Name: Landell Mills
Price range: $

Project Mauritius

10/01/22 - 10/11/23

Technical assistance to Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change to implement the provisions of the Climate Change Act 2020 in the Republic of Mauritius

The global objective of the project is to assist the Government in meeting its obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement and any other related instruments on climate change. Specifically, the project will assist the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change in the implementation of the provisions of the Climate Change Act (2020), notably in the establishment of the Climate Change Department.

The project is undertaken in two phases. Phase 1 will consist of carrying out an Institutional Gaps and Needs Assessment of concerned public and private institutions, including the MOESWMCC to enable the implementation of the Climate Change Act 2020, which makes provisions for Ministries and private enterprises to take into account climate change in their policies, strategies, action plans as well as monitor and review the implementation of the adaption and mitigation measures. The consultancy shall make recommendations on all institutional related issues provided in the Climate Change Act 2020, including human resource requirements (staffing) and capacity building needs (competencies). This involves 1) mapping the institutions involved in Climate Change in Mauritius and define their role and responsibilities based on the Climate Change Act and good practices in other countries 2) identifying the gaps and needs for the concerned institutions to fulfil their duties under the Climate Change act, based on the roles and responsibilities identified for each institution and taking into considerations recent studies namely the gaps and needs analysis carried out during the review of the Mauritius’ NDC, Institutional Arrangement under the NAMA project, and Review of Institutional Framework of the MOESWMCC and the Draft Master Plan on Environment, and 3) conducting consultations/meeting/consultative workshops with the MOESWMCC and other relevant stakeholders on Strategic Action Planning and Capacity Building to identify areas where strengthening is required on climate change issues. The consultancy shall propose ways and means for the implementation of the provisions of the Climate Change Act 2020, which will involve 4) proposing separate organisation set-ups for Mauritius and Rodrigues including organigrams and duties of each category of officer, 5) proposing an organisational structure for the Department of Climate Change and climate change units/nominated focal points in the public and private institutions, formulate the roles and functions of the Department and the scheme of duties of the technical officers who will work in this Department, and plan staffing requirements, and 6) devising a Human Resource Development Strategy with short- medium- and long-term capacity-building plans for the Department of Climate Change as well as for nominated climate focal staff in concerning ministries/departments (specifying tools and equipment requirements). The consultancy will also formulate an action plan with costing and timelines to implement the above Strategy.

Phase 2 consists of supporting the Department of Climate Change in the implementation of the short-term capacity building plan. This will comprise the training of the latter Department staff as well as nominated climate focal staff in concerned ministries/departments, in climate change mainstreaming and reporting, among others.

Project Benin

03/01/22 - 05/09/22

Formulation Mission - Ocean governance, sustainable blue economy, coastal management and marine conservation and restoration in West Africa

The West Africa maritime, coastal and inland water spaces are rich with aquatic biodiversity and resources (not only fish and other wildlife but also minerals, hydrocarbons, etc.) and support (or can support) a range of economic sectors, including fisheries, aquaculture, transport, tourism, oil and gas exploration, renewable energy, marine biotechnologies, blue carbon, etc.In a region where over 40% of the population lives in coastal areas, these activities make essential contributions to food and nutritional security, livelihoods, employment, exports and foreign currency. Nevertheless, it is widely recognised that the West African region is far from realising the full potential from its blue resources, although there is growing attention at the policy level to ocean governance and the sustainable blue economy, particularly at the international level (for example, through continental and regional policy frameworks in place such as ‘the African Union Blue Economy Strategy’ of October 2019 and the Blue Economy Strategy, which is being drafted by the ECOWAS Commission).
This present assignment will support the design of a regional programme in West Africa – guided by both EU and international/regional policy frameworks – focusing on three key areas/results:• Result 1: strengthening ocean governance, regional cooperation and coordination on policies, monitoring, control and surveillance and legal proceedings• Result 2: support sustainable Blue Economy through Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) to promote sustainable and climate-resilient blue economy value chain, green infrastructures in coastal zones, etc.• Result 3: conservation and restoration of oceans, coastal and marine resources.

