Consultancy Jobs – Qualitative Research – Catalysing CSO-led inclusive green growth in Kanungu district’s coffee value chain project – Farm Africa

Organization: Farm
Africa
Duty Station: 
Uganda
About US:
Farm Africa is an
innovative charity that reduces poverty in rural eastern Africa by helping
farmers grow more, sell more and sell for more: we help farmers to not only
boost yields, but also gain access to markets, and add value to their
produce.  We place a high priority on environmental sustainability
and develop approaches that help farmers to improve their yields and incomes
without degrading their natural resources. Our programmes vary hugely, ranging
from helping crops farmers to boost harvests, livestock keepers to improve
animal health, and forest coffee growers to reach export markets, but core to
all of them is a focus on the financial sustainability of the farmers’
businesses and environmental sustainability.
About the project:
The aim of this
project is to drive the economic and democratic empowerment of young people and
women in the Kanungu District of Uganda. The project will build the capacity of
four CGCs to engage 4,800 coffee producers, thereby stimulating a thriving and
environmentally sustainable coffee sector in Kanungu district that will provide
employment for women and youth. The four target CGCs will be supported to grow
their membership, deliver e-extension services, and link coffee farmers to
markets. Extension services will focus on both increasing yields of both
Arabica and Robusta coffee, and promoting Sustainable Consumption and
Production practices within the coffee value chain. The overall impact
objective of the action is to support CSOs to generate environmentally and
economically sustainable employment and self-employment opportunities for 4,800
smallholder coffee producers (55% female) within the coffee value chain, and
within this group to specifically increase the incomes and employment of 3,600
youth (1,800 female, 1,800 male) in Kanungu district of Western Uganda through
the sustainable production and sale of coffee.
There are three
specific outcomes that will contribute to the achievement of the overall impact
objective:
1.          Increased yields and opportunities for
the employment and self-employment of young women and men in the sustainable
production of coffee
2.         Strengthened sector networks that will
be empowered to promote the economic potential that the sustainable coffee
value chain offers to young women and men
3.         A strengthened sustainable supply chain
for coffee in Kanungu district and improved access to end markets
Scope of work
This TOR is for two
distinct pieces of work:
Lot 1: A qualitative
baseline study that assesses the barriers to involvement in coffee value chain
and how to overcome them, with particular reference to CGCs and with a specific
emphasis on women and youth
Lot 2:  A gender analysis of the coffee supply chain
in Kanungu, mapping the gender balance and quantifying the economic value of
women at each stage.
Options for bidding
Interested suppliers
are invited to bid for either:
Lot 1: Qualitative
Baseline Study
OR
Lot 2: Gender
Analysis
OR
Lot 1 & Lot 2:
Baseline Study and Gender Analysis
Separate written
reports must be completed for each Lot, however it may be that some of the data
collected for Lot 1, the qualitative baseline study can also be used to help
inform Lot 2, the gender analysis (and vice-versa). For those suppliers bidding
for both Lots, potentiality this should be reflected in your technical and
financial proposals.
2.         Lot 1 – Qualitative Baseline Study
2.1.      Objectives
and Research Questions (Lot 1)
This qualitative
baseline survey is being commissioned in order to provide a detailed assessment
of the situation in the project implementation areas. It will be used to answer
some key research questions to support the project implementation. The main
research questions are below but not limited to:
·        
What are
the main barriers faced by women and youth attempting to access the coffee
value chain (in particular the higher value parts of the chain)? This is to
help us identify ways to overcome the barriers and to develop our recruitment
strategy for involving young people and women in the project
·        
Where do
farmers source inputs for coffee farming and how do they pay for them? This
will help us understand how best to make the SMEs we are supporting to grow
·        
How are
they paying for them (up front or on credit) and what is the impact of this on
their financial situation
·        
What
sort of inputs are farmers purchasing? Do they have access to the inputs they
need?
·        
Where
are they purchasing inputs from? Are they from formal or informal markets?
·        
What are
young people (and women) motivated by when it comes to the different areas of
the coffee value chain? How do we make the coffee value chain attractive to
them? This will help us recruit young people in to the project all levels
·        
What are
farmers’ perceptions of the benefits and barriers to membership of CGCs and
other sector networks (in particular for women and youth)? This is to help us
understand the barriers or lack of benefits to membership of the CGCs so that
we can effectively help coops grow their membership
·        
Knowledge
on coffee sales revenue of different household members (ie apart from the lead
man) and the role that different household members play in the sales process
and decision-making around that income. This is to help better understand the
dynamics and how can engage women and youth in cooperatives and getting involved
in the selling side of things
·        
How land
is formally/informally allocated for use at a household level? How do women and
youth access land, in particular in relation to coffee farming? This is to help
us understand the current dynamics to make the informal land-use agreements
workshops more effective.
