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Terms of Reference (TOR)
For
Assessment of the Most Pressing Agricultural Needs and Mapping of GESI-Responsive, Nature-Based Agroecological Practices in the Dighinala Upazila, Khagrachari District, Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT)
1. BACKGROUND:
The project “Promoting GESI Responsive Nature-Based Solutions for Enabling Resilience in the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh” (NBS & Spring) is led by HELVETAS Swiss Inter-co-operation, Bangladesh, and is implemented in partnership with Trinamul Unnayan Sangstha (TUS). The overall goal of this project is to promote agro-friendly ecological approaches as nature-based solutions to establish and scale up climate-resilient, sustainable, and gender-equitable, socially inclusive agricultural practices in the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT). Conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify the most pressing agricultural needs and mapping GESI-responsive, nature-based agroecological practices to address them. Farmers, especially women and marginalized groups, face many challenges. The assessment will also identify and map current and possible GESI-responsive, nature-based farming practices that can help solve these problems. This foundational assessment will directly inform the development of tailored training materials, the selection for Community Learning Centers (CLCs), and the design of all subsequent project interventions in the agricultural component, ensuring they are evidence-based, context-specific, and inclusive.
1.2 Objectives of the Assignment:
The primary objective of this assignment is to conduct a rigorous and participatory assessment to:
i) Identify and Analyze: Identify the most significant agricultural production challenges, constraints, and vulnerabilities (related to climate resilient agriculture, market access, inputs, knowledge, etc.) faced by farmers with a specific focus on the different needs, roles, and barriers experienced by women, youth, persons with disabilities, and people from different ethnic communities (GESI analysis).
ii) Map and Document: Identify and document existing nature-based agroecological practices (both traditional and introduced) in the area. Assess their perceived effectiveness, sustainability, and scalability, with particular attention to their accessibility and impact on different social groups (GESI-responsiveness).
iii) Prioritize and Recommend: Based on the findings, prioritize the key agricultural needs and recommend a suite of the most suitable, high-potential GESI-responsive NBS/agroecological practices for piloting and promotion through the project's CLCs and extension system.
2. METHODOLOGY:
The consultant is expected to propose a detailed methodology, which must be participatory and GESI-sensitive. It should include, but not be limited to, the following steps:
- Desk Review: Review project documents (Program Doc, Log Frame), relevant national and local agricultural policies, climate data for Khagrachari, and previous studies on agriculture in the CHT.
- Key Informant Interviews (KIIs): Conduct interviews with officials from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Hill Agricultural Research Institute (HARI), Hill district council representatives, local Union Parishad members, community leaders, and representatives of local NGOs.
- Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): Organize separate FGDs with different stakeholders/farmers including male, female, youth, marginalized ethnic communities and Local Service Providers (LSPs) and traders to ensure gender and social inclusion.
- Transect Walks and Direct Observation: Community members, farmers, or project staff walk together across a selected area (village, farmland, forest, etc.) to directly observe farming practices, crop condition, use of water, or how people work in the field and discuss important features like crops, soil, water sources, problems, and opportunities.
- Validation Workshop: Present the preliminary findings to a diverse group of stakeholders (including project staff, government officials, and community representatives) for validation and feedback.
The proposed methodology must be finalised and approved by the designated HELVETAS focal person before commencement.
3. DOCUMENTS WILL PROVIDE:
- Project Proposal Document (Program Doc) with Log Frame
- Annual Operational Plan (AOP)
- Any available baseline reports or previous studies for the area
Note: All provided documents are confidential and are to be used solely for the purpose of this assignment.
4. EXPECTED DELIVERABLES:
- Inception Report: A brief report (max. 10 pages excluding annexes) detailing the refined methodology, detailed work plan, data collection tools, and schedule.
- Draft Assessment Report: A comprehensive draft report (max. 25 pages, excluding annexes) for review by HELVETAS and TUS. The report must include:
- Executive summary
- Detailed methodology
- Analysis of pressing agricultural needs (with GESI disaggregation)
- A mapped inventory of existing agroecological practices with a GESI analysis
- Clear recommendations and prioritization of practices for project intervention
- Raw data collection tools and transcripts should be included as annexes.
- Presentation of Findings: A presentation of the key draft findings to the project team and key stakeholders for validation.
- Final Assessment Report: A final report incorporating all feedback received.
5. TIMETABLE:
| Activity |
Deadline |
| Submission of Proposals by Consultants |
12 October 2025 |
| Discussion or finalization with the selected consultant |
14 October 2025 |
| Work commences by the selected consultant |
15 October 2025 |
| Field Work and Data Collection |
16-22 October 2025 |
| Submission of Draft Report & Presentation |
26 October 2025 |
| Feedback from HELVETAS/TUS |
28 October 2025 |
| Submission of Final Report |
30 October 2025 |
The above timeline is indicative and can be adjusted upon mutual agreement.
6. APPLICATION PROCESS:
Interested consultants/firms are requested to submit their Request for Proposal (RFP) electronically to the following address on or before [ 12 October 2025].
Email to: [trinamulcht@gmail.com, info@trinamulchtbd.org]
Subject Line: RFP - Assessment for Activity 1.1.1 - NBS & Spring Project
7. CONSULTANT QUALIFICATION:
- Advanced degree in Agriculture, Agroecology, Environmental Science, Development Studies, or a related field.
- Proven experience (minimum 5 years) in conducting agricultural assessments, participatory rural appraisals (PRA), and gender and social inclusion analyses.
- Strong knowledge of nature-based solutions, climate-resilient agriculture, and agroecological principles.
- In-depth understanding of the CHT context, its socio-cultural dynamics, and agricultural systems. Proficiency in a local language (e.g. Chakma, Tripura and Marma) will be considered a strong advantage.
- Excellent analytical, facilitation, and report-writing skills.
8. THE STRUCTURE OF THE RFP:
The RFP should include:
- Cover Page: With name, contact details, and name of the assignment.
- Section 1: Introduction and understanding of the assignment (max. 0.5 page).
- Section 2: Proposed methodology, detailed work plan, and timeline (max. 2 pages).
- Section 3: Relevant experience. Provide a table of 2 previous most relevant assignments.
- Section 4: CV(s) of the proposed consultant(s) (max. 3 pages each).
- Section 5: Financial Proposal in BDT (all-inclusive, with a breakdown of professional fees, field travel, accommodation etc.).
9. SELECTION CRITERIA:
| Selection Criteria |
Score
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| Understanding of the Assignment and Proposed Methodology |
30 |
| Relevant Experience in Agricultural and GESI Assessments |
25 |
| Knowledge of CHT Context and Local Language Skills |
15 |
| Qualification and CV of Proposed Consultant(s) |
20 |
| Financial Proposal (Clarity and Competitiveness) |
10 |
| Total |
100 |
10. MODE OF PAYMENT:
- 40% upon signing the contract and submission of the approved inception report.
- 60% upon submission and acceptance of the final report.
- Payments will be subject to the deduction of applicable taxes at source as per Government of Bangladesh rules.
- Payment will be made via account pay cheque or bank transfer.
11. CONTACT PERSON:
For any clarification regarding this TOR, please contact:
Ripan Chakma,
Executive Director
trinamulcht@gmail.com
01556380545 or 01750028999
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