Background
Danish Embassy in Kenya, following a recommendation from the Mid Term Review (MTR) of the current Kenya Bilateral Programme (KBP), is to take stock of the impact realized through its partnership with MESPT. This is in preparation for the next round of programming, the results of which will inform any future engagement with MESPT. The MTR Team noted that, since inception of Denmark’s engagement with MESPT in 2005, the organisation has not undergone an Impact Evaluation or Study. Therefore, to inform any possible continued partnership beyond the current Kenya Bilateral Programme (KBP), they suggested that such an evaluation or study should be commissioned.
Objective
The main objective of the Study is to assess the impact of Danish Embassy in Kenya supported Programmes/Projects in MESPT in light of the following Impact Parameters:
a)Employment creation
b)Farmer livelihoods
c)Access to finance
d)Enterprise development
e)Inclusion – women and youth
f)Unintended impact
g)Spill-overs
h)Innovations
Scope of Work
The Study will cover all 30 counties where MESPT has had a Danish Embassy in Kenya supported intervention. The process should incorporate an interaction with a cross-section of stakeholders that will include; smallholder farmers and their respective groups, transporters, technology providers, Financial Institutions, agrodealers, stockists, inputs distributors, seed companies, relevant county government representatives, select Central Competent Authorities in agriculture, subguarantees and other partners, among others.
Methodology
The consultants will be expected to come up with a methodology that will enable achievement of the above objective encompassing the indicated scope. Overall, it is expected that both quantitative and qualitative impact assessment approaches will be employed.
Team Composition
•Lead Consultant must possess at least a Masters Degree in agricultural related sciences, social science, economics or business related studies. He/she should have at least 10 years experience undertaking programme/project management. Experience in Monitoring and Evaluation will be an added advantage. Demonstrable understanding of the agricultural inputs landscape in Kenya; seeds, fertilizers, energy, pesticides, veterinary drugs, equipment, and animal feed is required. Understanding of agricultural value chains dynamics and rural development, especially around small holder farmers in their various forms (right from farmer interest groups to cooperatives) in Kenya is a strong requirement. A strong experience carrying out (or coordinating) a similar assignment is highly required.
•The consulting organization must incorporate the relevant expertize required by the assignment as per the above listed impact parameters. Each of the experts needs to have a minimum 10 years of experience. It is highly desirable that the said experts to have a strong experience in market-led approach in development, most preferably in Kenya, or if not, in Africa. In that regard, the following expertise are highly desirable:
- Credit: should have a strong academic background (at least a Master’s Degree) in finance, business development, business administration, business studies, economics or their equivalent, with considerable work experience on financial inclusion, working with vulnerable groups e.g. women, youth, small holder farmers, informal market entrepreneurs etc. Understanding of access to finance terrain in the agri sector in developing countries, especially in Africa is highly desirable. The expert should also have experience providing access to finance support to agri start-ups and a clear understanding of the challenges that such entities go through. Engagement with micro lending institutions is a strong requirement. Understanding of Kenya’s micro lending landscape (laws, policies, key actors etc.) is highly desirable.
- Climate/Environment: should have a strong academic background (at least a Masters Degree) in environmental studies, environmental science, natural resources management or their equivalent. A strong experience in greening of agricultural value chains is highly desirable. The person is expected to be well updated on ongoing global conversations on climate, and their application in developing countries (especially Africa) - climate adaptation, circular economy, nature-based solutions and the like. Experience working with innovative commercial models on climate change in the agri sector will be a great added advantage.
- Women and Youth: should have a strong academic background (at least an undergraduate degree) in gender, development studies, sociology or their equivalent. Strong experience in agricultural value chains development is highly desirable. The person should have experience working with youth-led or women-led agri enterprises or their respective groups.
Timing of the Contract
This assignment is anticipated to take not more than 6 calendar weeks from the date of commencement. The consulting firm will therefore be required to develop a detailed work plan with clear timelines. It is important to note that no extension will be expected due to the urgency of the assignment.
Interested Consultants can request to get the instructions prepared for applicants by e-mail to the Contact person stated below
Contact point: Nairobi
Contact person: Charles Masika Wasike
Contact e-mail:
chawas@um.dk