·        
What
access to finance to coffee farmers have and how does this affect their
interaction with the coffee value chain? This is to help us to understand how a
lack of working capital in relation to a seasonal crop limits the abilities of
coffee farmers to maximise their returns from coffee
·        
What are
the social responsibilities of young people and women in coffee-growing
communities in Kanungu?
The study should
also assess contextual factors in relation to the recent coffee growing
conditions including the climate, soil conditions, and its effect on coffee
productivity. Likewise the study should also refer to recent trends in coffee
market and the bearing this may have on the project approach.
Approach and Methodology (Lot 1)
The consultant is
expected to employ a qualitative approach, using a variety of data collection
and analysis techniques.
·        
Document
and systems review: Review of existing documentation, including: a literature
review of similar projects’ results and learnings; project proposal; logframe;
monitoring and learning plan; and stakeholder documents
·        
Focus
Group Discussions: FGDs should be carried out with farmers to understand their
perceptions of the benefits and barriers to membership of CGCs and other sector
networks, particularly amongst youth and women to inform a recruitment strategy
to be developed that addresses these and supports wider membership
·        
Key
Informant Interviews: Consultations should be held with key project
stakeholders, including KDYFA, KDSC, CGCs to understand their perceptions of
the benefits and barriers to membership of CGCs and other sector networks,
particularly amongst youth and women and to inform a recruitment strategy to be
developed that addresses these and supports wider membership
2.3.     Expected
Deliverables and Timeline (Lot 1)
The main body of all
reports should be written in simple, non-technical language, with any technical
material to be presented in annexes. All primary data collected and analysis
conducted for the purpose of the study will remain the property of Farm Africa
and must be submitted electronically and in a clear and comprehensible format.
We anticipate that
the contracted work will take up to 20 working days, however the consultant
must submit the following deliverables outlined below. Submitted proposals
should illustrate days allocated and proposed deadlines for each stage of the
process.
The consultant will
provide the following deliverables to the baseline manager by the timeframe
stated:
1.          Inception Report: A detailed report
for the consultants proposed approach will be submitted for approval. This will
provide a detailed description of the methodology and tools, research
questions, revised budget with a breakdown of costs and detailed work plan for
the entire exercise. Any draft data collection tools will also be submitted for
review at this stage. A report template will be provided by Farm Africa.
2.         Revised Inception report: incorporating
revisions and recommendations from Farm Africa. All data collection tools must
also be re-submitted to Farm Africa at this time.
3.         Data Collection: Evidence of data
collection i.e. lists of interviews and FGDs conducted, transcripts, matrices
etc. must be submitted to Farm Africa at this time. A preliminary presentation
on findings should be presented to the project team in Kanungu and feedback
gathered
4.         Draft Report: A report template will be
provided by Farm Africa covering the study approach, study methodology, and
analysis methodology, main findings, and project recommendations will be
provided by Farm Africa. Any data collection tools should be included as
Annexes.
5.         Final Report: A detailed report of the
overall findings of the baseline study will be submitted for approval. A Farm
Africa template will be provided.
In each case where
templates are provided, these are intended to guide rather than limit the
consultants. Consultants should feel free to amend the templates and add
additional sections and sub-sections as they see appropriate for this study.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience: (Lot 1)
The consultant or
teams of consultants must meet the following criteria:
Essential
·        
Experience
in carrying out qualitative baseline studies, with a focus on
agriculture-related interventions
·        
Demonstrable
academic and practical experience in qualitative research methods
·        
Strong
analytical, facilitation and communication skills
·        
Excellent
reporting and presentation skills
·        
Fluency
in spoken and written English
·        
Experience
of conducting similar studies in Uganda
·        
A
post-graduate qualification in agriculture, agribusiness, gender studies,
sustainable development, or other related area
·        
Knowledge
of the key issues affecting women and youth engaged in smallholder agriculture
in Uganda
Desirable
·        
Knowledge/experience
of the coffee value chain in Uganda
·        
Experience
of carrying out qualitative studies focusing on either women or youth
Interested suppliers
are requested to submit:
1.          A full technical and financial
proposal (template for adaptation attached). Please clearly distinguish between
consultancy costs and expenses, and detail any expenses that you will require
Farm Africa to pay directly.
2.         Copies of all relevant Curriculum Vitae
(CVs). Only CVs for the specific individuals that will form the proposed
evaluation team should be included;
3.         A sample of a baseline or evaluation
report for a similar project completed within the last 24 months (this will be
treated as confidential and only used for the purposes of quality assurance);
4.         Contact details for two references
(including one from your last client/employer).
