Poultry Production and Marketing Project. Kitui County. Terms of Reference. For. An End of Project Evaluation

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1 Poultry Production and Marketing Project Kitui County Terms of Reference For An End of Project Evaluation Funded by: Implemented by:

2 About Farm Africa Farm Africa is an international NGO whose goal is to reduce poverty and food insecurity. Founded in 1985, we have a track record of implementing successful grassroots development projects and improving relevant policies on agricultural development in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. We work with African smallholder farmers, pastoralists and forest-based communities to develop innovative approaches and use proven new technologies to make sustainable improvements to their livelihood activities through more effective management of their natural resources. In addition, we support our beneficiaries in adding value to their activities and linking them to markets in order to establish viable market led income-generating enterprises. Farm Africa s strategy is to use the experience and knowledge gained from projects to document good practices that we share with other organizations (both governmental and nongovernmental) working in rural development. About KDC Kitui Development Centre (KDC) is a Non-Profit making organization established in 2001 operating within Kitui County and seeking to improve living standards and food security through working with local communities in building their capacity in agricultural production, marketing and financial empowerment. Overall Project Goal The overall goal of the project is to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods and food security for 3,000 disadvantaged small holder farmers (60% women) in Kitui County (1,200 direct beneficiaries and 1,800 indirect beneficiaries). This will be achieved by improving production, productivity, quality, management, marketing and consumption of poultry and poultry based products. About the project Kitui County is among the most food insecure areas of eastern Kenya. 60% of the population rely on government relief food rations and 76% of the population live below the poverty line. Despite a significant proportion of the rural poor engaging in poultry production, which has the potential to improve household nutrition and incomes, indigenous poultry production and productivity remain low. Several factors contribute to this problem, including lack of knowledge of improved poultry rearing techniques, lack of awareness of the potential for chickens as an economic enterprise, lack of access to quality poultry inputs and veterinary services, lack of access to credit to buy inputs, and limited capacity and outreach of government extension services to support poultry production. In order to address these challenges, the Poultry Production and Marketing Project (PPMP) has been implemented by KDC, with support from Farm Africa s Maendeleo Agriculture Enterprise Fund (MAEF) in Kitui County, Kitui East Sub-county. The current phase began in March 2013 and is due to be completed in February It aims to develop a model to support improved indigenous poultry production, turning it into a viable economic enterprise beyond traditional subsistence levels. The project is working with 60 producer group, within which 180 members have been identified and trained community based trainers (CBTs). CBTS received training on group dynamics, management and improved poultry management techniques which they then disseminated to group members as well as non- group members. Demonstration farms were 2

3 established on which farmers received practical training in good poultry rearing techniques which they could then replicate on their own farms. Farm Africa also provided access to relevant hardware materials such as incubators, feed milling machines, and improved breeds of cockerels to upgrade the indigenous chickens. To address poultry marketing and improve market linkages for both inputs and outputs, aggregation centers were established in local markets and a producer and marketing cooperative society (Nguku Cooperative) was formed to help farmers market collectively, as well as sustain the project once it is decommissioned. Specific Objectives /Outcomes 1. To Increase poultry production and protein consumption at household level 2. To Increase household incomes from poultry farming 3. To improve the effectiveness of the Kenyan National Poultry Policy Progress to date and reason for commissioning the study/evaluation As the project is now reaching completion, a final evaluation is being commissioned to assess the results of the PPMP project over three years of implementation against these key objectives. The study will collect data against all project indicators, as set out in the Linear Log Frame, provide evidence-based responses to the key evaluation questions and identify concrete, evidence-based lessons and recommendations for implementation within future projects. Approach and Methodology The project implements a routine monitoring system based on a Linear Log Frame approach and corresponding data collection plan to regularly collect data against key outcome indicators. The evaluation methodology employed by the consultant for the study is therefore expected to review this data and ensure that appropriate data is collected against all of the key indicators to allow comparability. The consultant is expected to employ a variety of data collection and analysis techniques appropriate to the task and type of data to be collected. This will most likely include both quantitative and qualitative data collection. In order to ensure a comprehensive evaluation exercise a clear explanation and justification of the methods to be employed must be provided by the evaluation team. No preference will be given to evaluation teams employing mixed methods without clear justification for their use. In order to obtain quality, reliable data for the indicators listed above, and comprehensively conduct the evaluation, the evaluation team will be expected to: Review relevant project documents, including but not limited to: project reports, project log frame, monitoring and evaluation data, and mid-term evaluation report. Develop, test and apply targeted surveys: with a representative, random sample of target population, to build on baseline survey and ongoing monitoring data and quantitatively assess outcomes. To ensure data comparability, sampling methodology is expected to be consistent with that of existing surveys Design and conduct focus group discussions: with target groups and other stakeholders to assess implementation experiences and effectiveness, document successes, challenges and lessons learned, and develop recommendations for improvement Carry out key informant interviews: with key project stakeholders, including field staff and partners. Guidance on appropriate stakeholders will be provided by field and Country Office staff. 3

