The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking concept paper applications for an assistance type of award mechanism from qualified entities to implement the Scaling Sustainability and Resilience of Community Conservancies in Northern Rangelands and Coastal Ecosystems of Kenya program. Eligibility for this award is not restricted.
The United States Agency for International Development, Kenya and East Africa (USAID/KEA) seeks to deliver high level results under Kenya’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS), 2020-2025. The overall goal of the CDCS is Kenya’s competitive private sector, resilient communities and civil society organizations, and citizen-responsive public sector better collaborate to drive inclusive growth and well-being for Kenya’s self-reliance. USAID/KEA is therefore seeking to promote and support integrated socio-economic investments using the community conservancies model for locally-led development in the greater northern rangelands and coastal ecosystems of Kenya by strategically partnering with locally-led organizations and stakeholders including local communities, public and private sector, civil society, and research institutions working in the conservation and development space.
The overall purpose of Scaling Sustainability and Resilience of Community Conservancies in Northern Rangelands and Coastal Ecosystems of Kenya Activity is to improve the resilience of vulnerable populations and environments by increasing the capability of local communities, institutions and ecosystems to mitigate against recurrent environmental, economic, socio and political risks, shocks and stressors. The geographical location will cover three interconnected ecologically sensitive landscapes classified as Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). These include: the greater Ewaso ecosystem; Turkana-Mt. Elgon landscape; and north- eastern and north coastal terrestrial and marine ecosystem. The Activity is expected to deliver sustainable, resilient, and integrated conservation and development outcomes through: (i) ecological integrity of critical terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecosystems of biological significance improved; (ii) socio-economic growth and well-being of the local people, livelihoods and economy enhanced; (iii) private and public financial capital investments in nature-based solutions and enterprises leveraged; (iv) capacity of local institutions to own, lead and manage locally-led development strengthened. The priority sectors will include: biodiversity conservation; nature-based tourism; agriculture and livestock production; water supply and sanitation (WASH); human health; and governance, peace & security.
Closing date for concept papers: September 13, 2021, 10:00 am Nairobi Time
Eligibility for this NFO is not restricted. Eligible organizations include: ● registered U.S. and non-U.S. private non-governmental organizations; ● registered U.S. and non-U.S. non-profit organizations; and ● for-profit organizations willing to forego profit.
Types of organizations could include foundations, faith-based organizations (FBOs), communitybased organizations (CBOs), host country organizations, private organizations affiliated with public academic institutions and international non-governmental organizations, private companies, professional associations, and other international and indigenous organizations. Local partnership consortia comprising any of the above are also encouraged to apply
Subject to funding availability and at the discretion of the Agency, USAID intends to provide $16,300,413 comprised of the following earmarks: (i) $9,800,413 and $2,000,000 of Biodiversity and Adaptation respectively, (ii) up to $2,500,000 and $2,000,000 of Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Feed the Future (FtF)/Resilience respectively, subject to availability of funds.