Request for Proposal For Strengthening Seed Sovereignty And Agroecological Resilience

Request for proposals for Strengthening Seed Sovereignty and Agroecological Resilience in Lebanon Closing Date: Friday, 16. May 2025 Intervention Sector(s): Advocacy & Awareness, Agriculture Scope of Work Lebanon is currently experiencing a deep and multifaceted crisis marked by a severe economic collapse and more recently, the aftermath of a detrimental war that has affected different sectors and communities in the country. As a result, Lebanons food system has been severely disrupted, exposing its dependence on imported agricultural inputs and its vulnerability to fluctuating global market patterns. Lebanons agri-food system is dominated by industrial and profit-driven agriculture, characterized by monocultures, chemical dependency, and the reliance on imported seeds and fertilizers, replacing local and heirloom seeds. This model has also eroded traditional, small-scale farming practices and has accelerated ecological degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate vulnerability. The widespread use of F1 hybrid seeds, non-reproducible seeds that cannot be saved or replanted by farmers, has further undermined seed sovereignty and knowledge of local seed production. Such dynamics have increased farmers dependency on external suppliers and have restricted local seed adaptation, circulation, and resilience. This call seeks proposals from individuals, initiatives, or teams that strengthen seed sovereignty and promote agro-ecological resilience in Lebanon. Proposed activities should aim to preserve and revive local agricultural knowledge, support farmer-led and community-based approaches, and equip community members with the tools and skills necessary for heirloom seed production and management. Projects are expected to result in tangible outcomes, including farmer workshops, the establishment of seed banks, and the dissemination of knowledge around local seed systems, from selection and preservation to exchange and cultivation, promoting greater autonomy, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability. 1- Key objectives of the project: Raise awareness about food sovereignty, agroecology, and heirloom seeds. Conduct theoretical and practical workshops to provide members of the agricultural community with the necessary knowledge to engage in heirloom seed production and seeds banks creation 2- Deliverables Theoretical and practical workshops covering: The different cycles of seed production and selection Managing local agricultural challenges (weather fluctuations, pest infestations, plant diseases) Real time application of theoretical knowledge. Local seed farming tool kits 3. Requirements Profound understanding of the agri-food systems in Lebanon Background in agroecology farming, heirloom seed production, and sustainable agricultural practices and at least three years of experiences in this field Strong knowledge in facilitating workshops in a didactical manner. Identification with the overall values of RLS and leftist ideology. How to apply 4. Submission of Proposal Interested individuals, teams, or initiatives must submit their proposal not exceeding five pages (excluding resumes) with the following details: Narrative proposal detailing scope of work, structure, and goals Detailed budget estimates Individual/collective/NGO resumes that demonstrate experience and capacity. 5. Proposal Evaluation Proposals will be evaluated according to RLS regulations and criteria. Proposals will be scored based on the following criteria: Experience (25%) Local Expertise 20%) Concept Note (15%) Price (40%) All applications must be submitted via email to [email protected] by 16th May 2025 . Late submissions will not be considered. Women and queer gender identities are encouraged to apply. Tender Link : https://daleel-madani.org/civil-society-directory/rosa-luxemburg-stiftung/calls/call-proposals-strengthening-seed-sovereignty-and-agroecological-resilience-lebanon