Developing Comprehensive Business Models for Climate-Resilient Kithul Value Chain Development

Reference number: 2505
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.

Overview

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land & Irrigation Sri Lanka (MoALLI), along with ICRAF, is implementing a 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 Knuckles project) is the principal donor of this project.

The project aims to build sustainable land and water management with improved ecosystem services and enhanced economic and livelihood options for the vulnerable communities that will ultimately improve the adaptive capacity to the expected climate change.

Under Component 2.1.1, the project focuses on developing green farming technologies to upgrade existing agricultural value chains and stimulate smallholders and subsistence farmers to adopt sustainable practices. Four priority business models have been identified for development: Kithul, Food Processing, Spice & Herbs, and Tourism.

The Kithul palm (Caryota urens L.) is native to Sri Lanka and thrives in the mid- and up-country wet zones, including the Knuckles project area. Developing it as a climate-resilient agroforestry value chain offers a sustainable income source for local communities, aligning directly with GCF's goals while contributing to co-benefits through nature-based approaches. Kithul cultivation contributes to soil stabilization, carbon sequestration, and climate risk reduction, making it an ideal business model for the project.

The target communities include seven farmer groups: Hunnasgiriya (estate community, Kandy district), Elkaduwa (Sembuwatte Knuckles cooperatives), Selagama (estate workers), Knuckles Forest (specialized farmers' organization), and three Sarvodaya-affiliated groups in Matale district and other potential communities in the Knuckles region.

Duties and responsibilities

1. Develop Comprehensive Business Models 

Develop comprehensive business models for climate-resilient Kithul value chain development that align with GCF Knuckles project objectives, including: 

• Enhanced market competitiveness through inclusive value chain development 
• Increased resilience of rural livelihoods through climate-smart investments 
• Diversified revenue streams through participation in green markets 
• Scalable community-led enterprise models within forest buffer zones 
• Clear pathways to link Kithul products to global markets with necessary quality assurance systems and product development strategies 

2. Conduct Detailed Feasibility Analysis 

Conduct detailed feasibility analysis, including technical, financial, market, and environmental viability assessments for different scales of operation across naturally harvested, domesticated cultivation, and processing enterprises 

3. Product Development and Refinement 

Product development and refinement to enhance market positioning, value addition opportunities, and quality standards for different Kithul products, including jaggery, treacle, sap, flour, and syrup

4. Design Implementation Strategies 

Design implementation strategies with clear timelines, resource requirements, and partnership frameworks specifically tailored for the seven target farmer groups

5. Develop Financing Mechanisms and Investment Strategies 

Develop financing mechanisms and investment strategies, including blended finance approaches and green market opportunities for sustainable Kithul value chain development 

SCOPE OF THE ASSIGNMENT 

The consultant will develop comprehensive business models for Kithul value chain development across individual farmers, farmer groups, cooperatives, and small enterprise levels. This includes technical production protocols for both naturally harvested and domesticated systems, market linkage strategies, financial projections, and implementation roadmaps for naturally harvested Kithul production, domesticated Kithul cultivation (including nursery development and agroforestry integration), and post-harvest processing enterprises. 

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DETAILED WORKING PACKAGES

POTENTIAL PARTNERS 

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS 

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

COORDINATION REQUIREMENTS  

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

EXPECTED INTEGRATION

SUCCESS CRITERIA  

Education, knowledge and experience

• Advanced degree in agricultural economics, rural development, or related field
• Minimum 10 years of experience in value chain development and business model design
• Proven track record in climate-smart agriculture and agroforestry systems
• Experience with GCF or similar climate finance mechanisms
• Demonstrated capability in participatory research and community engagement
• Knowledge of Sri Lankan agricultural policies and market systems

Terms and conditions

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.