Consultancy Services for Baseline Survey for the Farmer Communication Program- Kenya and Tanzania

Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT) wishes to recruit a consultant to establish the status and the extent of adoption of ecological technologies, approaches, and the associated socio-economic status of smallholder farmers in Kenya and Tanzania. BvAT is a non-profit organization started in 2009 in Kenya and is situated on the main campus of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Kasarani, Nairobi. BvAT promotes ecological methods to address the negative effects of climate change, dwindling water resources and soil fertility, loss of biodiversity and harmful pesticides residues. Through its interventions the organization envisions a food secure
African continent with healthy people living in a healthy environment. BvAT sees itself as an agent of change that helps to alleviate poverty by improving the livelihoods of small holder farmers, particularly women and youth. It achieves this through dissemination of relevant information and building the capacity of farmers, youth, and partners.

The overall goal of BvAT’s Farmer Communication Program (FCP) is to enhance economic, social, and environmental livelihoods of smallholder farmers in East Africa through increased adoption of ecologically sustainable agriculture (ESA). More specifically, the FCP interventions aim to increase smallholder farmers’ incomes, improved productivity, and enhanced households’ food resilience. These three areas align with the country’s Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (ASTGS) priority focus areas which are (1) increase small-scale farmer, pastoralist and fisher-folk incomes; (2) increase agricultural output and value addition; and (3)
boost household food resilience.

The FCP delivers validated relevant information to farmers through its communication pathways, namely,
a) The Organic Farmer Magazine (TOF Magazine) produced and disseminated monthly,
b) The Organic Farmer Radio (TOF Radio) produced and aired weekly,
c) Infonet-Biovision which is a web-based knowledge platform,
d) The Farmer Communication Outreach, which provides field-based extension services through farmer resources centers established in 11 counties in Kenya, and,
e) Mkulima Mbunifu Magazine, a monthly publication produced and disseminated to farmers in northern and central regions of Tanzania.

Purpose of the FCP baseline survey
The FCP intends to establish the status and the extent of adoption of ecological technologies, approaches by smallholder farmers in Kenya and Tanzania. The study will cover the areas and regions currently reached through communication channels of the FCP. The findings will enable FCP to benchmark its expected milestones in the subsequent implementation phase from the baseline established.

Objectives of the assignment
The consultant will address the following objectives and tasks of the baseline survey:
a) Determine the current levels (baseline) of farmers’ adoption of ESA practices, where applicable data is disaggregated by gender, age, region among others.
b) Assess the extent to which women, youth and other vulnerable groups are reached by the FCP dissemination pathways.
c) Assess the efficacy of the FCP dissemination pathways.
d) Seek target audience’s views on what should be improved within FCP for effective reach and impact.

The assignment deliverables
a) An inception report which details methodology, instruments of survey and a work-plan of the assignment.
b) Baseline survey report detailing analyzed baseline information on FCP key indicators covering the region and locations the projects are implemented is provided.
c) Results and recommendations of the survey

Background documents
Various materials that will be useful to this assessment including but not limited to:
a) BvAT Strategic Plan 2021 – 2024.
b) Project proposals and logical frameworks – TOF Radio, TOF Magazine, MkM, Outreach and Infonet.
c) Biovision Foundation indicator reference sheet.
d) Biannual FCP narrative/technical reports.

The evaluation methodology/approach
The Consultant is expected to develop an appropriate baseline survey approach/methodology to address the survey objectives. The baseline survey strategy should demonstrate a close link between the data collected and the methodology used to ensure credibility of the findings. The survey methodology developed by the consultant will be reviewed and approved by BvAT before the rollout of data collection. The survey methodology will include and not be limited to:
a) Review of relevant documents
b) Methods of data collection. Clearly indicate details for quantitative and qualitative methods to be used.
c) Data collection approaches and tools.
d) Data analysis techniques, capturing the effectiveness, efficacy, and impact of the project.

Consultant’s minimum qualifications
The survey will be conducted by a consultant or team of consultants with the team leader and partners having the following main qualifications:
a) At least a Masters’ degree or equivalent in agriculture, sociology, development studies, economics or related social sciences.
b) At least five years of experience in conducting baseline evaluations, impact assessments or similar assignments in agricultural development programs and projects.
c) Demonstrated ability to assess complex situations to analyze critical issues succinctly and clearly and draw conclusions and recommendations.
d) Proven in-depth understanding and consulting experiences on institutional set-up of complex development programs.
e) Substantive knowledge of participatory monitoring and evaluation processes and experience with multi-stakeholder/community development interventions.
f) Consultants with base or partners in Kenya and Tanzania will be encouraged.

The selected consultant is expected to adhere to a code of conduct (Statement on Ethics), and conduct self/ themselves according to the expected ethical standards.

How to apply
Interested candidates should submit the following:
a) Technical proposal indicating their understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology for conducting the assignment and work-plan.
b) Financial proposal showing the total cost of conducting the baseline evaluation, breakdown of consultancy costs (including costing of each member the team during the entire exercise in terms of man days for each team member), travel and other costs associated to this assignment.
c) At least one report of a similar assignment conducted in the past three years.
d) Detailed curriculum vitae of the consultant(s) to be involved in the assignment, with university qualification certificates and relevant supporting documents.
e) Names and contacts of three referees (phone numbers and email).
f) A one-page letter of expression of interest showing why you are the suitable person for the consultancy.

If you believe you are the right candidate for the above consultancy and can clearly demonstrate your ability to meet the qualifications required, then submit your application to info@biovisionafricatrust.org with the subject heading: Consultancy for BvAT’s FCP Baseline Evaluation.

The closing date for applications is 30 August 2021. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Biovision Africa Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer