Request for Proposal: Engagement of a Consultant on Living Income Baseline Assessment in Aceh
This Request for Proposal seeks a qualified consultant to establish a Living Income baseline to ensure a comprehensive and accurate understanding of the financial needs required for a decent standard of living in Aceh province, focusing on 5 districts: Aceh Tamiang, Aceh Timur, Aceh Singkil, Aceh Utara, and Subulussalam.
In Aceh, IDH is working towards improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers while promoting sustainability in the palm oil. IDH has been working closely with private and public stakeholders to support the implementation of the sustainable palm oil roadmap in Aceh Province which will serve as a framework to implement a sustainable palm oil model at the provincial level, as well as farmers mapping and training on Good Agriculture Practices and certification to reach RSPO milestone. Smallholder farmers account for half of all palm-oil production in Aceh, yet 17% live in poverty. To reduce poverty among smallholders, we seek to resolve illegal palm-oil plantings in forested areas by providing alternative livelihoods and supporting social forestry.
By establishing a comprehensive baseline of living income and linking it to sustainable agricultural practices, we aim to support smallholder farmers in transitioning to methods that do not contribute to deforestation. These efforts align with larger sustainability initiatives, including collaboration with companies to support deforestation-free supply chains and improve the overall socio-economic conditions of farmers. Focusing on baselining living income in this area is critical for designing targeted interventions that close living income gap while also promoting responsible, sustainable practices.
Based on this, IDH will develop a living income benchmark for palm oil farmers in Aceh, which allow us to evaluate income gaps and design strategies to bridge them through fairer pricing, improved productivity, and better market access.
The proposal must be submitted to Ari Sutanti at sutanti@idhtrade.org and Sacha Amaruzaman at amaruzaman@idhtrade.org before 17 July 2025, 9.30 AM CEST.
Annex 1: Income Measurement Guidance Tool
Annex 2: Budget template
Annex 3: Detail request form
Annex 4: Letter of Assignment template
Annex 5: IDH General Terms and Conditions for Services
Annex 6: Statement of acceptance