TERMS OF REFERENCE

Economic inclusion of youth and women into value chains

In-depth analysis of value chains with high potential for youth and women

PROJECT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

COVID-19 has hit Togo’s economy hard. Many transmission channels have directly affected jobs and
incomes, especially for informal workers or those with activities depending on international trade and
value chains. In Togo, the pandemic occurred in a context where the poverty rate remains high (45.5%
in 2018) with increasing risks of resurgence. Against this backdrop, improving access to quality jobs
for all population groups remains one of the best strategies to reduce poverty and strengthen stability
and social cohesion. Indeed, wage increases are one of the key contributing factors to the decrease in
poverty rates observed in recent years globally.
Strengthening young people’s skills, facilitating access to finance for the creation of Micro, Small and
Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as well as stimulating demand for goods and services are key elements
of a sustainable strategy against the pervasive challenge of youth un- and underemployment in Africa.
Job promotion interventions often focus either on capacity building of individuals (labor supply) or on
market development (demand). However, more integrated solutions can create important synergies.
The agricultural sector represents around 40% of Togo’s GDP and more than 60% of jobs in the
country. The Strategic Axis #2 “Boosting job creation by leveraging the strengths of the economy” of
the government’s 2025 Roadmap confirms Togo’s ambition to make agriculture a real engine of
growth and job creation, while paving the way for the establishment of transformative industries.
Agriculture can offer important opportunities for youth and for women, as the development of
promising value chains can facilitate the integration of labor demand and supply.  
As part of the Employment Opportunities for Vulnerable Youth Project (Projet d’Opportunités d’Emploi
pour les Jeunes Vulnérables, or EJV), the World Bank and GIZ are co-financing a study on the Economic
Inclusion of Youth and Women in High-Potential Value Chains. The study aims to support the
government of Togo in its assessment of economic inclusion options to increase incomes and create
jobs for youth and for women in the country. This value chain analysis differs from traditional
analyses in that it places a strong emphasis on employment issues (including job creation in each
sector, productivity and income levels, and job accessibility).  
The study is structured as follows:
A) Preliminary study to identify value chains with high market and job potential for youth and
women in Togo: This preliminary study was carried out using a quantitative and qualitative
evaluation grid as well as consultations with the private sector.
 Based on 22 agricultural value chins mentioned in Togo’s development policies, this first
phase of the study led to the identification of 9 value chains assessed to have the highest
market and job potential for youth and women, namely: pineapple, beekeeping,
aquaculture, mushroom, fonio, shea, vegetables (leaves, roots and fruit), sesame, and
soy. Results of this first phase were presented and validated during a workshop in Lomé in
October 2019.
B) In-depth analysis of a select number of high potential value chains: This analysis consists in

June 2021
 developing a detailed mapping of high-potential value chains with the objective of (i) identifying
the functions and actors in the sector, (ii) documenting the extent and nature of the relationships
between different actor, (iii) identifying the most promising value chains to create value addition
domestically, (iv) quantifying employment trends across the chains, (v) highlighting key factors
that create or inhibit employment opportunities for youth and women, and (vi) identifying
necessary investments and skills to be acquired by the actors of the chains.
 Following the identification of the 9 high-potential value chains in the preliminary study,
partner consultations concluded on the choice of 3 value chains for this second phase,
namely: spices (with an emphasis on the ginger and on the red pepper (chili) value chains)
and shea.
C) Identification of public policy recommendations: An action plan will be developed to propose
activities to spur the creation of better and higher-quality jobs for youth and women in Togo.
The development of a robust value chain analysis methodology with an emphasis on employment
issues, as well as capacity building of government partners on its use, are central to this study.  The
methodology will be piloted with the three priority value chains selected here and updated
afterwards. We aim for government partners to take up this methodology and use it to analyze other
value chains, including in the non-agricultural sector.
These ToR focus on the second and third phases of the study outlined above (B and C).

SCOPE OF WORK

The main goal of this assignment is to conduct an in-depth analysis of the shea, ginger, and red
pepper value chains to identify concrete recommendations to improve the economic inclusion of
youth and women.
Specifically, the selected firm will be responsible for:
 Developing a visual mapping of the selected value chains (shea, ginger and red pepper) to better
understand the different roles, actors, and value addition activities in the sector in Togo, and well
as recent and future trends domestically, regionally, and globally. The mapping will take into
account the entire spectrum of actors, from the provision of inputs to consumption, including
supporting and coordination activities, as well as institutional actors.
 Based on a methodology established by the World Bank and its partners, developing data
collection tools and leading data collection activities, including through semi-structured interviews
with key players as well as focus groups with selected sample in each value chain, as identified
during the mapping exercise.
 Analyzing the collected data to better understand the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and
threats for the different players in each sector. The analysis will pay particular attention to: (i) the
issue of job opportunities for the youth and women, (ii) gender and environmental protection, (iii)
production trends and potential for productivity increases, (iv) governance and regulations, (v)
value addition and income generation opportunities, and (vi) the potential for expansion on local,
national, sub-regional and international markets.
 Finally, identifying actionable recommendations aiming to create better jobs opportunities for
youth and women in Togo. These recommendations may then be used to inform the design of

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 new jobs projects by the Togolese Government and its partners.