EU-supported actions through such a programme will need to build on highly occupied areas, with multiple interventions (including through EU programmes) already addressing specific elements envisaged within the scope of the new regional initiative. Nevertheless, there are good reasons to believe that there is further potential to be attained from the blue economy through better regional cooperation, strengthened governance and better application of blue economic tools: in short, a clear rationale for the interventions anticipated. A regional agenda could usefully be built to tackle more efficiently challenges that are common to most of the countries in the region, such as maritime safety and security, protection of marine biodiversity, marine litter policy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, or development of waterborne transport. The proposed new initiative arises in the context of the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework, which allocates €70.8 billion for the 'Neighbourhood, Development, and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe' (NDICI – Global Europe) as the new instrument for EU cooperation and development with partner countries. The 2021-2027 budget will increase the effectiveness and visibility of the EU’s external policies, strengthen coordination with internal policies and give the EU the flexibility needed for a faster response to new crises and challenges. As part of the Multi-Annual Indicative Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa 2021-2027, the new regional initiative will follow the guiding principles of NDICI – Global Europe, along with EU strategies and priorities for ocean governance, blue economy and coastal conservation and for West Africa. At the same time, in order to achieve genuine regional impact, actions also need to fit within the continental and regional strategic frameworks (including EU-West Africa frameworks) and the programming needs of national and regional institutions.A key objective for the new initiative will be to identify common pathways between multiple (transboundary) actors and also to demonstrate how EU support can complement the objectives of regional and national stakeholders.

Project Kenya

01/01/22 - 30/04/23

Evaluation of WFP Country Strategic Plan for Kenya (2018-2023)

Country Strategic Plan Evaluations (CSPEs) encompass the entirety of WFP activities during a specific period. Their purpose is twofold: 1) to provide evaluation evidence and learning on WFP's performance for country-level strategic decisions, specifically for developing the next Country Strategic Plan (CSP) and 2) to provide accountability for results to WFP stakeholders.

The Kenya CSP (2018-2023) centers around four Strategic Outcomes focusing on

Humanitarian assistance to refugees in Dadaab and Kakuma, emergency drought responses in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), and urban COVID-19 food assistance; Food system interventions including Food Assistance for Assets (FFA), new climate adaptation technologies, micro-meso climate insurance, post-harvest loss reduction, small holder farmer capacity strengthening value-chain/supply chain development (including the Farm to Market Alliance); Capacity strengthening of national and county governments in the areas of Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR), nutrition, social protection and Home Grown School Feeding (HGSF); andCommon service service provision to Government, UN and INGO partners including humanitarian air services (UNHAS), food procurement and supply chain services.

A Landell Mills team of four international experts is conducting this evaluation in partnership with four national experts provided by Pan African Research Services (PARS)

The evaluation assesses:

- the relevance of the CSP to; humanitarian/development needs in Kenya, national priorities and WFP’s comparative advantages;

- the effectiveness of the CSP in contributing to intended outcomes in emergency response, food security/nutrition, resilience, food systems, capacity strengthening, and service provision to the government and humanitarian development community;

- the extent to which WFP has used resources in a timely, appropriate, efficient, and effective manner when implementing the CSP; and

- the extent to which WFP performance can be explained by the transition to Country Strategic Planning or by other internal and external factors.

Project Lebanon

27/12/21 - 27/12/23

Provision of services to address the agricultural pollution in the Litani River Basin (LRB)

Lebanon is facing a deep financial crisis that, compounded with the recent COVID-19 pandemic and other structural challenges, puts a strain on its economy and is (further) undermining its long-term socio-economic development. In addition to this, environmental degradation is rampant, estimated to cost the country an equivalent of 1% of its GDP per year and restraining the growth prospects of a series of sectors.

Agriculture has been identified as a possible driver of change with an untapped potential able to spur inclusive socio-economic growth whilst protecting the natural resources the sector relies on, reduce food insecurity and ultimately increase the Lebanese people’s resilience to the financial crisis. Several studies point to the Bekaa valley as an entry point, given the high proportion of productive land the area encompasses, its production capacity and agriculture being a major source of income in the region. Unlocking such potential, however, requires the promotion of sustainable practices that, apart from resulting in produce of higher quality, will ultimately lead to a healthier Litani River Basin (LRB), sustaining the livelihoods of more than 1 million people.

The government of Lebanon has recently adopted the National Agricultural Strategy 2020-2025, guiding interventions in the sector with the overall objective “to transform the Lebanese agri-food system into a more resilient, inclusive, competitive and sustainable agri-food system”. The implementation of this strategy is receiving the support of several development partners, including the European Union (EU), who have been emphasising the need for a market-driven approach with a view to increasing the sustainability of the proposed interventions.

Operating in the context depicted above, the overall objective of the Provision of services to address the agricultural pollution in the Litani River Basin (LRB) project is to contribute to stability in Lebanon by promoting local development and improving the socio-economic resilience of the local population along the LRB. The project is structured into two main activities contributing to the achievement of the mentioned objective:

Activity 1: Good and clean agricultural practices are adoptedActivity 2: Access of the targeted farmers and cooperatives to the Lebanese market is enhanced.

