Tenders Are Invited For Political-Economic Analysis Of Neopastoralism

Tenders are invited for Political-Economic Analysis of Neopastoralism Closing Date: 10 Oct 2025 Type: Consultancy Themes: Climate Change and Environment/Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding/Protection and Human Rights Organization: Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Presentation of the organization The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is an American non-profit organization founded in 1895 that works to preserve wildlife and wildlife by identifying critical problems, developing science-based solutions, and carrying out conservation actions that benefit nature and humanity. With more than a century of experience, long-term engagements in dozens of landscapes, a presence in more than 60 countries, and experience in establishing more than 150 protected areas around the world, WCS has accumulated biological and socio-cultural knowledge of the affected areas, and built strong partnerships, to ensure that wild spaces and wildlife thrive alongside local communities. In collaboration with local communities and organizations, this knowledge informs our strategies for managing species, habitats, and ecosystems, which are critical to improving the quality of life of poor rural people whose livelihoods depend on the direct use of natural resources. The Sudano-Sahelian region (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Nigeria and Chad) offers an unprecedented opportunity to play a direct role in preserving some of the worlds last intact wilderness areas, and to contribute significantly to the safety of people and wildlife. The regions savannahs, forests, and wetlands are home to key populations of elephants, northern giraffes, lions, elk, chimpanzees, gorillas, and endangered bongos. Hundreds of species of birds are present in the area, including the shoebill and the crowned crane. Communities also depend on this land for their livelihoods, through animal husbandry, agriculture, fishing and hunting. WCS has a strong presence in the Sudano-Sahelian region, where it has a long history of conservation and a proven track record in the management of protected areas. We are actively working to support protected area management and wildlife law enforcement, local livelihoods, develop partnerships between conservation and security, strengthen anti-trafficking activities, and implement our policy and science agendas. Project: PAIRIAC (Support Program for Regional Integration and Investment in Central Africa)) Location: Northern Cameroon, with an analytical component covering Chad. Estimated duration: 60 working days over a period of 4 months. 1. Background and Rationale The Sudano-Sahelian region, including northern Cameroon and the border areas of Chad, is an essential territory for transhumance, an ancestral strategy of pastoral mobility. However, this system faces increasing pressures: climate change, insecurity and land fragmentation. Of particular concern is large-scale illegal grazing in protected areas (PAs), which threatens biodiversity, security and ecosystem stability. This pressure is not only exerted by traditional pastoralists, but also stems from a system commonly referred to as "neo-pastoralism". This system is characterized by large capital investments by political, administrative, military and economic elites, often urban and absent from grazing areas. These powerful actors own large herds managed by salaried herders, and their influence often allows them to circumvent regulations and access fodder resources, including in national parks. There is currently a critical gap in the understanding of this system. Despite our interactions with pastoralists on the ground, the networks of power, financial flows and motivations of the real herd owners remain opaque. To design effective, equitable and human rights-respecting conservation and conflict management strategies, it is imperative to understand the structure and dynamics of this neo-pastoralism. It is in this context that WCS, through the PAIRIAC project, commissions an in-depth study to map these actors and analyze their motivations. 2. Objectives of consultancy General objective: Analyze the system of political and financial actors involved in neo-pastoralism that promotes transhumant grazing in and around protected areas in northern Cameroon and Chad, in order to propose avenues for effective mitigation strategies. Specific objectives: Identify key political, economic, administrative, and security actors (state and non-state) in Cameroon and Chad that invest in livestock and facilitate medium- and large-scale livestock movements to targeted protected areas. To map the operational, financial and social links between these actors and the pastoralists who physically manage the herds in the WCS intervention landscapes. Analyze the motivations, investment strategies, operating methods and interests (economic, political, social) of these key actors. To assess the influence of this system on the governance of local natural resources, inter-stakeholder conflicts and the management of protected areas. Formulate strategic and operational recommendations for WCS and its partners to engage in this complex system, reduce its negative impacts, and promote sustainable landscape management. 3. Specific tasks Under the supervision of the Technical Director of the Sudano-Sahelian Region, the consultant will: Conduct an in-depth literature review on pastoralism, neo-pastoralism, resource governance, and political dynamics in the study area. This consultation should be based in particular on the study by Petitdemange and Violon (2024) on inclusive and peaceful pastoralism. Propose and validate an initial report including a detailed research methodology, work plan, and data collection tools (interview guides, etc.). Carry out data collection in the field, particularly in northern Cameroon (Benue National Park, Bouba Ndjidda National Park and their peripheries) and, if necessary, from Chadian actors related to pastoralism in the Cameroonian landscape. Conduct semi-structured interviews and discussions with a wide range of stakeholders: pastoralists, community and traditional leaders, administrative authorities (prefects, sub-prefects), defense and security forces, protected area managers, civil society and, where possible and secure, representatives of the identified elite actors. Use qualitative analysis methods, including stakeholder mapping and social network analysis, to visualize power and influence relationships. Analyze the data collected to comprehensively address the specific objectives of the study. Write a comprehensive, clear and concise study report presenting the results, analysis and recommendations. Prepare and facilitate a results presentation session for WCS staff and partners. 4. Expected deliverables An initial report, submitted no later than 15 days after the contract is signed, detailing the understanding of the terms of reference, refined methodology, tools and a detailed work schedule. A draft report, submitted to WCS for amendments and comments, presents the main findings and analyses. A final report (maximum 40 pages, excluding annexes) in French, including a summary in French and English. The report must be analytical and pragmatic, with clear recommendations. A PowerPoint presentation summarizing the main findings and recommendations of the study. Key data (anonymized transcripts, field notes) collected during the study that will be useful for future research. 5. Qualifications and Experience Required Education: Ph.D. (or masters degree with at least 15 years of relevant experience) in anthropology, political sociology, human geography, or a related discipline in the social sciences. Professional experience: At least 8 years of proven experience in conducting complex socio-political studies, preferably in Central/Sahelian Africa. Proven expertise in pastoralism, natural resource management and conflict. A thorough knowledge of neo-pastoralism is a major asset. Significant and recent field experience in northern Cameroon and/or Chad is strongly desired. Excellent proficiency in qualitative research methods and ability to conduct research on sensitive topics with high-level actors. Excellent analytical, synthesis and writing skills. Languages: Fluency in French (oral and written) is essential. A good knowledge of English (reading, writing) is required for the literature review. Knowledge of one or more local languages (e.g., Fulfulde, Chadian Arabic) would be a considerable advantage. How to apply 6. Application Process Interested candidates are invited to submit an application package including: A technical proposal (maximum 5 pages) detailing their understanding of the terms of reference, the proposed methodology and a work schedule. A detailed curriculum vitae (CV), including references for similar assignments. A detailed financial proposal (clearly distinguishing between fees, travel expenses, other logistical costs). Applications must be sent to [email protected] no later than October 10, 2025. [Disclaimer: The above text is machine translated. For accurate information kindly refer the original document.] Tender Link : https://reliefweb.int/job/4176822/analyse-politico-economique-du-neopastoralisme