1.     Background and Introduction 

Accelerate Prosperity (AP) is a joint initiative of the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and Industrial Promotion Services (IPS) of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) in Central and South Asia. It aspires to work towards a society that is powered by innovative and successful young entrepreneurs. Through its services, AP extends tailored training, advice, and technical assistance to aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to help them launch or expand their innovative business ventures. It also extends tailored financing to start- ups and SGBs to help them unlock external investments by improving their bankability and investment readiness.

AP’s approach combines financial and non-financial support, recognizing that standalone business development services and traditional bank financing are inadequate to catalyze early-stage and growth stage businesses, and deliver job creation in fragile and emerging markets, particularly for marginalized groups in rural areas.

This assessment is funded by the European Union under Energy Plus, a programme that seeks to promote renewable energy solutions, enhance natural resources management, and support rural communities to build climate resilience. This study particularly aims to strengthen AP’s ability to provide tailored training, advisory, and investment support to early-stage and growth-stage businesses in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. AP plays a pivotal role in reaching and strengthening enterprises and enterprise groups in the sector, directly contributing to the livelihood of local communities. The study will provide a detailed market assessment, adding to AP’s understanding and supporting the efforts to guide agriculture entrepreneurs in implementing innovative and sustainable solutions.

2.    Scope of Work

The study will focus on the following main domains,

2.1. Global and National Trends

• Conduct a general review of regional (south asia)  and national trends in agriculture and smart farming technologies. This review will provide a broader perspective and a snapshot of existing practices against modern trends, which will then be applied to the specific landscape of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. The following key points will form the background of the study: 
  • Technological advancements in the agriculture sector e.g.,  precision farming and may be (IoT, AI & drones))
  • Sustainable practices and positive environmental impacts
  • Economic impacts and agri-market dynamics
  • Contextually relevant national and regional case studies of successful smart farming implementations that have potential to be replicated in the GBC landscape
  • Key technological developments and adoptions being made in Pakistan
  • Successful case studies within Pakistan or comparable markets that can relate and/or contribute to successful agri-business initiatives in GBC
  • Identify key patterns and developments in the regional and national agriculture and smart farming sectors in similar climatic zones.
  • Compare and contrast these trends to highlight unique aspects and commonalities. 

2.2. Regional Context: Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral

• Meeting with the agriculture and livestock departments of GB & Chitral to get 1st hand data on the agriculture sector, cultivable land, barren land and pastures, cropping zones, cropping patterns and current production level in the GB & Chitral regions.
• Perform both secondary and primary data collection to gather and analyze sectoral landscape including current trends  and technology adoption, current agriculture practices, and weather conditions.
• Segment-wise market assessment, growth, sales, and potential for growth
  • Perform a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) specific to the agriculture sector in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. Analysis should be segment-wise to identify opportunities for local players.
  • Identify and assess the different climatic zones, cropping seasons and pattern in GBC regions
  • Identify barren land and pastures areas and propose suggestions for cultivation
    • Crop Production: Analysis of major crops, their production volume, and market share.
    • Agri-business Services: Inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, machinery, and advisory services.
    • Post-Harvest and Processing: Infrastructure, logistics, and value addition in the supply chain.
    • Technology and Innovation: Agri-tech trends, including smart farming and digital tools.
    • Organic and Sustainable Farming: Market demand for organic and eco-friendly products.
• Analyze the market dynamics and economic contributions within the agriculture sector of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. Identify and profile influential local players, such as agricultural cooperatives, innovative farmers, local agribusinesses, and NGOs, who are driving these dynamics and significantly enhancing the broader agricultural landscape.
• Identify region-specific potential for commercializing a solution focused on improving water supply, water efficient techniques for irrigation, particularly on larger-scale farms utilizing smart farming technologies. The solution should also consider the production of high-value cash crops best suited to the soil composition, hydrology, climate conditions, and local ecosystems of each specified districts in Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral. Also, consider challenges related to supply chain, operations, power availability, and other external factors.
• Conduct secondary and primary market analysis on both the supply and demand sides, including global, national, and local demand for agricultural products that can potentially be produced commercially in the regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral with high cash value. Assess the region's capacity to produce certain high-value cash crops and identify realistic smart farming techniques that can be integrated to support commercialization.
• Conduct a gap analysis to identify discrepancies between current practices and potential advancements
• Document key challenges faced by local farmers, agri-based enterprises working in the agriculture sector and highlight potential opportunities for local businesses.

3.     Methodology

The consultancy firm /entity is required to submit a detailed  proposal that demonstrates their understanding of this assignment, as outlined in the scope of work . The proposal must include a comprehensive  methodology, with a sampling approach and sample size that are justified based on initial preliminary analysis. This approach should ensure that the sample is representative and captures the diversity of insights necessary to reflect the agricultural sector and market challenges in the Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral regions, both holistically and within specific districts. 

The assessment will be conducted using a mixed-method approach, with a focus on primary data collection supplemented by secondary data sources. The study will consist of 70% primary  and 30% secondary assessment.

Key Areas of Analysis

• Supply Chain Analysis: Evaluation of input supply, agri production, food processing, distribution, and local market sales via channels.
• Market Demand: Consumer preferences, emerging trends, and future demand forecasts for agricultural products.
• Competitive Landscape: Assessment of key competitors, their market share, and pricing strategies.
• Barriers and Challenges to Market Entry: Government policy & regulatory framework, financial constraints and access to opportunities, and infrastructural challenges faced by agricultural producers and entrepreneurs.
• Technological Adoption: Analysis of the adoption of agri-tech, digital tools, and innovation by farmers and agribusinesses.
• Export Potential: Identification of opportunities for expanding agricultural exports and entering new international markets.

 Case Studies

• Identify and document case studies of successful businesses in the region, focusing on their growth strategy,  business model adaptations, and challenges faced.
• Inception Report – Including review of existing literature data, meetings with relevant department of agriculture, methodology, instruments for data collection
• Detailed Report:  A comprehensive market assessment report detailing the current state of the agriculture market. 
• A segmentation of the market with potential high-growth areas identified.
• Presentation: Prepare a presentation summarizing the key findings and recommendations for stakeholders.
• Appendices: Include supplementary information, such as survey questionnaires, interview guides, and additional data tables.
• 1-day workshop to present report findings to AP team.

4.     Deliverables:

• Inception Report – Including review of existing literature data, meetings with relevant department of agriculture, methodology, instruments for data collection
• Detailed Report:  A comprehensive market assessment report detailing the current state of the agriculture market. 
• A segmentation of the market with potential high-growth areas identified.
• Presentation: Prepare a presentation summarizing the key findings and recommendations for stakeholders.
• Appendices: Include supplementary information, such as survey questionnaires, interview guides, and additional data tables.
• 1-day workshop to present report findings to AP team.

5.     Proposed Time Period: 

The timeline for completion of the engagements is expected to be 3-6 months from the start.

6.     Payment Terms

Payment will be made after submission of required deliverables as per the below schedule:

The financial fee submitted should be inclusive of all travel expenses and taxes.

1. 1.      Application Requirements

• Technical Proposal:
  • Profile of the Firm / Consultants
  • Relevant Credentials / Past Work Experience (not older than 5 years at the time of submission)
  • Execution Methodology & Workplan – Technical Proposal
  • CVs of Key Engagement Staff
  • Financial Proposal:
    • Detailed breakdown of total cost of the engagement and total quote inclusive of all applicable taxes, and travel and other incidental costs.