Project Afghanistan

17/12/21 - 09/12/22

Combined evaluation of DG ECHO's humanitarian response to epidemics, and of DG ECHO's partnership with the World Health Organization, 2017-2021

Title: Combined evaluation of DG ECHO's humanitarian response to epidemics, and of DG ECHO's partnership with the World Health Organization, 2017-2021

The specific purpose of the evaluation, according to its Terms of Reference (TOR) was:

To provide an external, independent and thematic assessment of DG ECHO’s worldwide Actions in response to epidemics in third countries; To contextualize DG ECHO’s response to epidemics in the broader EU response, and provide an analysis of how to strengthen its position in future responses; and To provide a retrospective assessment of DG ECHO’s partnership with WHO globally, with a focus on identifying lessons learned and good practices

As WHO was also one of many organisations that DG ECHO partnered with in responding to epidemics (Part A), there was a very small degree of convergence in scope between Parts A and B. Otherwise, the two parts were largely treated as separate.
The evaluation was global in scope. Although data collection involved some geographical sampling - with in-depth analysis in Afghanistan, DRC, South Sudan, Syria and Venezuela - the findings, conclusions and recommendations are all applicable at a global level.

The focus for Part A was principally on DG ECHO’s performance as a humanitarian donor in emergency contexts. The contribution of DG ECHO’s Civil Protection (CP) capacities to epidemic response was considered, but to a lesser degree. DG ECHO’s humanitarian response to the wider socio-economic effects of epidemics (e.g., nutrition, protection, cash transfers) would not be covered; instead, Part A would focus on the more ‘classic’ areas of a public health response (including epidemic preparedness measures).
Part A also emphasized an analysis of DG ECHO’s own performance as an institution in the humanitarian domain, rather than on the collective performance of its IPs. Thus, the ET examined the way DG ECHO made decisions and used valuable resources to best effect when tackling epidemics. In a similar vein, the focus of Part B was on the DG ECHO-WHO partnership itself, rather than on how WHO performed in humanitarian settings as a DG ECHO implementing partner.

Project Cameroon

15/12/21 - 15/06/22

Final evaluation of sectoral reform contract - rural development DEC 2017/40031

Home to more than 25 million inhabitants in 2018, Cameroon is a lower-middle-income country. Cameroon is richly endowed with natural resources (oil and gas, minerals and

precious wood) and agricultural (notably coffee, cotton, cocoa, corn and cassava). In order to better exploit its economic potential and eradicate poverty, Cameroon adopted a vision in 2009 aimed at making it an emerging country by 2035. The first variation of this vision for the period 2010-2020 was recorded in the Growth and Employment Strategy Document (DSCE), implemented since 2010.

In particular, agriculture is highlighted, representing 20% of GDP, as having a key role

in accelerating growth, fighting poverty and creating jobs. It is notably at the heart of the Rural Sector Development Strategy (SDSR); and National Investment Plan

Agricultural (PNIA).

In terms of security, it should be noted that Cameroon has remained relatively stable for several decades. However, since 2016, secessionist demands in the North-West and South-West regions have weakened the security situation in a country already affected by other pockets of fragility linked in particular to the incursions of the Boko-Haram sect in the North and to instability on the border with the CAR. The security crisis in the English-speaking regions and northern Cameroon is weighing on economic growth prospects and short-term budgetary stability.

The European Union supports the Government of Cameroon in promoting sustainable and inclusive development in the rural sector, in particular through budgetary support: this sectoral reform contract – rural development, which it is a question of evaluating here. .

Specifically, the CPRS Rural Development aims to increase the productivity of Family Farms (EFA), through the achievement of 4 results:

1. Establishment of an effective and efficient system of access to main agro-pastoral inputs and services for farmers;

2. Strengthening public research, advice and agricultural extension;

3. Implementation of a strategy to open up production basins;

4. Improvement in the effectiveness of public action and the quality of public policies.

Project Timor-leste

08/12/21 - 23/08/22

TA-9971 REG: Agriculture Improvement and Water Harvesting Project under TA Southeast Asia Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development Facility – Phase II (54002-001)

The transaction technical assistance (TA) facility for the Southeast Asia Agriculture,

Natural Resources and Rural Development Facility-Phase II supports preparation of the Agriculture Improvement and Water Harvesting Project in Timor-Leste Project (AIWHP) to conduct due diligence and prepare project documents, including the draft report and recommendation of the President (RRP) and key linked and supplementary documents for approval of loan/grant funding and cofinancing.

