Development of Sustainable Food Processing Business Models for Tree-Based Food Crops under the GCF Knuckles Project in Sri Lanka

Reference number: 2503
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Consultancy
Duty station: Colombo, Kandy, Matale, and the target communities in the Knuckles region, Sri Lanka
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CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources. CIFOR-ICRAF is looking for a

Development of Sustainable Food Processing Business Models for Tree-Based Food Crops under the GCF Knuckles Project in Sri Lanka

Overview

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land & Irrigation Sri Lanka (MoALLI), along with World Agroforestry (ICRAF), is implementing the project titled \"Strengthening Climate Resilience for Subsistence Farmers and Agricultural Plantation Communities Residing in the Vulnerable River Basins, Watershed Areas and Downstream of the Knuckles Mountain Range Catchment of Sri Lanka.\" The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is the principal donor of this project, with a total budget of USD 49 million over six years.

Under the GCF Knuckles project Component 2.1.1, the development of food processing business models represents a critical opportunity to address post-harvest losses while creating sustainable income streams for vulnerable communities. The Knuckles region's abundant tree-based food crop resources, including jackfruit, durian, avocado, and other indigenous fruits, are often underutilized due to a lack of processing facilities, limited market linkages, and inadequate value addition knowledge.

Current post-harvest losses in the region are estimated at 30-40% for tree-based food crops, resulting in significant economic losses for smallholder farmers and missed opportunities for achieving nutrition security and generating income. The development of community-based food processing enterprises aligns directly with GCF objectives for climate adaptation, sustainable livelihoods, and ecosystem-based approaches.

This assignment will develop comprehensive business models that transform abundant tree-based food crops into profitable and sustainable enterprises, while strengthening climate resilience through diversified income sources and reduced dependence on climate-sensitive primary production.

Duties and responsibilities

1. Value Chain and Loss Assessment

Quantify current tree-based food crops' production, post-harvest losses, and processing potential across target communities in the Knuckles Region (Kandy and Matale District).

2. Market Opportunity Analysis

Identify high-value processed tree-based food products with strong market demand and competitive positioning potential.

3. Technical Capacity, Technology, and Infrastructure Assessment

Evaluate appropriate processing technologies and infrastructure requirements for community-scale operations, with emphasis on:

4. Business Model Development

Create viable processing enterprise models for individual, group, and cooperative levels with comprehensive financial projections, including:

5. Implementation Strategy

Develop detailed implementation plans with capacity building, partnership development, and sustainability frameworks, including:

SCOPE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The consultant will develop business models for community-based food processing enterprises that reduce post-harvest losses, create value-added products, generate sustainable income streams, and implement green & climate-smart business practices (zero pollution, minimized wastes, resilience to weather changes). The assignment covers technical, financial, market, and operational aspects of food processing development within the context of climate adaptation and forest conservation objectives.

Note: Objectives 3-5 will be focused on each of the 4 selected tree-based food crops identified in Objectives 1-2.

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DETAILED WORKING PACKAGES

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

COORDINATION REQUIREMENTS

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

EXPECTED INTEGRATION

SUCCESS CRITERIA

Education, knowledge and experience • Advanced degree in Agribusiness, Agrotechnology, Food Technology, Agricultural Engineering, or related field
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in agribusiness development and food processing.
• Proven experience with community-based enterprise development in Sri Lanka or similar contexts
• Strong knowledge of food safety, quality standards, and certification systems (HACCP, organic, fair trade)
• Experience with small-scale processing technology and equipment selection
• Financial modeling and market analysis capabilities
• Understanding of green technologies and sustainable processing methods

Terms and conditions • This is a consultancy position
• The period of the consultancy is 8 weeks from contract signing
• Work location: Colombo, Kandy, Matale, and the target communities in the Knuckles region

To learn more about CIFOR-ICRAF, please visit our websites at: https://www.cifor.org and www.worldagroforestry.org
CIFOR-ICRAF promotes Gender Diversity – Applications from women professionals are encouraged.
CIFOR-ICRAF is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.

Application process The application deadline is 26 Sep 2025
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.

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