Call for Tender: Investigating the impact of renewable energy projects on food sovereignty in morocco

1. Background

Green hydrogen projects are rapidly gaining prominence within the global renewable energy landscape, driven by the urgent need to phase out polluting fossil fuels. North Africa has been identified as a key region for green hydrogen development, aligned with long-term strategic visions, including the ambitious goal of exporting approximately 10 million tons of green hydrogen annually to the European Union by 2030.

Consequently, renewable energy projects, particularly in Morocco, are assuming increasing importance as part of this vision. While crucial for addressing climate change, these projects can also pose challenges for local communities. Small-scale farmers, in particular, may face the risk of displacement and loss of livelihoods.
To address these complex issues, the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung (RLS) is funding this initiative, which focuses specifically on studying the impact of large-scale renewable energy projects on small-scale farmers, using the Noor Ouarzazate solar power plant as a key case study, to examine their effects on food sovereignty and to propose alternatives that develop supportive policies for a just transition in Morocco.

2. Object of the tender

With the aim to strengthen the resilience of small-scale farmers in Morocco, through knowledge production and to enhance the awareness about renewable energy projects, RLS North Africa Office is seeking to contract a civil society organization to conduct an extensive fieldwork research to publish a study and produce podcast series to propose alternatives that are just and equitable for local communities.

3. General Objectives

Through field research and in-depth analysis of the impacts of renewable energy projects for green hydrogen production on small-scale farmers in local communities, this project aims to:
– Analyze the economic, social, and environmental impacts of the Noor Ouarzazate solar power plant on small-scale farmers and food sovereignty in the Ouarzazate region.
– Examine the extent to which the project has contributed to or detracted from Morocco’s food sovereignty goals.
– Develop alternative perspectives on how renewable energy projects can be implemented in a way that is more equitable and sustainable for local communities.
– Provide policy recommendations for promoting a just energy and agricultural transition in Morocco.
– Amplify the voices of the affected small-scale farmer by the Noor Ouarzazate solar power plant, both positively and negatively.
– Create engaging and informative content that raises awareness about the issues at stake and promotes dialogue on how to achieve a just transition.

4. Target Groups

– Small farmers, local food producers in Morocco
– Moroccan political decision makers, official bodies, national institution, policy makers
– Moroccan media, NGOs and other civil society organizations
– Moroccan and international researchers in both energy transition and studies of agricultural and food political economy
– Media, NGOs and other civil society organizations in the global North and South

5. Methodology

The methodology will be proposed by the organization.
The form and scope of the fieldwork results will be:
– A series of at least five podcast episodes (in Arabic) that feature interviews with local communities, farmers, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.
– A comprehensive study report (in Arabic and English) that includes all research findings, analysis, and recommendations.
Further details will be proposed by the organization.

6. Proposal, Award and Tender submission deadline

Necessary qualification: Proven experience in research on the above described topic
The order will be issued as a service/or honorarium contract and the proposed organization should submit the following documents:

• o CV(s)/profile of those who will conduct the field research and the podcasts
  o Time Frame taking into consideration that all activities must be completed by the 1st of November, 2025
  o price references/honorariums by working day (including taxes)
  o short proposal/ outline how the researcher is planning to conduct the research

Submission:

Tenders must be submitted no later than February 24, 2025
Tenders submitted after this date will not be accepted.
Tenders must be submitted to Procurement.NorthAfrica@rosalux.org, with the subject line: Just Energy and Agricultural Transition in Morocco
*Incomplete applications will not be considered.
*Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

7. Languages

The application and the study outputs can be conducted in French, or Arabic or English. (Translations to other languages will be decided by RLS).

8. Contact

Imen Louati
Program Manager Political Ecology | North Africa Regional Office
Address: 55 TER, Rue 1er Juin, Mutuelleville, 1082 Tunis
imen.louati@rosalux.org | www.rosaluxna.org