The investment project will have three outputs:

Output 1: Climate-resilient farming systems and market linkages developed. The project will (i) apply agroforestry techniques to increase vegetative cover and productivity of agricultural land; (ii) diversify farming systems through the integration of climate-resilient crops, crop varieties, and agricultural practices that are better adapted to the predicted impacts of climate change;1 and (iii) enhance performance of value chains for agricultural products with market potential by promoting private sector participation. 2 Localized solutions will confirm interventions appropriate for specific communities based on climate risks, existing farming practices, gender-based stereotypes affecting decision-making by male and female farmers, and potential market opportunities. These interventions will improve livelihoods and strengthen resilience of rural communities, especially for the poor and women farmers.

Output 2: Community-based water harvesting and flood protection infrastructure constructed. The project will design and install community-based water harvesting and flood protection infrastructure such as small reservoir/ponds, tanks, rooftop rainfall harvesting, infiltration trenches/wells, drains, and local flood protection/erosion control structures to improve the supply of year-round water for agriculture and other uses, and protect people, infrastructure, property, and livelihoods from frequent flooding. The project will increase the leadership roles of women and men in water harvesting and flood protection activities, and increase the potential use of irrigated farming. Participatory approaches will be promoted in the design, operation and management of the community-based infrastructure, and development of technical standards.

Output 3: Institutional and organizational capacity of farmer groups, communities, and government strengthened. Building on MAF’s experience with CBNRM, the project will support the expansion of participatory land use planning approaches in target municipalities, including (i) development and adoption of village natural resource management regulations and community-based climate adaptation plans informed by village-level climate change vulnerability assessments; (ii) enhancement of village leaders capacity, at least 30% women, for adaptive management of farm land and natural resources; and (iii) improved access to adaptive farm management and market geospatial information at the sub-district level to enhance local stakeholders' capacity for sustainable climate resilient farm and landscape management.

Project Tanzania

04/11/21 - 04/11/23

Communication and Visibility of the AGRI-CONNECT Programme

Project Sudan

03/11/21 - 01/06/22

Capacity building for Civil Society Organisations under the PISCCA fund

Project Cambodia

18/10/21 - 30/06/23

TA-9681 REG: Preparation of the Sustainable Coastal and Marine Fisheries Project, Call-off notice 1

The fishery sector plays a vital role in the Cambodian economy, accounting for 5% of GDP, employing around  655,000 people directly and with an estimated 2 million people (indirectly) relying on fisheries for their living. Nevertheless, the overexploitation and unsustainable use of coastal and marine resources, coupled with ecosystem degradation and climate change, is putting the livelihoods of the fishery-dependent population at risk. Various structural constraints, such as under-developed or lack of quality post-harvest infrastructure and difficult access to credit for micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, are further hampering the sector’s ability to grow and add value to the GDP and household income.

In response to such challenges, the Government of Cambodia has recently adopted the Strategic Planning Framework for Fisheries (SPFF) 2020-2024, calling for the “management, conservation, and development of sustainable fisheries resources to contribute to ensuring people’s food security and to socio-economic development in order to enhance people’s livelihoods and the nation’s prosperity”.

ADB is planning to support the Government of Cambodia for the implementation of its strategic plan for the coastal and marine fisheries sector through the proposed Sustainable Coastal and Marine Fisheries Project (the Project), running for six years from mid-2022. The Project will assist the Government of Cambodia by enhancing coastal and marine ecosystem-based adaptation and mitigation (output 1), improving climate-resilient post-harvest infrastructure (output 2), promoting investment in safe and sustainable fisheries value chain (output 3), and establishing a marine financing facility (output 4).

The Project will contribute to the development of enhanced and sustainable coastal and marine ecosystems and fisheries value chains in Cambodia’s four coastal provinces of Kampot, Kep, Koh Kong, and Preah Sihanouk. The Project expected impact is sustainable and resilient coastal and marine fisheries resources.

To assist the Government to prepare the Project, under call-off 1, the ADB has contracted Landell Mills to provide transaction technical assistance (TRTA) for the overall design of the Project, due diligence and feasibility assessment for the first three outputs (the fourth being covered by call-off 2). This will require, among others, an assessment of the current physical coastal and marine fisheries operation in Cambodia from production to distribution, an analysis of existing regulations, resources and gaps, the issuance of recommendations for climate-resilient interventions, the identification and prioritisation of investment opportunities from ecosystems, markets to quality control systems.

Our projects

832 projects found