Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Development of Farmer Field School Manual

NUTRI-AID TRUST (NAT) Zambia

Project Title: Improving Socio-Economic Status of Women, Youths, and Marginalized Groups

Project Location: Western (Mongu & Kaoma) and Southern (Namwala & Gweembe) Provinces, Zambia

Implementing Organizations: Nutri-Aid Trust in partnership with Oxfam in Zambia

Posted 18th July 2024

1. Background and Context

The project “Improving Socio-Economic Status of Women, Youths, and Marginalized Groups” aims to empower these groups through enhanced agricultural practices and knowledge dissemination. The Farmer Field School (FFS) approach will be employed to facilitate experiential learning among farmers, women, youths and marginalized groups, emphasizing sustainable agriculture, improved livelihoods, and socio-economic resilience. To this end, a comprehensive Farmer Field School Manual needs to be developed to guide the implementation of FFS activities in the Western and Southern Provinces of Zambia.

2. Objectives of the Assignment

The main objective of this assignment is to develop a Farmer Field School Manual tailored to the specific agricultural, socio-economic, and cultural contexts of the Western and Southern Provinces of Zambia in the specified districts. The manual should serve as a practical guide for facilitators and participants, covering all aspects of the FFS approach.

3. Scope of Work

The consultant(s) will undertake the following tasks:

1.  Literature Review:

• Review existing FFS manuals and related agricultural training materials.
• Assess the agricultural practices, challenges, and opportunities specific to the Western and Southern Provinces.

2.Stakeholder Consultation:

• Engage with local farmers, women’s groups, youth associations, and marginalized communities to gather insights and feedback.
• Consult with Nutri-Aid Trust, Oxfam Zambia, agricultural experts, and relevant government agencies.

3.  Development of the Manual:

Draft the Farmer Field School Manual, including modules on:

• Introduction to FFS and its principles
• Sustainable agricultural practices
• Climate-resilient farming techniques
• Crop and livestock management
• Nutrition-sensitive agriculture
• Gender and social inclusion in agriculture
• Economic empowerment through agribusiness
• Monitoring and evaluation of FFS activities
• Incorporate practical exercises, case studies, and visual aids.

4.  Validation and Finalization:

• Organize validation workshops with stakeholders to review and refine the draft manual.
• Incorporate feedback and finalize the manual.
• Ensure the manual is user-friendly and culturally relevant.

4. Deliverables

1. Inception Report: Detailed plan and timeline for the assignment.
2. Draft Farmer Field School Manual: Initial version for review and validation.
3. Validation Workshop Report: Summary of feedback and suggestions from stakeholders.
4. Final Farmer Field School Manual: Revised manual incorporating all feedback.
5. Executive Summary: Brief overview of the manual, its objectives, and key components.
6. Training ToT; train the ToT for easier implementation on the ground

5. Duration of the Assignment

The assignment is expected to be completed within 30 days from the commencement date. A detailed timeline will be agreed upon during the inception phase.

6. Required Expertise

The consultant(s) should possess the following qualifications and experience:

• Advanced degree in agriculture, rural development, or related fields.
• Proven experience in developing training manuals and educational materials for agricultural projects.
• Knowledge of the socio-economic and cultural contexts of the Western and Southern Provinces of Zambia.
• Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English. Knowledge of local languages is an asset.

7. Management and Reporting

The consultant(s) will report to the Project Manager at Nutri-Aid Trust and the Program Officer at Oxfam Zambia. Regular updates and progress reports will be required as per the agreed timeline.

8. Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

1. Technical Proposal: Outlining the approach, methodology, and timeline for the assignment.
2. Financial Proposal: Detailed budget including consultancy fees and any other expenses.
3. CV(s) of the Consultant(s): Highlighting relevant qualifications and experience.
4. Samples of Previous Work: Examples of similar assignments completed.

Applications should be sent to gracemalama4@gmail.com with a copy to mukondes65@gmail.com by 26th July 2024.