A. BACKGROUNDLiberia’s agriculture sector serves as a backbone of its economy; employing 60% of the population and contributing 60% to GDP. Dominated by smallholder farming and shifting cultivation; the sector primarily produces crops like rice; cassava; rubber; and palm oil. However; despite the economic importance; agricultural productivity remains low due to limited access to modern techniques; quality inputs; and market information. These challenges are further compounded by environmental degradation; poverty; and a lack of resilient practices; contributing to food insecurity that affects 46% of Liberian households; particularly in rural areas. On average; Liberian households face approximately three months of food insecurity annually. At the same time; Liberia's digital landscape is still developing; with internet penetration at 30% and mobile phone usage at 60% as of 2024. The government has initiated efforts to expand broadband infrastructure to improve digital inclusion; but critical challenges persist; including unreliable electricity; high data costs; and limited rural connectivity. These infrastructural barriers hinder the widespread adoption of digital solutions; particularly in the agriculture sector; where innovation is urgently needed to improve productivity and resilience. Recognizing the transformative potential of digital technologies in agriculture; the government has launched some targeted initiatives. In 2024; the country conducted its first digital agriculture census with FAO support. Other ongoing efforts include the introduction of digital tools for agricultural extension services; market information systems; and weather forecasting. However; the uptake and scalability of such initiatives remain limited.To address these challenges and unlock the potential of digital agriculture; there is an urgent need to:1. Assess the current state of Liberia’s agriculture sector and digital ecosystem.2. Identify the barriers and opportunities for adopting innovative; scalable digital solutions.3. Strengthen partnerships among key stakeholders; including the government; private sector; development partners; and AgTech innovators; to drive collaborative solutions.In this context; the World Bank seeks a qualified consulting firm to conduct a Comprehensive Needs Assessment. This assessment will serve as a foundation for Liberia's digital agriculture strategy by generating data-driven insights and actionable recommendations. The findings will guide strategic interventions; including the upcoming Innovation Hackathon. The hackathon will serve as a platform to address Liberia's agricultural challenges by fostering innovative; practical; and scalable digital solutions that enhance productivity; resilience; and food security. B. OBJECTIVEThe World Bank is looking for a consultant (firm/institution) to develop and conduct a comprehensive needs assessment and user survey to understand the current state of the agriculture sector and digital infrastructure in Liberia. The primary objectives of the consultancy are to:1.Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to identify the challenges; barriers; and opportunities for adopting digital solutions in Liberia’s agriculture sector; including technical; regulatory; and financial aspects.2.Assess the current state and capacity of the AgTech innovation ecosystem; including national; regional; and global networks; to respond to Liberia’s agricultural challenges.3.Map and engage key stakeholders within the agriculture and technology ecosystem; such as government agencies; private sector players; farmer organizations; incubators; accelerators; donors; and research institutions.4.Facilitate stakeholder engagement and public-private partnerships by advising on partnership frameworks; exploring formal and informal arrangements; and organizing stakeholder meetings (co-design sessions) to build collaborative relationships.5.Develop a prioritized list of actionable problem statements based on the findings of the needs assessment; ensuring the challenges are clearly defined; purpose-driven; and time-bound to guide strategic interventions; such as the upcoming Innovation Hackathon. The Needs Assessment and Survey Report is the final output of the activity. It will be a detailed report addressing the specific challenges and opportunities faced by the Liberia’s agriculture sector and a prioritized list of digital agriculture services; emphasizing sustainable practices. The report will be published externally. C. MAIN TASKSThe consulting firm will conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to evaluate Liberia's agriculture sector; digital infrastructure; and regulatory environment; with a specific focus on RETRAP beneficiary districts. The assessment aims to identify challenges; opportunities; and actionable solutions to advance digital agriculture and support the design of the Innovation Hackathon. The consultant will also engage stakeholders to foster partner