Background   
SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, has received funding from the German Federal Ministry of Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) to implement the SCAFS project to promote sustainable intensification of cocoa systems for enhanced conservation and sustainable use of forest resources in the high forest zone of Ghana. SCAFS has made significant achievements by supporting 2,232 farmers to replant their overaged and unproductive farms into cocoa agroforestry systems; established two (2) Community Resource Management Areas (CREMAs); and established baseline and hotspots for deforestation monitoring in Juaboso and Bia West districts of the Western North Region between 2016 and 2019.

The extension phase of the project seeks to address factors hindering project outcomes that impact positively on farmer livelihoods and incentivize the adoption of sustainable practices, including community-based land use planning. Specifically, one of the activities under the extension phase, is to set up a smallholder irrigation system, with outlets for domestic and other use by other smallholder farmers.

SNV is seeking suitably qualified firm / organisation to set up an on-farm solar powered drip irrigation system in a cocoa agroforest farm.

The objective for the assignment is to establish a solar powered drip irrigation system on a cocoa agroforest farm.

Job Description

SPECIFIC TASKS

• Conduct feasibility studies on two (2) selected sites to establish suitability of the sites for the assignment
• Drill borehole to acceptable depth for adequate water source for the irrigation system with submerged pump to transport and distribute water into the irrigation lines
• Set up drip irrigation lines across selected farms (area coverage to be determined).
• Set up solar power system to power the irrigation system

DELIVERABLE

• Functional solar powered drip irrigation system that serves smallholder agroforestry farm directly.
• Provide additional service point with overhead tank for domestic use and to service other smallholder farmers.
• A cocoa farm furnished with a simplified drip system including an overhead tank with the options to obtain water from varied sources.
• A report detailing the design and possible operational measures / processes in cocoa systems.
• Provide advisory support and train the host farmer on the operation of the solar powered irrigation system
• Supply basic tools for maintenance and operation of the irrigation system established

The following knowledge and skills are preferred:

• A reputable registered firm with qualified engineers and expertise;
• At least six years’ experience and examples of similar works done, with preference in the cocoa sector in Ghana;
• Strong knowledge and background in irrigation systems, and especially for cocoa plantations.
• Show evidence of compliance with national tax systems, including tax certification and business registration.