Expression of Interest: Consultancy for Tree-Based Value Chain Assessment in Odwayne District, Burao – Somaliland

**1. Background:**

**1.1:** **World Vision Context**

World Vision International is a humanitarian and development organization committed to enhancing the well-being of vulnerable children, families, and communities in need. Operating in areas characterized by fragility and environmental challenges, such as Somaliland, World Vision implements a range of integrated resilience programs designed to support and empower local populations. These programs are multifaceted, combining essential components such as livelihoods support, natural resource management, and climate adaptation strategies.

In regions classified as arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), World Vision recognizes the critical relationship between sustainable livelihoods and the health of ecosystems. The organization emphasizes the importance of maintaining the well-being of rangelands and tree resources, which are foundational to the pastoral production systems that many communities rely upon for their livelihoods.

To address the pressing challenges faced by these communities, World Vision has increasingly directed its efforts towards interventions that not only focus on environmental restoration but also create economic opportunities. By fostering initiatives that connect sustainable resource management practices with tangible benefits, World Vision ensures that local communities are able to thrive both environmentally and economically. This holistic approach not only seeks to improve immediate living conditions but also lays the groundwork for long-term resilience and sustainability in the face of ongoing climate stressors.

**1.2 Regreening Africa Phase II (RA2)**

Regreening Africa Phase II (RA2) is a landscape restoration initiative aimed at addressing the pressing issue of land degradation across the African continent. This multifaceted program not only focuses on rehabilitating degraded ecosystems but also prioritizes the enhancement of livelihoods and climate resilience for local communities. Building on successful methodologies such as Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), agroforestry practices, and community-led restoration efforts, RA2 seeks to revitalize ecosystems that have been severely impacted by various forms of degradation, including deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity.

One of the core objectives of RA2 is to facilitate a transformative shift away from subsistence farming and environmentally harmful practices toward sustainable and economically viable agricultural systems. This transition is crucial in fostering long-term environmental health while improving the economic prospects of communities dependent on these ecosystems.

A significant aspect of the initiative is its commitment to promoting tree-based enterprises, which serve as a vital strategy for intertwining ecological restoration with economic development. By identifying and nurturing specific value chains that have the potential to generate income, RA2 aims to empower local communities, providing them with the necessary incentives to actively conserve and restore their natural resources. This not only helps to rebuild the environmental integrity of their landscapes but also strengthens their economic resilience and contributes to overall community well-being.

Through these efforts, Regreening Africa Phase II aspires to create a sustainable model of land management that benefits both people and the planet, fostering a healthier environment for current and future generations.

**1.3: Context of Odwayne District**

Odwayne district, located in the Togdheer region near Burao, is characterized by arid climatic conditions, recurrent droughts, and fragile ecosystems. Livelihoods are predominantly pastoral, with households relying heavily on livestock for income, food, and social security. However, increasing climate variability has led to gradual shifts toward agro-pastoralism in certain areas, where communities are beginning to engage in small-scale crop production and natural resource-based enterprises.

The district’s natural resource base has been under increasing pressure due to prolonged droughts, overgrazing, and unsustainable exploitation of woody vegetation. In particular, charcoal production has emerged as a coping strategy during periods of economic stress, contributing to significant deforestation and land degradation.

Despite these challenges, Odwayne possesses considerable potential for sustainable tree-based production systems. Indigenous tree species, including Acacia, Boswellia, and Commiphora, offer opportunities for the development of gum, resin, fodder, and other non-timber forest products. Harnessing these opportunities requires a structured understanding of value chains and market systems.

**2. RATIONALE FOR TREE-BASED VALUE CHAIN ASSESSMENT**

Tree-based value chains represent a critical opportunity to align environmental restoration with livelihood diversification in Odwayne district. While trees currently play an important