RFI- Rwanda Market Systems for Livestock Activity (MSLA)

Background
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission in Rwanda is seeking to gather information to strengthen the anticipated Market Systems for Livestock Activity (MSLA) design. This initiative aims to improve health outcomes and promote sustainable private sector-driven growth in Rwanda, particularly addressing issues of stunting and malnutrition, which currently affect 33% of the population.

The MSLA aligns with Rwanda's National Strategy for Transformation-2 (NST-2) and the Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation-5 (PSTA-5), both of which prioritize reducing malnutrition rates and improving food security by 2029.

Work Details
The MSLA will utilize a market system development approach to enhance the production and consumption of Animal Source Foods (ASF). The activity is structured around four Intermediate Results (IRs):
1. Environmentally sustainable private sector-led ASF production and market improvement: Collaborate with various actors to enhance livestock productivity through better access to quality breeds, inputs, and climate-smart technologies.
- Sub-Intermediate Results include improved access to quality breeds, enhanced technical capacity, and better coordination among market actors.

2. Increased awareness and acceptance of ASF consumption: Address cultural barriers through social behavior change communication initiatives.
- Sub-Intermediate Results include providing nutritional education, initiating innovative business models for ASF consumption, and strengthening SBCC efforts.

3. Sustainably increased access to finance for livestock producers: Improve financial literacy among producers and facilitate access to customized financial products.
- Sub-Intermediate Results include designing financial products tailored for livestock producers and establishing a systemic approach for delivering financial literacy services.

4. Improved policy and enabling environment for livestock production: Work with private sector organizations to identify policy gaps affecting ASF production.
- Sub-Intermediate Results include supporting the development of conducive policies and building capacity among government staff regarding hygiene and safety in ASF.

Place of Performance
The activities will be implemented across various districts in Rwanda, specifically within the Feed the Future Zone Of Influence (ZOI), including Burera, Gakenke, Nyabihu, Rubavu, Ngororero, Karongi, Rutsiro in the northwest; Nyamasheke and Nyamagabe in the southwest; Gatsibo, Kayonza, Ngoma, and Bugasera in the east.