Company Profile

We are a global company applying our successful model of landscape restoration to contribute to three of the world’s most critical environmental problems: the need for effective solutions to mitigate global climate change; holistic restoration of the world’s most degraded landscapes; and a growing population that requires sustainable alternatives for consumer products and markets that still contribute to deforestation and deforestation driven emissions. We have spent the last decade building the framework for bamboo to be a solution to achieve this through carbon financed bamboo farms in Nicaragua, South Africa, Ghana, Rwanda and the Philippines.

In Ghana our operations are currently developing two bamboo reforestation projects on the North Bandai and the Bandai Hills Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region, with a total project area of approximately 11,000 hectares, and current staffing teams of 650, representing 250 permanent full time employees and 400 seasonal workers.

Our operations are run from our headquarters in proximity to the forest reserves, approximately 45 minutes from the closest town of Agogo

Job Description

Terms of Reference (TOR)
Feasibility Study Assessment of Composting of Organic Waste, Agogo, Ashanti

Background
EcoPlanet Bamboo West Africa operates as part of EcoPlanet Bamboo Group, focusing on reforestation, land restoration, and the sustainable production of bamboo fibre. EcoPlanet Bamboo's operations in Ghana focuses on the restoration of degraded landscapes through sustainable bamboo cultivation. The company operates in alignment with its broader mission to produce deforestation-free wood and fibre products while contributing to fighting climate change, environmental restoration and socio-economic development. EcoPlanet Bamboo's operations in Ghana actively create job opportunities for local communities, contributing to economic empowerment and significantly improving local livelihoods. The company’s community impact projects focus on creating lasting positive impact in the communities around our operations.

The town of Agogo, located in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, is a significant agricultural hub with considerable plantain and maize production. At the same time, the waste from these supply chains ends up on the local roadsides and in the local dump. The abundant availability of plantain and maize waste biomass therefore offers potential for a sustainable organic composting project, which could reduce waste in and around Agogo while producing organic compost that can be utilized on EcoPlanet’s degraded lands undergoing restoration activities.

This feasibility study aims to assess the quantity of plantain and maize biomass available on an annual basis and determine the viability of establishing a composting facility in or near Agogo to avoid this landfill waste.

Objectives
The primary objective of the feasibility study is to:

1. Assess the amount of plantain (and other agricultural waste) biomass available within Agogo on an annual basis and the supply chains associated with such waste;
2. Assess the availability of cardboard or other paper waste in and around Agogo;
3. Identify a proposed site and the associated infrastructure requirements for the undertaking of composting activities;
4. Analyze legal and regulatory compliance needs as required.

Scope of Work
The study will involve the following key activities:
Biomass Assessment:

• Conduct field surveys and engage with local farmers, markets and local authorities to estimate the quantity of plantain biomass available (including plantain peels, stalks, and other organic residues) on an annual basis.
• Categorize and quantify other types of organic agricultural biomass.
• Determine the type and availability of brown biomass (cardboard, waste paper) in Agogo;
• Assess seasonal variations in biomass availability.
• Estimate the potential collection and transport logistics for the biomass to a central composting site.

Infrastructure Requirements:

• Identify a potential site suitable for the proposed composting activities to minimize transportation needs;
• Outline the land requirements, equipment, utilities and staffing based on the model provided by EcoPlanet Bamboo.
• Estimate the capital and operational costs associated with the proposed project.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance:

• Review the legal and regulatory framework governing organic composting operations in Ghana, including any legally required environmental permits.
• Identify any specific licenses, permits, or approvals needed to establish and operate a composting facility in Agogo.

Deliverables
The consultant will be expected to deliver the following:

1. Inception Report - Outlining the study approach, methodology, and work plan.
2. Biomass Assessment Report - Detailing the annual quantity of plantain, agricultural and cardboard/paper biomass available, including seasonal variations and collection logistics.
3. Final Feasibility Study Report - Final report consideration to biomass availability, logistics, legality, infrastructure and financial costs.

Duration and Timeline
The study is expected to be completed within 6 weeks from the date of contract signing

Required Skills or Experience

Consultant Qualifications
The consultant or team should have:

• Proven experience in agricultural research.
• Knowledge of Ghana’s legal and regulatory framework for environmental and waste management.
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills.
• Familiarity with the agricultural context of Agogo.

Budget and Payment Terms
Details on the budget and payment terms will be discussed and agreed upon with the selected consultant, based on the scope of work and deliverables outlined in this TOR.

Reporting and Supervision
The consultant will report to the EcoPlanet Bamboo Project Manager providing regular updates on progress and any issues that may arise during the study.