3.         Lot 2 – Gender Analysis
3.1.       Objectives and Research Questions (Lot 2)
The gender analysis
is being commissioned to better understand the role of women in the coffee
supply chain in Kanungu by mapping the gender balance and quantifying the
economic value of women at each stage of the coffee value chain.
This piece of
research will enable Farm Africa to highlight women’s economic contribution,
promote voluntary land use agreements within households, and champion the
participation and inclusion of women at all levels of the value chain.
Farm Africa will
hold a workshop with CGCs, KDYFA and KDSC leadership teams to share findings,
highlight the economic case for the inclusion of women in decision-making roles,
and develop action plans.
The research
questions suggested are below but not limited to:
           What is the role of women in the
different stages of the coffee value chain?
o          Input Supply: Tools, Drying Beds etc,
Coffee Trees
o          Production: Planting, Cultivating,
Tending
o          Harvesting and Processing: Picking,
Drying, Sorting
o          Sales, Marketing and Transporting
           What is the economic value of the
contributions of women at each stage of the coffee value chain? And what is the
financial reward received by women at each stage of the coffee value chain?
           What are the decision making powers
of women at the different stages of the coffee value chain?
           How much control or influence do
women have over the income they generate from coffee?
           What are the main barriers faced by
women attempting to access the coffee value chain (in particular the higher
value parts of the chain)?
3.2.      Approach and Methodology (Lot 2)
The consultant is
expected to employ a recognised research frameworks for analysing the role of
women in (agricultural) value chains, and quantifying their economic
contribution. It is anticipated that this will be a participatory approach that
brings a structure to the focus groups discussions and interviews. Below is a
minimal methodology that the consultant would be expected to expand upon:
           Document and systems review
           Focus Group Discussions
           Key Informant Interviews: Interviews
with major value chain actors, including farmers, KDYFA, KDSC and CGCs, and
those working in the coffee value chain in Kanungu
3.3.      Expected Deliverables and Timeline (Lot 2)
The main body of all
reports should be written in simple, non-technical language, with any technical
material to be presented in annexes. All primary data collected and analysis
conducted for the purpose of the study will remain the property of Farm Africa
and must be submitted electronically and in a clear and comprehensible format;
further detail below.
We anticipate that
the contracted work will take up to 25 working days, and the consultant must submit
the following deliverables outlined below. Submitted proposals should
illustrate days allocated and proposed deadlines for each stage of the process.
The consultant will
provide the following deliverables to the baseline manager by the timeframe stated:
1.          Inception Report: A detailed report
for the consultants proposed approach will be submitted for approval. This will
provide a detailed description of the methodology and tools, research
questions, revised budget with a breakdown of costs and detailed work plan for
the entire exercise. Any draft data collection tools will also be submitted for
review at this stage. A report template will be provided by Farm Africa.
2.         Revised Inception report: incorporating
revisions and recommendations from Farm Africa. All data collection tools must
also be re-submitted to Farm Africa at this time.
3.         Data Collection: Evidence of data
collection i.e. lists of interviews and FGDs conducted, transcripts, matrices
etc. must be submitted to Farm Africa at this time. A preliminary presentation
on findings should be presented to the project team in Kanungu and feedback
gathered
4.         Draft Report: A report template will be
provided by Farm Africa covering the study approach, study methodology, and
analysis methodology, main findings, and project recommendations will be
provided by Farm Africa. Any data collection tools should be included as
Annexes.
5.         Final Report: A detailed report of the
overall findings of the baseline study will be submitted for approval. A Farm
Africa template will be provided.
In each case where
templates are provided, these are intended to guide rather than limit the
consultants. Consultants should feel free to amend the templates and add
additional sections and sub-sections as they see appropriate for this study.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience: (Lot 2)
The consultant (or
consultancy team) must meet the following criteria:
Essential
           Experience of carrying out gender
analysis of agricultural value chains in East Africa
           Demonstrable academic and practical
experience in qualitative research methods
           Strong analytical, facilitation and
communication skills
           Excellent reporting and presentation
skills
           Fluency in spoken and written English
           Experience of conducting studies in
Uganda
           A post-graduate qualification
focusing on gender, agriculture, sustainable development or other relevant
field
           Existing knowledge of the key issues
facing women in smallholder agriculture in Uganda
Desirable
           Experience of carrying out gender
analysis of agricultural value chains in Uganda
           Experience of carrying out studies
within the coffee value chain in Uganda
           Experience of quantifying the
economic value of women at each stage of an agricultural value chain
How to Apply:
Interested
consultants and researchers are requested to submit:
1.          A full technical and financial
proposal (template for adaptation attached). Please clearly distinguish between
consultancy costs and expenses, and detail any expenses that you will require
Farm Africa to pay directly, Click Here
2.         Copies of all relevant Curriculum Vitae
(CVs). Only CVs for the specific individuals that make up the proposed team
should be included
3.         A sample of a similar piece of work
(either a gender analysis of an agricultural value chain OR a piece of working
measuring the economic contribution of women to a particular agricultural value
chain) completed within the last 24 months (this will be treated as
confidential and only used for the purposes of quality assurance);
4.         Contact details for two references (including
one from your last client/employer).
