BACKGROUND
Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a private independent, non-profit organization (NGO), founded on the basis of humanitarian principles, and human rights in general, to securing the protection of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), and to promoting long term solutions to the problems of forced displacement. DRC has been providing relief and development services in Somalia since 1997. Using a protection of human rights framework, DRC has mainly focused on Somalis who are displaced by conflict. Currently, DRC program focuses on supporting IDP populations and host communities affected by conflict and natural disasters in South-Central, Puntland and Somaliland regions. The main programmes include; Food Security and Livelihoods; WASH and Infrastructure; Protection and Advocacy; Community Development; as well as Emergency Response. The humanitarian assistance in Somalia focuses on assisting the affected populations get immediate and essential life needs.
PASTORAL LIVELIHOOD IN SOMALIA
Somali pastoralists rely on livestock as a source of income and sustenance. An estimated 60% of the Somali population is considered as pastoralists; with about 50% believed to be nomadic pastoralists and another 25% to be agro-pastoralists (Pastoral and Environmental Network in the Horn of Africa-PENHA). The main livestock species raised are goats, sheep, camel and cattle; with goats being the dominant livestock kept. The predominant vegetation types supporting livestock production are bushes, particularly the short and hardy bushes locally known as jillab as well as different species of grass and scattered acacia trees (FSNAU Technical Series Report, 4th July 2011) The pastoralist activities in Somalia are influenced by two main rainfall seasons; the Gu (from April-June) and Deyr (October-December). From independence, better livestock management services and thriving market opportunities enabled the pastoral communities to effectively harness pastoralism as a source of livelihood. The existing institutional mechanisms of the Somali government enabled the population to exploit the practice for their economic development.
CURRENT DYNAMICS
The traditional mode of pastoralism is faced with different environmental dynamics that forces it to change/transform to suit the circumstances. Lack of political stability and drought are putting a major constraint on pastoralists’ economies and livelihoods. For more than two decades, Somalia has experienced politically-instigated conflicts, leading to displacement of populations across the country. Recently, recurrent periods of drought have prevailed in many parts of the country resulting in significant challenges to food security and livelihoods, including pastoralism as a livelihood source. Both the situations (conflict and drought) have exposed the pastoralists to lead an extremely fragile life, with shrunk opportunities to harness the economic activities. Further, herd sizes have continued to decrease due to successive shocks. Consequently, an increasing number of pastoral households are dropping out of pastoralism and adopting alternative forms of livelihood, for those who can, while others are ending up as destitute. While some pastoral drop-outs engage in productive economic activities, some migrate from rural to urban settings, where, especially the male youth, engage in dangerous activities including piracy and extremism. In addition, other drop-outs have engaged in environmentally dangerous activity of charcoal burning to cope that has contributed to extensive land degradation; in effect exacerbating the fragile situation. The increasing vulnerability to food insecurity that pastoralists face stems from the failure to put the protection of pastoral livelihoods at the centre of emergency preparedness, planning and response mechanisms.
RESPONSE
DRC programs in Somalia have benefited some of the drop-out pastoralists, either directly or indirectly. This has been in response mainly to the displacement situation due to the above mentioned factors affecting pastoral livelihoods in Somalia. It has however, not been possible for DRC to run a tailored intervention to address pastoral situations due to inadequate of information to guide the formulation of sustainable programs. It is for this reason that DRC is seeking to hire a consultant to conduct a field pastoral study to define strategies specifically tailored at targeting the affected populations within the current dynamics.
PURPOSES OF THE PASTORAL LIVELIHOOD STUDY
To conduct a field-based study on pastoral livelihood in Somalia obtaining evidence-based information for guiding design and development of interventions targeting, current and destitute pastoralists. Specifically, the pastoral study should:
• Explore pastoralists’ vulnerabilities and devise opportunities and strategies for protecting pastoral livelihoods in selected areas of Somalia
• Examine drop-out (destitute) pastoralists, coping strategies and how to enhance and sustain the efficiency and productivity of their alternative livelihood sources
• Map existing livestock services, providers and coverage to elicit current gaps and provide recommendations for improving the delivery of such services.
