World Bank: Infrastructure Country Diagnostic Study: Investment Needs and Sector Performance Indicators for Irrigation in Africa

The World Bank is currently undertaking the Africa Infrastructure Country Diagnostic (AICD) study. In the context of recent pledges by the international community to substantively increase ODA to Africa and to the infrastructure sectors in particular, the objective of the AICD is to achieve a major improvement in the country level knowledge base of the infrastructure sectors in the region. This will provide a baseline against which future improvements in infrastructure services can be measured, making it possible to monitor the results achieved from the current increase in financial flows. It should also provide a more solid empirical foundation for prioritizing investments and designing policy reforms in the infrastructure sectors in Africa. The AICD is overseen by a Steering Committee chaired by the African Union and comprising the New Partnership for Africa�s Development, the African Development Bank, the Regional Economic Communities and the major infrastructure donors. The study is being funded by contributions from a number of donors and multi-donor trust funds. Following a successful first phase of the project, in which 24 Sub-Saharan African countries were covered, the Steering Committee has requested the extension of the project to a second phase to cover the remaining countries in Africa (see list attached at the foot of this advertisement). Irrigation is one of the five key network infrastructures covered by the AICD. The study aims to document Africa�s irrigation investment needs as well as document the current performance of the sector on the continent. Investment needs. Under Phase I, an innovative methodology was developed for estimating investment needs for large and small scale irrigation. The methodology is based on spatial analysis that is used to identify areas that are both suitable for irrigation in agro-ecological terms, and viable for irrigation in economic terms. The analysis of large scale irrigation prospects is based on a list of dams that appear likely to be constructed during the next decade based on projections for hydro-power. The analysis of small scale dams is based purely on local geographical characteristics and the availability of complementary infrastructure needed to market surplus produce.

Under Phase II, the same model will be used to estimate investment needs for large and small scale irrigation for the additional Phase II countries listed in the Annex. Sector performance indicators. Under Phase I, a set of irrigation sector performance indicators were developed, collected and analyzed for 24 countries. The indicators cover a number of themes including: institutional and regulatory framework; technical and financial parameters; access to water resources; and reliability and quality of water resource availability for agriculture. Under Phase II, the same set of indicators will be collected for the additional Phase II countries listed in the Annex. The resulting indicators will be analyzed and used to present a snapshot of the sector situation in Africa.

The World Bank now invites eligible consultants to indicate their interest in providing the services. In order to be considered eligible, consultants should have demonstrated knowledge of the power sector, extensive experience of field work in Africa, and the combination of economic and technical skills needed to produce systematic estimates of investment needs.

Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc.). Consultants may associate to enhance their qualifications.

A consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the World Bank�s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers (current edition).

Interested consultants may obtain further information at the address below during office hours (i.e. 0900 to 1700 hours Eastern Standard Time).

Expressions of interest must be delivered to the address below by Monday May 27th 2008.