Consultancy: Agricultural Sector Gender / FAO
Agricultural Sector Gender Assessment: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Deadline: 26 October 2012
Background and Rationale
Gender issues in agriculture are prominent in today’s development agenda where in most cases, the distribution of private and public resources has ignored or disadvantaged female farmers, and redressing this imbalance will improve the welfare of the whole household. Women have always played an important role in agriculture, undertaking a wide range of activities relating to accessing inputs, production of various products, storage, preservation and processing, marketing and distribution. There is currently limited information on the extent of involvement of women in the agriculture sector, more so the challenges they face. Women remain largely excluded from the decision-making machinery within the public and private spheres. In cases where they participate, they are relegated to work that is not valued and they end up confined to the traditional caring role in the family.
In this regard, FAO wishes to contract a consultant or team of consultants to undertake a study to further interrogate the gender dynamics in relation to the agriculture sector.
Purpose and Objectives of the evaluation
The purpose of this study is to analyze gender issues in the agriculture sector. and to develop recommendations to address these. Specifically the Consultant/s will consider the following:
-Articulate the gender issues faced by women participating in various forms of agriculture
-Develop a resource mobilization strategy for women’s economic empowerment in the agricultural sector
-Suggest recommendations addressing gender disparities in the sector
-Review the institutional set up of the agricultural sector with regards to gender and
-Review relevant policies to address gender in the agricultural sector.
Scope of the evaluation
The Consultant will:
1. Describe in general terms the agricultural system(s) of the main agro-ecological zones or areas in Zimbabwe
2. Determine the major agricultural activities of men and women, with reference to agriculture including but not limited to fisheries, field crops, livestock, farm forestry, processing, marketing, storage and income generating activities
3. Identify constraints and barriers faced by men and women in carrying their activities;
4. Ascertain the extent to which current technology and agricultural research responds to the needs of men and women
5. Assess how current agricultural extension services meet the needs of men and women farmers, including the focus of extension for women as farm managers or partners
6. Identify the nature and extent of training needed by men and women agricultural extension agents (or other rural agents) to improve their support for farmers, especially women farmers
7. Prepare a descriptive and analytical report on the main findings, suggesting appropriate options and recommendations and
8. Review the institutional framework for addressing gender in the agricultural sector.
Approach and Methodology of the evaluation
The consultant/s are expected to come up with detailed methodology of how to carry out the gender assessment.
Deliverables and Schedule of activities
At the end of the evaluation exercise the consultant is expected to:
a) Submit a descriptive and analytic report of findings with appropriate options and recommendations
b) Present preliminary and final conclusions to the government, FAO and the UN Gender Theme Group, ACWG and other fora deemed relevant
Structure of the proposal and Submission guidelines
Interested consultants are supposed to show expression of interest through submission of proposal to FAO by 26th October 2012. The proposal should stipulate how the consultant is going to achieve the objectives of the evaluation consultancy, taking into consideration the scope of work to be done. The proposal should also stipulate the approach and methods of data collection and data analysis. A detailed budget and Curriculum Vitae stipulating the experiences and technical competences of the consultant.
Final Budget of the Evaluation
The final budget and timeline for carrying out the assessment is going to be disclosed to the successful consultant.
Applications clearly marked “Agriculture Sector Gender Assessment “ should be submitted to:
The HIV and Nutrition Unit
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Block 1, Tendeseka Office Park
Cnr Henry Chapman / Samora Machel Avenue, Eastlea
P O Box 3730
Harare
Zimbabwe
Or send by email to: ZW-vacancy [at] fao [dot] org