most producers on the Continent are:
1. The wild (fisheries)
2. Other farmers production units
3. Hatcheries
4. 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.
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:
Expected Outputs of the Consultancy
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:
1. Permit the regional trade of feed ingredients and feeds thus improving accessibility for users (manufacturers and better feeds for farmers).
2. Permit quality assurance processes for aquaculture feed inputs and products thus enabling regional and international trade of these commodities.
3. Help mitigate against environmental and feed safety risks that may accrue as consequence of feed quality and feeding aquatic animal feeds.
4. Setting up guidelines for regional fish feed manufacturing and distributors associations/networks/institutions.
5. Ensure PPP research and information is disseminated on aquatic animal feed issues are equitably distributed to all.
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.
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.
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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Distribution and trade of live fish between countries and watersheds to ensure biosecurity, ecosystem integrity and safeguard the regions aquatic genetic resources.
4. 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.)
5. Setting up guidelines for regional seed or breeders associations/networks/institutions who may be involved in trading stock for breeding and grow-out purposes.
6. Ensure PPP research and information is disseminated equitably to all
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.
3. Draft the guidelines for the aquatic animal brood-stock and seed production, distribution and trade in Africa.
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.
Duration and Content of the Consultancy
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.
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).
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.
Requirements
The Feed Component of the Consultancy
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.
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.
Seed Component of the Consultancy
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.
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.
Languages
The consultant must have professional working knowledge in either English, French or both.
Reports
The selected Consultants will be required to prepare the following technical reports in English or French:
Inception Report
Preliminary inception report on methodology and approach submitted one week after signing the contract.
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:
1. The draft position paper and presentation
2. The draft guidelines
Final Report
The final report that comprises:
1. The final position paper and presentation.
2. The Regional Guidelines
3. 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.
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.
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.

HOW TO APPLY:
Submission of Proposals
Applications should be sent to: applications@au-ibar.org 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).