4 Collate and analyse data in Excel. Present findings to Farm Africa key stakeholders and staff and invite comments at a one day workshop. Provide Farm Africa with a copy of all raw data collected in Excel Draft report and submit to Farm Africa for comments. Incorporate comments and produce final draft report Expected Deliverables and Timeline All written documentation is to be submitted in English using Microsoft Word in both soft and hard copy. 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 evaluation will remain the property of Farm Africa and must be submitted electronically and in a clear and comprehensible format in Excel. The evaluation should begin no later than February 15, 2016, with the evaluator(s) expected to take a total of 35 working days from the day of contracting to complete the assignment. The consultant will provide the following deliverables to the evaluation manager within the timeframe stated: a. Inception Report: within 10 working days of evaluation launch, a detailed report on the evaluators proposed approach to the evaluation will be submitted for approval. This will provide a detailed description of the methodology and tools, sampling strategy, research questions, expected outputs, budget with a breakdown of costs and detailed work plan for the entire exercise. This, with any draft questionnaires or interview forms will also be submitted for review at this stage before the main survey exercise begins. b. Preliminary Report: within 25 working days of evaluation launch, the consultant will present the preliminary findings for discussion at a stakeholders workshop. This should include a draft set of impacts, lessons learnt and recommendations. This preliminary report must be submitted to workshop attendees at least 1 day before the workshop, accompanied by a copy of the dataset collected in Excel format. At the end of the workshop, a report incorporating comments by stakeholders and, where necessary, responses will be submitted to the evaluation manager. c. Final Report: within 35 working days of evaluation launch, a detailed report of the overall findings of the end of project evaluation will be submitted for approval. This report should provide project impacts, lessons learnt, incorporate specific, practical and feasible recommendations for improving future projects delivery and impacts based on learning from project design, implementation and delivery and should be accompanied by an updated Excel copy of the dataset The main body of the report will contain; - An Executive Summary of no more than 3 pages - A comprehensive outline and rationale for methodology - The main findings - Lessons learnt - Conclusions and recommendations. - Data collection tools used and list of indicators should be included as Annexes. 4

5 Management and Implementation Responsibilities The consultant will report directly to the M&E manager and Program Manager (PM). However, s/he will also be expected work closely with the Poultry Production and Marketing Project field staff. 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 evaluation Logistical arrangements for all field travel Copies of all key background resources identified Field staff time to assist with data collection Introductory meetings with key government staff and other stakeholders Comments and feedback on, and approval of, all deliverables within agreed timeline. The consultant will be responsible for: Developing the detailed evaluation study methodology Developing survey tools (questionnaires and checklists) Conducting all data collection and cater for all his /her expenses and those of the team of enumerators Data entry, cleaning, analysis and reporting in a clear and accessible format (Excel) Regular progress reporting to the M&E manager, the project coordinator, including responding to any comments or technical inputs wherever necessary Production of deliverables within agreed timelines and in accordance with quality requirements from the programmes quality team, project management team and senior management staff Seeking comments and feedback from Farm Africa, through the M&E manager, in sufficient time to discuss and incorporate these into the final report. Production of the final evaluation report containing data against all indicators in the project LLF, evidence-based responses to the key evaluation questions, a summary of recommendations for future implementation and lesson learnt. This must be accompanied by a copy of the data set. Farm Africa Evaluation Principles Farm Africa follows five basic principles of sound evaluation practice and the consultant is expected to adhere to these throughout the evaluation process. These are: 1. Confidentiality and informed consent all data collected during the evaluation 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 evaluation of our projects. All evaluation 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 evaluations depends on the professional expertise and independence of evaluators and full transparency in the methods and process followed. Evaluations should clearly distinguish 5

6 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 evaluations. 5. Openness To maximise the learning potential of the evaluation process, Farm Africa may publish full evaluation reports or excerpts from them or may otherwise share them with interested parties. Qualifications and Required Competencies Applications from individuals or teams are welcome and will be assessed on their ability to demonstrate the following qualifications and competencies: Essential A minimum of 5 years experience in carrying out progress and impact evaluations, with a focus on agribusiness related interventions. Demonstrable academic and practical experience in qualitative and quantitative research methodology, evaluation design and implementation. Strong analytical, facilitation and communication skills. Good understanding of poultry based agricultural enterprises. Excellent reporting and presentation skills. All team members should be fluent in spoken and written English and Kiswahili. The lead researcher should possess a minimum of a Masters degree in Agriculture related disciplines, Sustainable Development, rural Development, Economics or related subjects. Previous experience of conducting project /programme evaluations surveys. Experience working among rural communities is an added advantage. Expressions of Interest Interested firms /teams /individuals are requested to submit: 1. An expression of interest (EOI) form this can be obtained by from the Farm Africa website. 2. Copies of all relevant certificates and Curriculum Vitae (please do not include CVs for staff who will not take an active role in the assignment) Applicants that meet the requirements shall be contacted to submit a full proposal (technical and financial) for the assignment. The EOI and relevant documents must be submitted by to; joyceb@farmafrica.org, with a copy to, maryb@farmafrica.org and richardm@farmafrica.org, by close of business, January 23,