RFP | Programme Evaluation of Zimbabwe ARC Replica Activation for Drought

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Start Network is interested in commissioning an external consultant to conduct an independent internal programme evaluation of the ARC Replica early response to drought, and embed a missing voice approach to ensure that we improve the relevance and inclusivity of projects. "

Closing date: 19th November 2024, 17:00 BST

Please see the linked Request For Proposals for more information and details about how to submit a proposal.

 

Background

The 2023/2024 agricultural season in Zimbabwe was notably poor and marked by a significant rainfall deficit, especially in the southern regions of the country. Most districts experienced extreme dry spells and significantly reduced rainfall, severely affecting the agricultural output. The onset of the rainy season was significantly delayed, further worsening the situation. Crops that were planted early and relied on rainfed irrigation were completely devastated due to a prolonged dry spell in February 2024.

Start Network is one of the replica partners of the government of Zimbabwe on the Africa Risk Capacity Replica initiative. In 2024, due to the intensity of ensuing drought, Zimbabwe received a significant insurance payout from ARC totaling $32 million. This included an insurance pay-out of $16.8 million to the Government of Zimbabwe and additional pay-outs to other partners, including the Start Network ($8.9 million) and the WFP. 

Under Start Network, the initiative will be implemented by nine implementing agencies, who will distribute commodity vouchers to drought-affected communities. The main objective of the intervention is to support households address their immediate food needs, protect key household livelihoods assets, and avoid negative coping strategies to food insecurity (such as selling livestock and land, withdrawing children from school, children being used in casual labor for food, early marriages etc.) and combat food insecurity.


We expect the evaluators to adopt the OECD evaluation criteria when evaluating the programme.