RFP | Zimbabwe Start Ready Drought Programme Evaluation

On November 2024, our Start Ready drought programme in Zimbabwe was activated, where 6 organisations implemented anticipatory actions across 3 districts aiming to reduce the drought’s impact on vulnerable communities. For example, early-maturity seeds for sorghum and millet were distributed, aiming to allow farmers to cultivate drought-tolerant crops under challenging conditions. Additionally, fodder seeds such as velvet beans and lablab were provided to sustain livestock, while veterinary kits for livestock dipping aimed to protect a critical livelihood asset for many households. Community training sessions also aimed to further strengthen preparedness and resilience.

Since this is the first time Zimbabwe's anticipatory action programme under Start Ready was activated, we are commissioning an independent evaluation of the programme, which will commence from March 2025 and be completed by August 2025.

The principle components of the evaluation include: 

• An impact evaluation of the intervention assessing the effectiveness of the actions to achieve intended outcomes, and determine un-intended outcomes. This will also include economic benefits and sustainability, and a comparison of outcomes (including cost-effectiveness analysis) with a similar group who received drought response rather than anticipatory actions.
• A process evaluation of the activation of the DRF system and project implementation. This includes evaluating the process of the activation, the effectiveness of preparedness activities for enabling anticipatory actions, and project-level learning on what has worked well or less well.

We also expect the consultant to apply the OECD criteria when evaluating the programme.

Expected deliverables: inception report, mid-point report and final report. 
Contract value: Approximately £30,000.
Deadline for proposal submission: 24 February 2025, 17:00 UK time.