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Terms of Reference - Pilot Activities in Ghana for Data Collection Survey on Intervention Methodology for Gender Equality Promotion

JOB SUMMARY

Company IC Net Limite...
Industry NGO/IGO/INGO
Category Science
Location Ghana
Job Status Contractor/Co...
Salary GH¢ 
Education Qualified
Experience N/A
Job Expires May 29, 2023
Contact ...
 

Job Description

IC Net Limited, a development consulting firm in Japan is looking for a local NGO in Ghana to implement pilot activities described in the Terms of Reference.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Pilot Activities in Ghana for Data Collection Survey on Intervention Methodology for Gender Equality Promotion

 Background and Objectives of the Pilot Activities
The impacts of climate change are widely recognized in Ghana. Especially rising temperatures, strong winds, floods caused by erratic rainfall, and frequent droughts are serious problems in the semi-arid area in northern Ghana. The target areas under the rice production project of JICA, the Ghana Rice Production Improvement Project (GRIP), are no exception. The farmers in both Northern Region and Kpong Irrigation Scheme (KIS) said erratic rain, reduced rainfall, and rising temperature affect their agricultural production.
 
The study will explore methodologies to address gender inequality in climate change adaptation, and thereby support gender mainstreaming of the project and empowerment of women farmers in the project target areas. Based on the results of a desk review and field survey, the study team has proposed pilot activities to be implemented in the target areas of the partner project GRIP. The pilot activities aim to find a pathway to mainstream gender in climate change adaptation activities and draw lessons learnt, which would inform GRIP and other agricultural and rural development projects of JICA.
 
Roles of the Contractor
The Contractor shall be responsible for the implementation, monitoring, and follow-up of the pilot activities during the contract period. The Contractor shall report on the pilot activity implementation, progress, outputs/outcomes, and any arising issues, and provide information as required.
 
Pilot Activities
(1) Target Areas and the Number of Target Communities
Two GRIP target areas. i.e., Northern Region and Kpong Irrigation Scheme (KIS) were selected as the target for the pilot activities. Two to four communities from Northern Region and one to two communities from KIS will be selected based on the selection criteria below. Suggestions on criteria from the Contractor will be welcome.
 
(2) Target Community Selection
Target communities will be selected after consideration of the following criteria.
  1. Similar activities have not been implemented by any other organizations.
  2. Farmer groups with 30% or more women members exist and are active.
  3. Groups with women members with disability are prioritized.
(3) Pilot Activities
The pilot activities have four components. Participating farmer groups will choose one from Activity 2a and 2b.
 
  • Activity 1. Gender and climate change sensitization
  • Activity 2. Livelihood improvement through a gender-responsive approach
  • Activity 2a. Climate-smart agriculture
  • Activity 2b. Livelihood diversification
  • Activity 3. Improving savings
  • Activity4. Monitoring and evaluation
Sub-activities of each component are as follows.
Activity 1. Gender and climate change sensitization
A1.1 Selection of communities and groups
Participating communities are selected based on selection criteria (see section 3 (2) above). The communities meeting the criteria are identified in consultation with the regional/district agriculture department and KIS.
 
A1.2 Gender and climate change sensitization workshop
Women tend to have limited access to resources and decision-making power although they contribute to the household economy by taking responsibility for reproductive work and participation in productive work. Workshops will be conducted to promote more equal and equitable gender relations between women and men, using tools such as a hazard map, timeline, seasonal calendar, daily activities, decision-making, vulnerability matrix, etc. with the view of climate change.  Capacity for budget planning to achieve family goals, taking into consideration will also be developed so that the participants can obtain preparedness with views on life events as well as risks of climate change.
Participants and their spouses (husband or wife) should attend the workshop together, and each couple/family prepares a “family goal,” in a visioning activity. The facilitator will guide the participants to think about what is needed to pursue the happiness of the whole family and that may include a fairer and more equitable share of housework allocation within the couple/family, and sufficient income and savings in order for them to achieve their goals in the future. In case women face difficulties speaking in a workshop, workshops should be held for women and men separately.
 
A1.3 Participatory planning
Based on the results of the workshop, communities will decide on their livelihood activities. A financial cap, activity options (with regard to feasibility), and activity duration should be informed in advance to make sure that the participants will make a realistic selection of the activities within the limit of the resources.
 
A1.4 Profile preparation
Profiles of the participants will be prepared in order to monitor the processes and changes during the implementation period.
 
Activity 2. Livelihood improvement through a gender-responsive approach
Participating groups should choose either Activity 2a or Activity 2b. It is assumed that activities are conducted in groups. Though the activities aim to fill gender gaps, male participation will not be excluded. Women NGO staff members will be deployed for extension and capacity-building work in Northern region so that women participants can easily interact with the staff. 
If equipment is to be provided to implement the activities, participants should bear a certain percentage of the cost as a matching fund. The percentage will be discussed when the total cost is identified.
 
Activity 2a. Climate-smart agriculture 
A2a.1 Improving access to climate information services
Women tend to have limited access to information and there is a gap in access to climate information as well. Under this activity, climate information sources preferable for women are identified based on their needs and shared with women participants. 
Training on the interpretation of climate information for application on the ground is also provided to the participants in order that they can utilize the climate information correctly and effectively. 
 
