Groundnut Private Agents 256 views

Background

The National Food Security Corporation (NFSC), a government enterprise engaged in the wholesale buying and processing of the country’s major cash crop, i.e., groundnuts. The Corporation therefore seeks to partner with private Agents for purchasing groundnuts from Gambian farmers, ensuring quality and compliance with the Groundnut (Standard of Quality) Act Cap. 59:02 Vol. 9 Laws of The Gambia. The private Agents will play a pivotal role in sourcing and delivering high-quality groundnuts to NFSC, for the duration of the 2026-2027 groundnut trading season.

NFSC is committed to creating access to market to Gambian farmers and ensuring a sustainable groundnut supply chain. By engaging dedicated private Agents, the Corporation aims to strengthen its capacity to process and market high-quality groundnuts, contributing to national food security and economic development.

Scope of Work

1. Purchase and Collection of Groundnuts from Gambian Farmers

• Visit remote villages and rural communities to buy groundnuts from Gambian farmers.
• Establish a network with local Gambian farmers, cooperatives, and associations to ensure a consistent supply of groundnuts.

2. Pre-financing and Capacity

• Provide the necessary financial resources to purchase groundnuts upfront from Gambian farmers.
• Ensure timely payments to Gambian farmers, fostering trust and sustainable relationships.

3. Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Deliver groundnuts to NFSC depots in compliance with the Groundnut (Standard of Quality) Act Cap. 59:02 Vol. 9 Laws of The Gambia.
• Guarantee that the groundnuts are free of foreign materials, such as stones, sticks, sand or other contaminants.
• Adhere to proper packaging and transportation standards to maintain groundnut quality during transit.

4. Screening and Weighing at NFSC Depots

• Coordinate with NFSC’s staff for groundnut screening and weighing at designated depots.
• Allow for NFSC’s quality control process, including sorting, screening, grading and weighing of groundnuts before issuing payments.

Responsibility of Private Agents

• Resource Management: Private Agents should have the necessary logistics, transportation, and staff to carry out the groundnut purchasing and transportation activities.
• Compliance with Regulations: Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and quality standards.
• Record Keeping and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of all transactions, including farmer details, quantities purchased, and financial transactions.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build relationships with local authorities, community leaders, and farmer groups to ensure smooth operations.

Requirements for Private Agents

• Financial Capacity: Adequate financial resources to pre-finance groundnut purchases.
• Technical Expertise: Understanding of groundnut quality standards and compliance with relevant laws.
• Transportation and Logistics: Capability to visit remote villages and transport groundnuts to NFSC depots.
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with farmers, NFSC personnel, and other stakeholders.

Application Process

 Interested parties should submit a proposal outlining their financial capacity, logistics plan, as well as the various towns and villages across the country they will focus on. Proposals should also include a detailed strategy for groundnut collection, quality assurance, and transportation to NFSC depots.

 Selection Criteria

• Financial Stability: Ability to pre-finance groundnut purchases.
• Compliance and Quality Assurance: Commitment to providing high-quality groundnuts in line with Part II section 6 of NFSC Act, 2026 and Section 5(1)(a) of the Groundnut (Standard of Quality) Act, 1952.
• Operational Capacity: Adequate transportation and logistics resources.

Payment Terms 

 Selected Super Agents will enter into a contractual agreement with NFSPMC, detailing roles, responsibilities, quality requirements, payment terms, and other relevant conditions. The contract will also outline compliance expectations and the consequences of breaching the terms. Payments will be highly competitive, and will only be made via mobile money, after quality groundnuts have been successfully delivered at the designated depot.

All interested Private Agents should send their application to the records office address to the Managing Director of National Food Security Corporation Saaro, Denton Bridge.