4.         Submission of Proposals – Lot 1 and/or
Lot 2
All documents must
be submitted by email to our ‘sealed’ email address tenders@farmafrica.org  by Wednesday 10th October 2018 5.00pm EAT.
The email subject line should clearly indicate ‘
Lot 1 – Qual. Baseline
Study C&C
OR
Lot 2 – Gender
Analysis C&C
OR
Lot 1 – Qual.
Baseline & Lot 2 – Gender Analysis C&C
Failure to include
any of the required information or documents could result in disqualification
from the selection process. The selection procedure will be a two-stage
process.
1.          Technical Evaluation
           Research Framework, Scope and
Research Questions – 20%
           Research Methodology – 30%
           Comprehensive workplan and outline of
consultant responsibilities – 10%
           Qualifications of the consultant(s)
involved in the evaluation (based on both covering letter and CVs) – 20%
           Quality of sample report submitted –
20%
2.         Financial Evaluation
Those proposals with
a technical scores of 70% or more will proceed to the financial evaluation
stage.
Following the technical
and financial evaluation, scores will be combined in accordance with the
following weights:
Technical Score
(70%)
Financial Score
(30%)
It is anticipated
that the successful applicant will be notified on Monday 15th October 2018.
5.         Management and Implementation
Responsibilities
The consultant will
report directly to the Project Coordinator, Vincent Amodoi. However, s/he will
also be expected work closely with Samuel Arop (Uganda Senior Programme
Manager) and Ben Robinson (Regional Monitoring and Evaluation Officer) as well.
Any proposed changes to the personnel listed in the application must be
approved by Farm Africa.
Farm Africa will
provide:
           Guidance and technical support as
required throughout the consultancy;
           Introductory meetings with key
government staff;
           Organisation (including logistics
costs) of stakeholders workshops
           Provision of a project site vehicle
and driver to facilitate data collection
           Comments and feedback on, and
approval of, all deliverables within agreed timeline.
The consultant will
be responsible for:
           Developing the detailed methodology,
and producing all data collection tools
           Conducting all data collection
           Analysis of data and reporting in a
clear and accessible format;
           Regular progress reporting to the study
manager, including responding to any comments or technical inputs wherever
reasonable;
           Presenting preliminary findings at
stakeholders workshop;
           Production of deliverables within
agreed timeline and in accordance with quality requirements of study manager;
           Seeking comments and feedback from
Farm Africa, through the study manager, in sufficient time to discuss and
incorporate these into the final report;
           Production of all deliverables
outlined above
           Obtaining the relevant permissions
for conducting the research.
           Their own logistics to and from the
project site
           Any additional logistical
requirements
6.         Farm Africa Research Principles
Farm Africa follows
five basic principles of sound research practice and the consultant is expected
to adhere to these throughout the baseline process. These are:
1.          Confidentiality and informed consent –
all data collected during the baseline will be treated as confidential and
cannot be shared outside of Farm Africa. All respondents must be advised as
such and always given the opportunity not to participate, or to terminate or
pause the interview at any time. The purpose of the study should also be
clearly explained before commencing any interviews.
2.         Independence and impartiality – Farm
Africa is committed to impartial and objective baseline of our projects. All
baseline findings and conclusions must be grounded in evidence. Researchers are
expected to design data collection tools and systems that mitigate as far as
possible against potential sources of bias.
3.         Credibility – Farm Africa is committed
to learning based on credible evidence. The credibility of baselines depends on
the professional expertise and independence of researchers and full
transparency in the methods and process followed. Baselines should clearly
distinguish between findings and recommendations, with the former clearly
supported by sound evidence. Methodologies should be explained in sufficient
detail to allow replication, and evidence of failures should be reported as
well as of successes.
4.         Participation – the views and
experiences of beneficiary households, groups and partners should form an
integral part of all baselines.
5.         Openness – To maximise the learning
potential of the baseline process, Farm Africa may publish full baseline reports
or excerpts from them or may otherwise share them with interested parties.
Deadline: 10th October 2018
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