Agricultural Development Support to Rural Communities Surrounding Conservation Areas

Purpose of contract
The purpose of this contract is, in partnership with TNC, to develop and implement context-specific agricultural solutions that balance the dual goals of environmental conservation and rural development. By identifying and promoting sustainable, inclusive, and economically sound agricultural practices, TNC seeks to enhance the resilience and well-being of communities living near conservation areas, while simultaneously reducing the ecological footprint of agriculture on protected landscapes. This work aims to demonstrate how agriculture can serve as a catalyst for both improved livelihoods and strengthened biodiversity conservation.

Scope of Work
The overall objective of this consultancy is to:

1. identify, design, and implement agricultural interventions that are environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially inclusive, to improve rural livelihoods while supporting conservation outcomes; 2. To ensure that agricultural support is structured as a conservation incentive, directly linking benefits to measurable community participation in conservation efforts.

Objectives:

To conduct a rapid assessment of the existing agricultural market system in communities surrounding conservation areas.
To identify challenges, opportunities, and leverage points for promoting sustainable, conservation-compatible agriculture and, where applicable, other viable nature-based markets such as honey.
To assess the growth potential of identified agricultural / other value chains and production systems.
Integrate a conservation compatible agricultural support package as part of TNCs conservation dividends concept.
To support the design and implementation of targeted interventions that improve agricultural practices, enhance community livelihoods, mitigate human wildlife conflict, and reduce pressure on conservation landscapes.

Specific tasks

Call for Applications
Please send your technical proposal, cover letter, financial proposal and sample of relevant work by 11:59pm, 12th September 2025, to Chilufya Chileshe – c.chileshe@tnc.org and copy Bruce Ellender – bruce.ellender@tnc.org and Charles Musonda – charles.musonda@tnc.org. In the email subject in application: refer to “Agricultural Development Support to Rural Communities Surrounding Conservation Areas”. Please reach out to us should you require further information and download the attachment for more details.