Tenders are invited for USAID Agriculture and Food Systems Development Activity (AFDA

USAID Agriculture and Food Systems Development Activity (AFDA The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Feed the Future Agriculture and Food Systems Development Activity (AFDA) advances peace and reduces interethnic tensions by creating bonds of mutual self-interest and urban-rural linkages along production and market value-chains with marginalized ethnic groups in conflict areas. In line with the U.S. Government’s Global Food Security Strategy, AFDA facilitates the transformation of agriculture and food systems by increasing productivity, inclusiveness, and competitiveness of key sectors in the Zone of Influence (ZoI): Shan, Kachin, Mandalay, Sagaing, and Magway. AFDA will identify existing and potential market opportunities, incentivize firms to invest in their operations and supply chains, while pulling smallholder farmers and rural participants, many in ethnically divided areas, into expanded markets. AFDA will facilitate systemic change by using adaptive management and stakeholderled processes to facilitate improved conditions and incentives for markets to work better for poor and marginalized populations. This will result in strengthened market linkages and improved service provision, input supply, and post-harvest value addition to meet market demand in a conflict-sensitive manner. The AFDA will reduce gender gaps and advance women’s empowerment through focused integration of gender-transformative approaches, including improving women’s participation in leadership and management positions across all outcomes. The AFDA youth approach will incorporate youth as both drivers of market system change and promoters of new technology innovations. Finally, AFDA will improve organizational performance and capacity development of producer groups/associations and other institutions in lasting and sustainable ways to better serve members, suppliers, and customers.