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The study will be a field study conducted in selected areas in Puntland, Somaliland and South-Central regions. Currently, there are parts of Somalia that are not accessible due to security reasons; however most parts are accessible, but depends on security situation at the time of the visit and this must be organized prior to travelling. The applicants must therefore state how they plan to access the insecure areas.
METHODOLOGY
It is anticipated that this will study undertaken through a combination of qualitative and quantitative techniques that will be used to gather data and information from main stakeholders, mainly target groups and other actors engaged in similar programs, including staff. The data and information gathered will be systematically analyzed and presented following the three objectives mentioned above.
DELIVERABLES
• An inception report with methodology, including tools for data collection, activity and reporting plans and should be submitted to DRC for prior validation and approval
• Four (4) hard-cover-bound copies of the report.
• Soft copy of the Report in two (2) CD-ROMs.
• All filled quantitative data collection tools and qualitative data recording materials. Any other non-consumable documents/items that will be used in the course of the planned consultancy
• PowerPoint presentation of the key outcomes to the DRC /stakeholders.
REPORT FORMAT
The format of the report shall include the following:
• Executive Summary including summary table of key issues and recommendations
• Main text, to include:
a. Background Information
b. Study Methodology
c. Findings: Analysis and interpretation based on study objectives
d. Discussion and Conclusion
e. Recommendations
f. Appendices
DRC’S RESPONSIBILITIES
The Consultant will be responsible to the M&E Coordinator in the field. DRC staff in the study areas will provide necessary support to the team, as may be needed.
DRC will provide the following:
• Transport to and from the field.
• All necessary documents
• Travel Insurance for the consultant
• Accommodation for consultant in the field
• Pay consultancy fees at a mutually agreed rate
The terms and conditions of service will follow DRC terms of consultancies. Payment will be done according to the finance procedures of DRC.
TIME FRAME
It is anticipated that the assignment will take 30 days.
EXPERTISE REQUIRED
• Experience in pastoral and dry lands livelihoods programming
• Research experience with publications in the areas of pastoralism, dry lands production, rangeland management, etc.
• Advanced professional qualification in Agriculture, Veterinary science, Social sciences, Anthropology or related discipline.
• Excellent working knowledge of Somalia and the Horn of Africa.
• Proven ability to conduct field studies and to write clear and concise research reports in English. List of publications may be requested.
FURTHER INFORMATION
You are welcome to contact DRC M&E Coordinator, Mr Moses Lusih on me.coord@drcsomalia.org for further information or questions on the study.
Please note that applications are not to be sent to Mr Lusih and those sent to him directly will NOT be considered.
COMMITMENTS
DRC has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability commitments. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework.
For general information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult www.drc.dk.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience are invited to submit their Expression of interest (Eol) to drcjobs@drchoa.org. The EoI should include:
• CV (s) with details of qualifications, experience, telephone number and names of three referees.
• Technical proposal that summarizes your motivation, understanding of the TOR, the proposed methodology.
• Financial proposal providing cost estimates of daily consultancy fees and the foreseen work plan for the days. Daily consulting rate is negotiable, although will be commensurate to DRC consultancy terms and standards.
Please forward the expression of interest, in English and marked ‘DRC consultancy for Pastoral Livelihoods Study in Somalia’ no later than 13. February, 2013.
How to apply:
APPLICATION PROCESS Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience are invited to submit their Expression of interest (Eol) to drcjobs@drchoa.org. The EoI should include: • CV (s) with details of qualifications, experience, telephone number and names of three referees. • Technical proposal that summarizes your motivation, understanding of the TOR, the proposed methodology. • Financial proposal providing cost estimates of daily consultancy fees and the foreseen work plan for the days. Daily consulting rate is negotiable, although will be commensurate to DRC consultancy terms and standards.
Please forward the expression of interest, in English and marked ‘DRC consultancy for Pastoral Livelihoods Study in Somalia’ no later than 13. February, 2013.
Consultancy: Humanitarian Pastoral Study , Somalia
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