DELIVERABLES / SPECIFIC OUTPUTS EXPECTED FROM CONSULTANT

Working closely with the project team at the World Bank, the following deliverables are expected
from the selected firm:
Deliverables Tentative deadline
Phase 1

1.1 Inception report. X + 1 week

1.2 For each of the three selected value chains, a brief report (5 to 15 X + 3 weeks
pages maximum) outlining key insights from a review of the relevant
academic/research literature, existing data and statistics, and
policies and regulations.

1.3 Based on this analysis, a preliminary mapping of each value chain X + 3 weeks
documenting key actors and their functions, as well as the extent
and nature of the relationships among them.

1.4 Based on the overall methodological framework established by the X + 6 weeks

World Bank, a detailed methodology for the collection of primary
data, including:
 A description of the sampling method(s)
 Detailed notes on qualitative data collection methods 
 Data collection instruments

Phase 2

2.1 The raw data collected through individual interviews and focus X + 3 months
groups with the samples of actors from each value chain.

2.2 Clean data. X + 4 months

2.3 Ginger value chain: Based on the desk review and the collected X + 5 months
data, an in-depth analysis of factors creating or reducing
opportunities for the various players with a focus on job dynamics
for youth and women. The analysis will conclude with a specific
action plan for the Togolese government and its partners, consisting
of detailed recommendations on necessary investments or
developments for the better inclusion of the youth and women in
each value chain. The results will be presented in a detailed report
per value chain (25 to 50 pages maximum) and summarized in a slide
deck (PowerPoint).
Phase 3

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 3.1 Shea value chain and red pepper value chain: Based on the desk X + 7 months
review and the collected data, an in-depth analysis of factors
creating or reducing opportunities for the various players with a
focus on job dynamics for youth and women. The analysis will
conclude with a specific action plan for the Togolese government
and its partners, consisting of detailed recommendations on
necessary investments or developments for the better inclusion of
the youth and women in each value chain. The results will be
presented in a detailed report per value chain (25 to 50 pages
maximum) and summarized in a slide deck (PowerPoint).

3.2 A set of training material (in the form of documentation or slides) X + 9 months
summarizing the different stages of the research and analysis
methodology as well as the tools used, so that they can be adopted
by government partners to conduct similar analyses on jobs in value
chains in other chains. The selected firm will present this material at
one or more training workshops.

The initial contract award to Consultant will be for Phase I only. Subject to availability of funds and
successful completion by Consultant of Phase I, the World Bank reserves the right to extend
performance under the contract to Phase II and may extend the term of the contract by written
notice to the Consultant. Furthermore, subject to availability of funds and successful completion by
Consultant of Phase II, the World Bank reserves the right to extend performance under the contract
to Phase III and may extend the term of the contract by written notice to the Consultant.

SPECIFIC INPUTS TO BE PROVIDED BY THE WORLD BANK GROUP

Each deliverable is to be submitted to the World Bank for quality control and validation. Based on the
comments and recommendations received, deliverables may need to be updated and finalized prior
to formal approval by the World Bank and GIZ.

SPECIAL TERMS & CONDITIONS / SPECIFIC CRITERIA

The World Bank is looking for a firm to carry out the in-depth analysis of the three selected value
chains. The following skills are expected:
 Advanced experience in value chain analysis and mapping, ideally in the context of Togo or other
countries in the region.
 Familiarity with inclusive social protection and jobs programs/policies.
 Excellent knowledge of qualitative research methods, including the collection and analysis of
primary data through interviews and focus groups. Academic qualifications attesting to this
experience are desired.
 Good knowledge of the main sources of information and statistics for the collection of secondary

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 market and employment data in Togo.
 Familiarity with the agro-food sector in Togo, including its main actors and its commercial and
institutional prospects. Specific experience in one or more of the selected sectors, namely shea
and spices would be an advantage.
 Excellent command of French (oral and written). Good knowledge of English and/or one or more
local languages an asset.
 Availability to travel domestically for field work, to carry out interviews and lead focus groups
discussions.
 Ability to work independently under a well-defined consultancy framework.
 Attention to detail, ability to work in teams, and under tight deadlines.
The firm will report to the Task Team Leader and work in close collaboration with the project team of
the World Bank in Lomé and Washington.
Contractual arrangements will be detailed in the appointment letter. Payments will be made based on
the successful completion of the deliverables listed above, subject to quality control and validation by
the Task Team Leader.