This page outlines the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the NUS for Healthier Diets website, developed under the Consumption of Resilient Orphan Crops and Products for Healthier Diets (CROPS4HD) project.
Background and context
CROPS4HD is implemented by a consortium of three organizations: SWISSAID, the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), and the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA). The project operates in India, Tanzania, Chad and Niger. In Tanzania, it focuses on the Lindi and Mtwara regions.
CROPS4HD aims to improve food security and nutrition for smallholder farmers, particularly women, by promoting the sustainable use and conservation of farmers’ varieties, landraces, and neglected or underutilized species (NUS), while respecting agroecological approaches. To foster demand for these crops, the project highlights their nutritional benefits and supports farmers in improving cultivation techniques for good, stable yields. It also advocates for policies that strengthen farmers’ seed systems and protect their rights to propagate, exchange and sell their seeds.
To create public awareness of agroecologically grown NUS crops and products, the project runs campaigns across social media, public spaces and markets, schools, TV and radio. This gave rise to the NUS brand, “NUS for Healthier Diets”, and to this website.
Objective
The website supports efforts to generate demand for agroecologically grown NUS crops and products by emphasizing their nutritional value, market potential and environmental benefits. It also facilitates interaction among actors in the NUS value chain and serves as a platform for exchanging knowledge about NUS.
Target audience
The primary audience is consumers interested in NUS crops and products. The website also serves retailers and wholesalers seeking to source from NUS producers and processors, as well as potential producers who want to understand the market potential of these crops.
Scope
- Modern, clean design that reflects the NUS mission and activities.
- Fully responsive across mobile phones, tablets and desktops.
- Clear, intuitive navigation and multilingual support (English and Kiswahili) with easy switching.
- SEO optimization with attention to page speed, keywords and metadata, plus analytics.
- News and events, an interactive vendor map of Tanzania, a resource library, social media integration and a contact form.
- Security and compliance, including SSL, form protection, regular backups and data-privacy good practice.
Contact
For any questions or clarifications, please contact: