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1. Background

 

The world faces interconnected crises related to food security, environmental degradation, and social inequity. Current food systems are often unsustainable, contributing to climate change, biodiversity loss, and widespread hunger and malnutrition. Agroecology, a holistic approach that integrates ecological principles with agricultural practices, offers a promising pathway towards more resilient and equitable food systems. It emphasizes biodiversity, soil health, water conservation, and farmer empowerment, while also contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Furthermore, the concept of climate justice recognizes that the impacts of climate change are not evenly distributed, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities, including Indigenous Peoples. Agroecology, by strengthening local food systems and promoting community-based adaptation strategies, often rooted in traditional knowledge, can play a critical role in advancing both climate justice and the self-determination of Indigenous Peoples.

Indigenous Peoples hold a wealth of knowledge and practices related to sustainable land management and agroecology. Their deep understanding of local ecosystems and biodiversity is invaluable in developing and implementing effective climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. Recognizing and respecting Indigenous Peoples’ rights and knowledge is essential for building truly sustainable and equitable food systems. However, Indigenous Peoples often face marginalization and dispossession, undermining their ability to protect their customary practices and contribute to global efforts towards food security and climate resilience.

Despite the growing recognition of its potential, agroecology faces significant challenges in gaining wider adoption. Policy frameworks often fail to adequately support agroecological practices, and funding for research and implementation remains limited. This is particularly true for initiatives led by Indigenous Peoples. Furthermore, there is a need for stronger advocacy efforts to raise awareness among policymakers and the public about the benefits of agroecology, including the crucial role of Indigenous Peoples in its development and implementation.

To address these challenges and promote the integration of agroecology into policy frameworks, while centering the role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, the Global People’s Platform for Socioecological Transformation’s Working Group on Agroecology and Climate will develop a Global Policy Brief. This document will serve as a key advocacy tool, providing evidence-based recommendations for policymakers at local, national, and international levels. The brief will draw upon real-world experiences and in-depth case studies from Thailand, Brazil, Malaysia, the Philippines, Côte d’Ivoire, and Bangladesh, including examples of Indigenous-led agroecological initiatives. These diverse contexts will highlight both the potential of agroecology to address specific local challenges, including those faced by Indigenous communities, and the common barriers to its wider and more inclusive implementation. By showcasing successful examples, including those rooted in Indigenous knowledge, and providing concrete policy recommendations, this brief aims to accelerate the transition towards more just, sustainable, and culturally appropriate food systems.

2. Objectives of the Consultancy

 

• Identify and analyze key policy gaps and opportunities related to agroecology and climate justice in Thailand,Brazil, Malaysia, the Philippines, Côte d’Ivoire, and Bangladesh.
• Synthesize research findings and case study evidence to develop actionable policy recommendations for local, national, and international policymakers, addressing both climate change mitigation and adaptation in the agricultural sector. These recommendations will encompass areas such as agricultural subsidies, land tenure, research funding, market access, and other relevant policy instruments.
• Showcase the diverse benefits of agroecology, including its contributions to food security, climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and social equity.
• Highlight successful examples of agroecological practices and policy advocacy efforts, particularly those involving Indigenous and local communities.
• Create a user-friendly and visually compelling policy brief that serves as an effective advocacy tool for a range of stakeholders.

3. Scope of Work

 

The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

• Desk Research: Review existing literature, policy documents, reports, and studies on agroecology and climate justice.
• Data Collection: Gather qualitative and quantitative data on agroecology initiatives, policies, and their impact in the specified countries.
• Case Study Development: Identify and document case studies showcasing successful agroecology practices and policy advocacy efforts.
• Drafting of Policy Brief:
  • Provide an executive summary, introduction, key findings, and policy recommendations.
  • Present country case studies with clear narratives and evidence-based insights.
  • Ensure alignment with policy advocacy objectives at different governance levels.
• Incorporation of Feedback: Revise the draft based on stakeholder feedback (two rounds of revisions).
• Final Submission: Provide a final version, including layout and photos, in a publication-ready format.

4. Deliverables and Timeline

 

Deliverable	Due Date
Inception Report (including methodology and outline)	20 March 2025
First Draft of Policy Brief (with layout & photos)	30 April    2025
First Revision (after stakeholder feedback)	15 May     2025
Final Policy Brief (incorporating second round of feedback)	31 May     2025

5. Duration and Reporting

 

• The consultancy will be conducted from 10 March to 31 May 2025.
• The consultant will report to Pirawan Wongnithisathaporn and provide regular progress updates.

6. Required Qualifications

 

Proven experience in policy research and writing in the fields of agroecology, climate justice, or sustainable development.

Strong understanding of national and international policy frameworks related to climate justice and sustainable agriculture.

Demonstrated understanding of agroecological principles and practices, including soil health, biodiversity, and integrated approaches to pest and water management. A degree in a relevant field (e.g., agronomy, ecology, environmental science, sustainable agriculture) is preferred.

Knowledge of climate change science, including projected impacts on agricultural systems and climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies relevant to agriculture.

Strong analytical and research skills, including the ability to synthesize information from diverse sources and critically evaluate evidence.

Experience in developing case studies and evidence-based policy advocacy materials.

Excellent writing and editing skills in English.

Ability to present complex information in a concise, accessible, and visually appealing format. Experience with data visualization tools is a plus.

 Experience working with or engaging diverse stakeholders (e.g., farmers, Indigenous Peoples, researchers, policymakers).

Interested candidates are requested to submit a proposal with detailed work plan and consultancy fee. AIPP shall cover tickets/airfares, accommodation and local travel expenses for traveling to field visits.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

 

 AIPP will be the sole copy right’s owner of the report. The report, either fully or in part/ parts should not be reproduced or published, nor used for any commercial publication, gain without obtaining prior written approval of the competent authority of AIPP.

 Interested and qualified candidates are requested to submit an Expression of Interest to [email protected] and  [email protected] on or before 28^th February 2025. The Expression of Interest should include:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Brief technical proposal, indicating main methodological considerations and consultancy fee in USD

• Three references, to whom AIPP Secretariat may contact

• At least two samples of previous policy briefs or similar publications.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for the interviews.

Click here to download the full Information of EOI for consultancy

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