A2a.2 Applying climate-smart agricultural techniques together with utilization of climate information services
Climate-smart agriculture techniques will be introduced to the participants. Participants are expected to choose and apply the techniques according to anticipated climatic conditions informed by the climate information services. Inputs required for the application of the techniques will be provided by the project to the participants. 
Climate-smart agriculture includes the introduction of early maturing or drought-resistant varieties and crops, mulching, cover cropping, zai pits , foot pumping, etc.
 
Activity 2b. Livelihood diversification
A2b.1 Market research
In order to identify viable small businesses for livelihood, it is imperative to know the market. For that purpose, market research is conducted before the selection of a business. Participants visit a market in the area and interview the traders.
 
A2b.2 Selection of livelihood
Because of limited access to information and resources, women have few opportunities to diversify livelihood options, such as small businesses. Based on the results of market research, participants will decide their business.
It is assumed that existing groups already have some income-generating activities. The participants are expected to upgrade their current business. Livelihood activities include rice processing, vegetable processing, shea butter processing, trading and selling commodities, etc.
 
A2b.3 Training and asset provision
Equipment or machinery can be provided for starting a new business or value addition for a current business. Training for selected businesses is also conducted together with asset provision.
 
Activity 3. Improving savings
A3.1 Training on financial literacy
Saving is important to prepare and respond to shocks including those incurred by climate change. During the activity, financial training will be conducted including understanding the benefit of saving, methods of saving, and calculation methods. Various saving methodologies are introduced so the participants can select the most favorable one.
 
A3.2 Training on digital literacy and e-saving 
Mobile money is currently accessible in the rural area of Ghana. It has various benefits compared with traditional bank accounts and Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA). Knowledge of benefits and risks, as well as the appropriate use of mobile money for saving, will be provided during the training.
 
E-saving methodologies, including group accounts and a joint account of a family, will be also introduced to the participants so they can select the saving method most suitable for achieving their goals.
 
Activity 4. Monitoring and evaluation 
A4.1 Monitoring 
Monitoring is conducted for each activity. For Activity 1, the redistribution of housework based on family goals will be monitored by couples and families. For Activity 2, progress will be monitored by the group. For Activity 3, monitoring will be conducted by each participant. Project staff consolidates the results of monitoring every month and shares them with stakeholders.
 
A4.2 Evaluation
An evaluation mission by IC Net is planned at the end of the pilot activities. The Contractor will provide required information and support the mission in planning and logistics of the evaluation.

Activity 4. Monitoring and evaluation

A4.1 Monitoring

Monitoring is conducted for each activity. For Activity 1, the redistribution of housework based on family goals will be monitored by couples and families. For Activity 2, progress will be monitored by the group. For Activity 3, monitoring will be conducted by each participant. Project staff consolidates the results of monitoring every month and shares them with stakeholders.

A4.2 Evaluation

An evaluation mission by IC Net is planned at the end of the pilot activities. The Contractor will provide required information and support the mission in planning and logistics of the evaluation.

Tasks of the Contractor

  1. Selection of the target communities. In consultation with the District Department of Agriculture, community leaders, and IC Net, the Contractor will select target communities based on the criteria shown in section 3 (2) above.
  2. Selection of the target farmer groups. If there are several farmer groups in the community, select one group most relevant to the objectives of the pilot activities and obtain agreement with the community leaders and members.
  3. Implementation of the pilot activities

The Contractor will implement the pilot activities as specified, in consultation with IC Net. All activities should be implemented within the time frame agreed upon, and reports and information will be shared on time.

  1. Reporting and Monitoring - Reports will be submitted as specified in section 3 (8) below. Activity implementation will be tracked using KOBO.
  2. Assisting an evaluation mission at the end of the pilot activities - The Contractor will assist IC Net with an evaluation mission planned in November or December 2023.
  3. Implementation Structure - The Contractor works under the supervision of the experts of IC Net Limited. The following is a proposed implementing structure, but an implementing structure different from this can be proposed.

The pilot activities will be implemented independently from GRIP. However, as the pilot target areas are under GRIP, the Contractor is expected to keep good relationships and communication with the GRIP counterparts of the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) in Northern Region and Kpong Irrigation Scheme management.

Timeframe

Outputs

The Contractor will implement all activities for the agreed number of times targeting the agreed number of beneficiaries. Each field activity will be immediately reported using KOBO to IC Net. Monthly progress reports and a final report will be submitted to IC Net by the specified dates.

Monitoring and evaluation will be conducted against agreed indicators. The following is a draft list of indicators. The baseline data will be gathered before or at the beginning of the activities.

1

Number of people who understand the gendered impacts of climate change

2

Increase in access to climate information, increase in understanding of climate information

3

Percentage of women and men who understand CSA, satisfaction level of CSA

4

Percentage of women who continue the business

5

Percentage of women and men who introduce and continue saving

6

Percentage of families which redistribute housework

Deliverables

Inception Report: Results of the sensitization workshop, and profiles of the participants of the pilot activities will be submitted within a month from the contract starting date.

Activity Records: Field activity implementation will be reported directly using KOBO, immediately after each activity.

Final Report: The record and results of the activities, data on the indicators, evidence of qualitative changes, outputs and outcomes, and the materials for activities will be compiled as a final report and submitted by a month before the contract end.

Required Skills or Experience

The position equivalent to

  • Project Supervisor requires relevant experience of more than 15 years,
  • for Team Leader 7 years,
  • and for Field Facilitator 3 years.

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